Thailand travel guide cover photo

Thailand Travel Guide: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phi Phi, and Beyond

A first-timer's guide to Thailand's gateway cities — the visa-on-arrival, scooter rental, and Songkran timing details everyone gets wrong.

Last updated May 25, 2026 · By Mango

Thailand rewards travelers who lean into its contradictions. Bangkok is one of the densest, hottest, most overstimulating cities on Earth — and 30 minutes by river boat you're walking through a 200-year-old royal temple complex where monks chant at dawn. Chiang Mai's moated old city has 30+ Buddhist temples woven into ordinary neighborhoods. A one-hour flight south drops you onto limestone-cliff islands that look pulled from a James Bond movie set (because they were). Most first-timers underestimate the variance — they assume "Thailand" is one trip and try to do Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Phuket + Phi Phi in seven days, ending up exhausted on airport runs.

The other thing first-timers underestimate is the friction — and the lack of it. Thailand is one of the easiest countries to travel inside (English widely spoken in tourist areas, cheap and reliable Grab everywhere, ฿7 street pad thai, world-class hostels, near-zero violent crime) and surprisingly fiddly in a few specific spots. The "Grand Palace is closed" tuk-tuk scam catches every first-timer who hasn't read about it. Scooter rentals routinely scam returning customers with "pre-existing damage" claims. Lèse-majesté laws make even social-media jokes about the royal family a real arrestable offense. The northern burning season (Feb-April) makes Chiang Mai unwalkable; the southern monsoon (Jun-Oct) makes Phi Phi miserable; Songkran (April 13-15) means three days of water-fight chaos.

This guide is the planning layer that sits above the day-by-day itineraries. Pick your gateway pair — Bangkok is the mandatory anchor; add Chiang Mai for the north or an island (Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui) for beach — and pad with realistic transit days. Get the friction sorted before you land and Thailand delivers some of the best value-per-dollar trips you'll ever take.

Choose your trip length

5 days

Just Bangkok

Grand Palace + Wat Pho + Wat Arun, Chao Phraya river boat, Chatuchak weekend market, day trip to Ayutthaya or Damnoen Saduak floating market. Tightest first-timer trip.

See the sample itinerary →

7 days

Bangkok + Phi Phi/Krabi

Three days in Bangkok, fly down to Krabi or Phuket, three days island-hopping (Phi Phi, Railay, Hong). Beaches + bustle in one trip.

See the sample itinerary →

10-14 days

+ Chiang Mai (north + south)

Add Chiang Mai for temples, elephants, and Pai mountain villages. Plus extra island days. The classic full Thailand loop.

See the sample itinerary →

Bangkok Royal Temples
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🛕

Bangkok Royal Temples

e.g., Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Thailand generally falls during the cool and dry season, from November to February, with temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celsius. March to May is the hot season, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, bringing high humidity and potential for sunstroke. The monsoon (rainy) season typically runs from June to October, characterized by short, heavy rain showers, particularly in the summer monsoon season (June-September), which can cause strong currents on beaches, but also sees fewer crowds.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Visa
Most Western nationalities including US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada can enter Thailand visa-exempt for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days when arriving by land. An onward or return ticket is sometimes required as proof of departure. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Other nationalities, such as Indian citizens, typically require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival or in advance, so always check the latest requirements from the official Thai embassy or consulate for your specific nationality.
Tipping
Tipping is not generally customary in Thailand but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small amount up to 10% or rounding up the bill is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 Baht is sufficient. Hotel staff like porters or housekeepers might appreciate 20-50 Baht for good service.
Emergency
191 (Police), 1669 (Ambulance/Medical Emergencies), 1155 (Tourist Police)

Estimated daily cost

Backpacker

$30-50/day

Hostel dorms (฿250-500), street food + somtam stalls, public buses + scooter rentals, free temples. Thailand is the original backpacker country — cheap is the default.

Mid-range

$70-130/day

3★ hotels or boutique guesthouses (฿1500-3500), rooftop bars + nicer Thai dinners, Grab everywhere, occasional domestic flights. The sweet spot for first-timers.

Luxury

$300+/day

5★ resorts (Aman, Four Seasons, Mandarin), spa days, private long-tail boat charters, fine dining at Le Du or Gaa. Sky-high in Phuket and Koh Samui in high season.

Phi Phi Islands & Limestone Karsts
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🏝️

Phi Phi Islands & Limestone Karsts

e.g., Phi Phi Islands

Jan
P
Feb
P
Mar
S
Apr
S
May
O
Jun
O
Jul
O
Aug
O
Sep
O
Oct
S
Nov
P
Dec
P
Off-peak (cheaper) Shoulder Peak (priciest)Baseline: September

Festivals & timing

April 13-15

Songkran (Thai New Year)

The world's biggest water fight — entire cities turn into block parties with super-soakers, ice buckets, and powder. Joyful chaos, but transport snarls and hotel prices spike. Khao San Road and Chiang Mai's moat are ground zero.

Worth planning around

November (full moon)

Loy Krathong

Lantern festival — locals float candle-lit krathong baskets on rivers and release sky lanterns. Chiang Mai's Yi Peng (Northern Loy Krathong) is the most magical — thousands of paper lanterns released simultaneously. Worth structuring a trip around.

Worth planning around

December - February

Cool / Dry Season

The high season for Thailand tourism — perfect beach weather, manageable humidity in Bangkok, cool nights in Chiang Mai. Book hotels 2-3 months ahead. Prices peak Dec 20 - Jan 5.

Worth planning around

March - October

Burning Season (North) + Monsoon (South)

Chiang Mai air quality drops to hazardous Feb-April from agricultural burning. Southern islands get monsoon rain Jun-Oct. The Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is opposite — dry May-Sep. Plan island timing carefully.

Better to avoid

October-November

Vegetarian Festival (Phuket)

Nine days of Taoist-Chinese street processions in Phuket — fire walking, body piercing, street vegetarian food stalls. Intense and not for the squeamish. Concurrent festivals in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Worth planning around

Late December - Early January

Western New Year + Long Weekend

Beach resorts (Phuket, Koh Samui) hit peak occupancy and prices. Bangkok stays relatively normal. If you want islands during this window, book 4-6 months ahead — last-minute means villa-only pricing.

Live events & modern attractions

Beyond classic sightseeing — the show to book, the match to watch, the place that shows you the country's present.

Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya / Calypso, Bangkok

Wikipedia Commons

🎭 Live performance · Pattaya / Bangkok

Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya / Calypso, Bangkok

Thailand's famous ladyboy cabaret tradition — 90 minutes of choreographed Vegas-style numbers in 2,000-seat theatres. Alcazar in Pattaya is the longest-running; Calypso at Asiatique is the Bangkok pick.

When: Nightly · multiple shows

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium / Rajadamnern Stadium

Wikipedia Commons

🏟️ Sport · Bangkok

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium / Rajadamnern Stadium

Muay Thai at the sport's two cathedrals — Lumpinee (modern, north Bangkok) and Rajadamnern (historic, old town). Tuesday and Friday nights at Rajadamnern, Tuesday and Friday at Lumpinee.

When: Tue + Fri evenings

Erawan Museum, Samut Prakan

Wikipedia Commons

🔬 Modern attraction · Samut Prakan (Bangkok)

Erawan Museum, Samut Prakan

A 43-metre bronze three-headed elephant standing over a museum of Thai cosmology — interior staircase that spirals up inside the elephant's body, plus a remarkable contemporary garden. Easy half-day from central Bangkok.

When: Daily · 9 AM–7 PM

Major cities at a glance

Bangkok
Wikipedia Commons

Bangkok

3-4 days

Best for temples + street food + nightlife

Grand Palace + Wat Pho + Wat Arun (the temple triangle), Chao Phraya river boats, Chatuchak weekend market, Khao San Road, rooftop bars at Lebua and Banyan Tree.

Chiang Mai
Wikipedia Commons

Chiang Mai

3-4 days

Best for temples + slow north + elephants

Doi Suthep mountaintop temple, the moated Old City with 30+ wats, Sunday Walking Street market, ethical elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes. Cooler weather than the south.

Phuket
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Phuket

3 days

Best for beach base + island hopping

Patong nightlife, Kata + Karon family beaches, Promthep Cape sunsets, Big Buddha viewpoint. Best launchpad for Phi Phi, Similan, and Phang Nga Bay day boats.

Krabi & Phi Phi
Wikipedia Commons

Krabi & Phi Phi

3-4 days

Best for limestone cliffs + beaches

Railay Beach (rock climbing), Phi Phi Don longtail tours to Maya Bay, Hong Islands, Tiger Cave Temple stairs. Quieter alternative to Phuket with the same iconic karst landscapes.

Ayutthaya
Wikipedia Commons

Ayutthaya

1 day

Best for ancient capital ruins

Former Siamese capital — Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Easy day trip from Bangkok by train or van; cycle between temples.

Pai
Wikipedia Commons

Pai

2-3 nights

Best for mountain villages + hot springs

Bohemian Pai Canyon, hot springs, waterfalls, walking-street night market. 3-hour van ride from Chiang Mai through 762 hairpin turns — bring motion sickness pills.

Chiang Mai Mountain Temples
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience ⛰️

Chiang Mai Mountain Temples

e.g., Doi Suthep

Food guide

Bangkok runs on street food, with vendors on nearly every soi dishing out meals from dawn till late. Lalai Sap Market in Silom is a local lunch spot for seafood, while Phahonyothin Soi 7 (Soi Ari) buzzes with top-tier street eats, including excellent wonton noodles. Don't be shy about eating from humble carts; that's where the best flavors often hide.

Som Tum

Som Tum

A fiery and refreshing green papaya salad, pounded in a mortar with chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, peanuts, and dried shrimp, offering an intense interplay of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

2 USD

Khao Niao Mamuang

Khao Niao Mamuang

A beloved seasonal dessert featuring sweet glutinous rice infused with coconut milk, served with slices of ripe fresh mango and often drizzled with extra coconut cream and toasted sesame seeds.

3 USD

Pad Thai

Pad Thai

This classic stir-fried rice noodle dish balances sweet tamarind, sour lime, savory fish sauce, and crunchy peanuts, typically cooked to order from bustling street carts.

3 USD

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong

This iconic hot and sour clear soup is brilliantly flavored with fragrant lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and generous fresh prawns.

5 USD

Khao Soi

Khao Soi

A rich, creamy Northern Thai curry noodle soup featuring both soft egg noodles immersed in a coconut-chili broth and a topping of crispy fried egg noodles, usually with chicken or beef.

Nimmanhaemin / Old City · 3 USD

Reclining Buddha & Sacred Statues
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🧘

Reclining Buddha & Sacred Statues

e.g., Wat Pho

Shopping guide

Bangkok's shopping scene ranges from sprawling outdoor markets to high-end malls, with regional specialties like Northern Thai crafts found in Chiang Mai. Be wary of scams, especially unsolicited approaches; focus on reputable shops and established markets for quality goods.

Gourmet Dried Mango & Exotic Fruit Snacks

Locally sourced, high-quality dried fruits like mango, durian, and jackfruit offer a delicious and easily transportable taste of Thailand.

Foodland Supermarket, Tops Market, Or Tor Kor Market · 10 USD

Premium Thai Spa Products

High-quality essential oils, massage balms, and natural skincare products using local ingredients offer a luxurious spa experience at home.

Harnn & Thann stores (found in major malls like CentralWorld), local apothecaries · 30 USD

Thai Silk Fabric & Products

Iconic for its unique texture and vibrant colors, best purchased from direct weavers or established brands to ensure authenticity.

Jim Thompson House Shop, Queen Sirikit Department Store, fabric shops in Yaowarat · 75 USD

Bespoke Tailored Clothing

Get custom suits, shirts, or dresses made with quality fabrics at a fraction of Western prices, but allow for at least two fittings over a few days.

Rajawongse Clothier (Sukhumvit Soi 4), Prince Fashion (Sukhumvit Soi 8) · 400 USD

Northern Thai Coffee Beans

High-quality Arabica coffee grown in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, offering distinct flavors not readily available abroad.

Ristr8to Coffee (Nimmanhaemin), The Baristro, local markets in Doi Suthep foothills · 15 USD

Hill Tribe Silver Jewelry

Intricate handcrafted silver pieces from Northern Thailand's hill tribes, often featuring unique designs and high silver content.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Wualai Walking Street (Saturday evenings) · 45 USD

Floating Markets & Canal Life
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🛶

Floating Markets & Canal Life

e.g., Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Travel essentials

Connectivity & SIM

Wi-Fi: Internet cafes are plentiful, typically costing around 30 baht per hour or 1 baht per minute, and generally offer good connection speeds. GSM networks from major Thai mobile operators provide good coverage across islands like Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan.
SIM options
  • 1-2-Call from AIS — 50 baht (SIM card only)
    Where: Any 7-Eleven shop
  • Various Thai operators — Free (SIM card only)
    Where: Phuket International Airport (if arriving at a decent hour)
Apps to install
  • Google Maps — Essential for navigation, public transport directions, and finding points of interest throughout Thailand.
  • Grab — Dominant ride-hailing app for taxis, motorbikes, and food delivery in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Tip: Be cautious with low-data eSIM plans like some Airalo offerings; 3MB of data lasts only minutes, and topping up often incurs significantly higher costs compared to opting for a comprehensive, unlimited data plan upfront.

Cultural notes

In Thailand, pointing with your feet or stepping over people is considered highly disrespectful; always use your hand to gesture, ideally with an open palm. When visiting temples (wats), ensure shoulders and knees are covered, and always remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall or designated sacred space. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching people's heads. Do not touch or move images of Buddha, and show reverence by avoiding turning your back to them.

Safety

The number one cause of death for visitors to Thailand is motorcycle accidents, particularly on the often narrow, mountainous, and twisty roads of Phuket and Samui; always wear a helmet and avoid night travel. Strong currents are common on many Phuket beaches during the summer monsoon season (June-Oct), so heed warning flags to avoid drownings. Bangkok is surprisingly safe from violent crime, but be wary of individuals approaching you for unsolicited services, which are often scams, such as the 60,000 THB scam reported in Phuket. Solo female travelers should consider avoiding Pattaya as a general safety precaution.

What to pack

  • DEET 30%+ mosquito repellent
  • Lightweight long pants (sun, mosquitoes, temple modesty)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (sun, mosquitoes, temple modesty)
  • Wide-brimmed hat (intense tropical sun protection)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (protect marine parks)
  • Small quick-dry towel (humidity, beach, temple visits)
  • Rain poncho or lightweight jacket (monsoon season, sudden showers)
  • B5,000-B10,000 cash (street food, markets, small vendors)
  • Slip-on shoes (easy removal for temples and homes)
  • Sarong or shawl (modesty for temples, beach cover-up)
  • Waterproof phone pouch (beach, island trips, rainy season)
  • Small dry bag (protect electronics on boat trips)

Travel tips

  • On Phuket and Samui, especially on their narrow, mountainous, and twisty roads, always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, drive defensively, and strictly avoid night travel to prevent serious accidents.
  • During the summer monsoon season (typically June to October), consistently heed warning flags on popular Phuket beaches like Patong, Kata, or Karon, as strong undertows and rip currents are a depressingly common cause of drowning.
  • To prevent heatstroke and sunburn, protect yourself from direct sun exposure between 10am and 4pm daily by seeking shade, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
  • Carry DEET-based mosquito repellent (30%+ recommended) and cover exposed skin, particularly during dawn and dusk hours, as mosquitoes are prevalent throughout Thailand and can transmit diseases.
  • If approached by strangers offering unsolicited tours, transport, or other services, ignore them and walk away; these interactions are often the start of common scams, like the reported 60,000 THB scam in Phuket.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🐘

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries

e.g., Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai)

Electric Socket Guide

Socket Types

Type A

Two flat parallel pins (North America, Japan)

Type B

Two flat pins + round ground (North America)

Type C - Europlug

Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)

Type O

Three round pins (Thailand)

Voltage

220V

Frequency

50Hz

Rainforest & Karst Lakes
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 🌳

Rainforest & Karst Lakes

e.g., Khao Sok National Park (Cheow Lan Lake)

Planning checklist

  1. Lock the islands first.

    December-February is high season — Koh Samui beach villas sell out 3 months ahead, Phi Phi's better hotels 6 weeks. Choose Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) Nov-Apr OR Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) May-Sep — they have opposite weather patterns.

  2. Confirm your visa-exempt eligibility.

    Most Western passports get 60 days visa-free (upgraded from 30 in 2024). Bring proof of onward travel — airlines have been refusing boarding without it. If you need longer, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) before flying or extend at any Thai Immigration office for ฿1,900.

  3. Install Grab and Bolt before you land.

    Both work like Uber across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. Metered taxis in tourist areas routinely refuse the meter; ride-hailing apps eliminate the haggling. Top up via international card before arrival.

  4. Pre-book Bangkok hotels in Sukhumvit or near a BTS station.

    Bangkok traffic is brutal — staying within walking distance of Sky Train (BTS) saves hours per day. Sukhumvit (Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lor) is the safe first-timer choice. Avoid Khao San Road unless you specifically want backpacker chaos.

  5. Get an International Driving Permit before you scooter.

    Thai law requires it. Police roadblocks in Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai run all year — fine is ฿500-1000, but it also voids your travel insurance if you crash without one. Skip the scooter entirely if you've never ridden one; songtaews (shared trucks) are cheap and safe.

  6. Pack a sarong or long pants for temples.

    Shoulders and knees must be covered at all major temples. Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang (Grand Palace), Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep — all enforce. Rentals run out by mid-morning; bring your own.

  7. Avoid Chiang Mai February-April unless you're committed.

    Agricultural burning blankets the north in hazardous air (AQI 300+) for 8-10 weeks. Eyes water, lungs ache, the famous mountain views vanish. Shift north-Thailand trips to November-January or June-October instead.

Turquoise Waterfalls & Jungle Pools
Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Must-have experience 💧

Turquoise Waterfalls & Jungle Pools

e.g., Erawan Falls (7-tier waterfall)

Avoid these first-timer mistakes

  • Falling for the 'Grand Palace is closed' tuk-tuk scam

    Tuk-tuk drivers near the Grand Palace tell you it's closed (it's not) and offer a 'special tour' that ends at gem shops where you're pressured to buy. The Palace is open daily 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. Walk in via the main gate or take a metered taxi.

  • Taking unmetered taxis

    Always insist on the meter ('meter, please') — flat fares are 2-3× more. Better still, use Grab or Bolt apps (both work like Uber). Bangkok taxis that refuse the meter at Suvarnabhumi airport are routine scammers; walk to the official taxi queue downstairs.

  • Renting a scooter without a license

    You technically need an International Driving Permit to ride legally. Cops in Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai run road blocks targeting tourists — fine is ฿500. More importantly: rental shops scam returning customers with 'pre-existing damage' to take your passport-as-deposit. Pay ฿5000 cash deposit instead, photograph the scooter on rental, and never hand over your passport.

  • Visiting during Songkran without prep

    April 13-15 is the Thai New Year water festival — fun if you want to be drenched constantly, miserable if you have plans. Hotel prices spike, transport gets messy, electronics in pockets die. Either plan around (April 1-10 or after 16) or lean in (bring waterproof phone case + water gun).

  • Disrespecting the monarchy

    Lèse-majesté laws (insulting the royal family) carry up to 15 years in prison. This includes social media posts, even from outside Thailand. Don't make jokes, don't comment on politics, don't step on baht notes (the King's face is on them — kicking one is a real arrestable offense).

  • Drinking tap water

    Not potable — bottled is everywhere (฿10-15). Use bottled for brushing teeth too in cheaper accommodations. Most mid-range hotels include filtered water dispensers or sealed bottles in the room. Ice in restaurants is fine (commercial ice, not homemade).

  • Wearing shorts to temples

    Shoulders and knees must be covered at all major temples (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep). Wraps are sometimes rented for ฿200 at entrances but they run out. Pack a sarong or light long pants. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seven to ten days is the sweet spot — three days in Bangkok, three-four on an island (Phi Phi or Krabi), plus travel days. Add Chiang Mai for 14 days. Five days works for Bangkok alone or one island. Trying to do Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Phuket + Phi Phi in seven days means most days are airport days; pick two regions max for shorter trips.

November-February (cool, dry) is universally the best season — comfortable temperatures everywhere, low rainfall, but also the highest prices and book-ahead crowds. March-May is brutally hot (35°C+), and Feb-April has hazardous air quality in Chiang Mai from agricultural burning. June-October is rainy in the south but the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) are actually drier. Avoid Songkran (April 13-15) unless you want to be drenched.

Most Western passport holders (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) get 30-60 days visa-free on arrival — no application, just a passport stamp. As of 2024, the visa-exempt period was extended to 60 days for 93 nationalities. Need longer? Apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa (TR) before you fly, or extend on-the-ground at any Immigration office for ฿1900. Always have onward proof-of-exit booked.

For long distances, fly — domestic carriers (AirAsia, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion) connect Bangkok to Chiang Mai (1.5 hr, ฿800-2500) and Phuket/Krabi/Surat Thani (1.5 hr, ฿1500-3500). Trains are slow but scenic (Bangkok-Chiang Mai overnight sleeper, 12-15 hr). Buses are cheap for short hops; VIP class is comfortable. Inside cities use Grab/Bolt apps over metered taxis.

Cards are accepted at major hotels, malls, and 7-Eleven; cash is king everywhere else — markets, street food, small restaurants, longtail boats. Withdraw ฿5,000-10,000 at a time (฿220 foreign-card ATM fee per transaction; don't make small withdrawals). Apple Pay and Google Pay work where cards do. Most hostels and guesthouses are cash-only on check-in.

Very safe by global standards — violent crime against tourists is rare, women routinely travel solo, English is spoken in tourist areas. The real risks are scooter accidents (the #1 cause of tourist deaths — wear a helmet, get an IDP), scams (Grand Palace tuk-tuks, gem shops, jet-ski 'damage'), and sketchy bucket cocktails at full moon parties. Don't carry valuables on display; use ATMs inside banks/malls, not on the street.

Eat regionally and from street stalls. Bangkok: pad thai (street version, not tourist restaurants), boat noodles, somtam, mango sticky rice, jok rice porridge for breakfast. Chiang Mai: khao soi (curry noodles), sai oua (northern sausage), nam prik ong dip. Southern: massaman curry, tom kha gai, fresh seafood at island night markets. Bangkok's Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls (like Jay Fai) are worth the queue.

Yes — Thailand has the world's best cooking-class scene. Half-day classes (฿1,500-2,500) usually include a market visit, hands-on prep of 4-5 dishes (curry paste from scratch, pad thai, tom yum, mango sticky rice), and a recipe book to take home. Chiang Mai (Thai Farm Cooking, Asia Scenic) and Bangkok (Silom Cooking School, Blue Elephant) have the most polished operators. Book a day ahead.

End of the trail

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