Tour guides Thailand

5 ideas for guided tours in Thailand

• Bangkok

  

  Bangkok can overwhelm any traveler who doesn’t take the time to pause. Many see it only as a transit hub, never realizing it holds countless surprises.

  Here’s a non-exhaustive list:

  – The Grand Palace. Right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the former royal residence impresses with its scale and the treasures it holds, including the sacred Emerald Buddha.

  – Wat Saket Temple, set atop an artificial hill known as the Golden Mount, is the perfect spot for panoramic views across the capital.

  – Wat Pho: this temple houses the country’s largest reclining Buddha, an immense statue measuring 15 meters high and 45 meters long.

  – The city’s biggest market is Chatuchak. It’s the ultimate place for bargains, though navigating its maze of alleys and 15,000 vendors can be a challenge.

  – Lumphini Park offers a taste of serenity within the bustling metropolis. As Bangkok’s largest gardens, it’s even home to Malayan monitor lizards roaming around the lake.

  – At the National Museum, you can dive deeper into Thai culture. Guided tours in French are available at no extra cost.

  – Hop aboard the Ruea Hang Yao, the traditional boats that travel the Klongs, Bangkok’s network of canals. They provide a calmer way to explore the city along the riverbanks. It’s also how you can reach the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, still picturesque, even if now a little too touristy.

• Koh Tao Island

  

  Koh Tao, located off Thailand’s west coast, enjoys a tropical climate. This means it stays hot and humid year-round, with a rainy season from mid-October to early December. Access is via the coastal towns of Don Sak or Koh Phangan.

  The island is quite small and offers few transport options, with roads that aren’t in the best condition. The easiest way to get around is by long-tail boats, which take you quickly to key spots along the coast. This also has a clear advantage: mass tourism feels less overwhelming on Koh Tao.

  Here, you can enjoy stretches of fine sand, explore coral reefs while snorkeling, and join the nightlife once evening comes. The most popular beaches are Mae Haad and Sairee. For more tranquility, head to the idyllic islets of Koh Nangyuan. For hiking, try excursions like Two Views, where you’ll get a sweeping view over Tanote Bay, which surrounds Sairee Beach.

• Khao Yai National Park

  

  Two hundred kilometers from Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park offers a breath of fresh air for those looking to escape the capital. The small town of Pak Chong, about fifteen kilometers from the visitor center, often serves as the starting point. Simple bungalows can be rented here, perfect for a few quiet nights.

  The tropical forest of the Khao Yai Park spreads across the hills and rises to 1,300 meters. This elevation explains the remarkable plant diversity that surprises at every turn. Among the highlights, the Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls naturally draw travelers. As for wildlife, visitors sometimes spot gibbons, sambar deer, bears, and there are rumors of several hundred wild elephants living in the park.

  Walking the trails requires some preparation. It’s best to be accompanied by a guide, who knows the paths and identifies less safe areas. Long, sturdy clothing helps protect against insects, leeches, and the sharp grasses that line the way.

• Province of Mae Hong Son

  

  To discover a different side of Thailand, head northwest to the Myanmar border and the Mae Hong Son province. This is a special place where you can experience the way of life of the mountain tribes, such as the Karen.

  The region is best explored by renting a scooter, giving you the freedom to admire the pagodas of Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klan, or climb Doi Kong Mu hill to reach the Wat Phra That temple.

  Head toward the village of Ban Rak Thai and take in the surrounding tea fields. Cross the famous Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge. The beautiful Mae Surin waterfall, surrounded by flowered meadows, makes another excellent excursion.

  For even more escape and seclusion, continue on to Mae Sariang and its Salawin National Park. With cliffs, torrents, rice fields, and herds of elephants roaming the countryside, you’ll find endless ways to wander off the beaten path.

• Kanchanaburi

  

  The small town of Kanchanaburi, in the province of the same name, lies about 140 km northwest of Thailand’s capital. It’s a charming spot where travelers will find plenty of outdoor excursions, starting with the famous bridge spanning the River Kwai.

  Built during World War II by prisoners under Japanese command, this massive and grueling project claimed thousands of lives. Today, you can cross it by train along the line grimly known as the Death Railway, which runs all the way to Nam Tok.

  From there, you can reach the seven-tiered waterfalls of Erawan or those of Sai Yok. To enjoy a peaceful stay in the Kanchanaburi area, nothing beats the floating bamboo hotels.