Live update from Thailand on March 1st, it’s really overwhelming
🇹🇭 Family, who understands! Just stepped out of the airport and got hit full force by Thailand’s warmth! The visa on arrival process was so smooth it’s unbelievable, and the March weather in Thailand is so good it makes you want to cry. Here’s a lightning-fast list of tips and must-dos I put together overnight, hurry up!
🚗【Must-Read Before Traveling】
📝 Visa on Arrival documents: Passport (valid for more than 6 months) + 2-inch white background photo + round-trip flight itinerary + hotel booking confirmation + 2200 THB (fast lane). Actually, the regular lane costs 2000 THB but the wait is longer.
☎️ Communication: Buy a Happy SIM card in advance on Taobao, about 30 RMB for 8 days of unlimited data, much cheaper than renting WiFi at the airport!
💊 Medicine: No need to bring too much, 7-11 is your all-in-one! Motion sickness pills, herbal balm, nasal inhalers can all be bought locally.
👗 Clothing: Thailand in March is melting hot! Summer clothes are a must, but indoor air conditioning is strong, so remember to bring a light cardigan or sun protection jacket.
🏨【Amazing Hotel Recommendations】
Stayed at three places this time, highly recommend!
✨ Bangkok: Stay in Sukhumvit area! Super convenient transportation. Strongly recommend Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57, the location of a Chanel ad shoot, vintage French style, every photo looks like a magazine cover, price around 1k+, worth experiencing.
✨ Chiang Mai: Definitely stay in the Old City or Nimman Road! Bed Nimman hotel, minimalist black and white style, free unlimited bottled water, delicious breakfast, excellent service, price around 400+, best value for money.
✨ Phuket: For a relaxing hotel, choose Kata; for lively atmosphere, choose Patong. We stayed at Kata Thani Coast Resort, the infinity pool facing the sea is amazing, the sunset is breathtaking, price around 800+.
🌊【Must-Visit Attractions】
1️⃣ Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Bangkok’s landmark, dazzling gold decorations, very crowded! Go early and dress appropriately—no bare shoulders or knees.
2️⃣ Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): I love this more than the Grand Palace! Elegant white porcelain tiles, known as the “Eiffel Tower of Thailand.” You can rent traditional Thai costumes for photos, super photogenic.
3️⃣ Tiffany’s Show: A must-see in Pattaya! Stunning stage effects, gorgeous costumes, the ladyboys are so beautiful it’s intimidating.
4️⃣ Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay: The water looks like jelly! You can take a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, snorkeling reveals lots of little fish. It’s quite crowded, so be prepared.
5️⃣ Doi Suthep & Bhubing Palace: On Suthep Mountain in Chiang Mai, you can overlook the entire city. The golden stupa of Doi Suthep is magnificent, Bhubing Palace is a royal summer residence with beautiful gardens.
6️⃣ Chedi Luang Temple: The grandest temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City, standing strong despite earthquakes and bombings, with a kind of beautiful, weathered charm.
7️⃣ Weekend Night Market: A must in Chiang Mai! Huge scale, food, drinks, entertainment, and shopping—one night is never enough. Lots of handicrafts, remember to bargain!
🥭【Food Hits and Misses】
❤️ Hits:
Thai Milk Tea: Look for the “Hand Brand,” the best from street vendors!
Mango Sticky Rice: The perfect sweet and salty combo, the three-color mango sticky rice looks great and tastes amazing.
Tom Yum Soup: Sour and spicy, appetizing, any small restaurant will do.
7-11 ready meals: Crab sticks, sandwiches, Meiji milk, all delicious!
💣 Misses:
Train Night Market’s “Fruit Beauty”: Crowded and expensive, taste is just okay, good for the experience only.
Seafood stalls at some tourist spots: Tourist traps, prices unclear, average taste.
📸【Photo Inspiration】
Wear Thai costumes at Wat Arun and instantly become a Thai princess.
The spiral staircase at Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57 looks classy no matter how you shoot it.
Find a cliffside café in Phuket, sip coffee and wait for a stunning sunset.