Popular Topics

Trip Report

Thailand Solo Itinerary for One Month (Bangkok, Koh Taoh, Pai )

This is my one month Thailand itinerary. It was a trip full of experiences and adventures that I describe below. Dive in!

  • Ko Tao+ 14
  • Bangkok
  • Bangkok
  • Thailand Solo Itinerary for One Month (Bangkok, Koh Taoh, Pai )
gio gio
About Me:Hi there, I´m Jorge a young boy in my early thirties, A Madrilenian born and bred. I moved to Dublin (Ireland) fourteen years ago, I just came to learn English for the Summer...well...fourteen summers later I´m still here, I guess there... read more

AsiaThailand30 days / September - October 2015

Highs & Lows

Thai street food is the best food ever.

Not easy to get off the beaten path

Itinerary Overview

This one month trip is a classic Thailand that includes Bangkok, Koh Taoh, Pai. Thailand is one of those countries for first solo travellers. Thailand means, the land of the smile. After visiting some other countries, I can state that this is totally true.

I flew from Madrid to Mumbai and from there to Bangkok, I arrived to this 24/7 extremely busy city on mid September, Moonsoon and low season, even though, I I found myself surrounded by a tone of tourists and travellers from all around the world.

After the first three nights in Kaoh san Road, I needed a quieter place and against all odds, I found a very nice place, for a better prize (10 euro), and better installations, very quiet place and still in the heart of Bangkok.

I spent a week in Bangkok, visiting temples, markets, parks... theres much to do and see. Night time in this city is also chaotic, messy and fun, you won't get bored.

My next destination was Koh taoh, a paradise for divers. I stayed in a bungalow facing the sea for ten days for about 13 euro a night. Good deal!

I took my Open Waters course in Koh Taoh and is one of the best experiences I've had in my life, I also met lovely people and I was amazed with the nature of the Island.

I headed up north trying to get off the touristy itinerary, It's not easy in Thailand. I arrived to Pai, a beautiful hippy small town fulfilled with good energy. Pai is also a good starting point for routes, hiking and exploration.

I ended up renting a scooter bike in Pai and riding all the way down the Thailand and Myanmar borderline, through the Thai jungle crazy roads to Khlong Wang Chao National Park. Only Thai tourists I found here, and not many.

 

  • 6 Nights: Bangkok
    If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory
  • 10 Nights: Ko Tao
    Paradise for divers
  • 14 Nights: Pai
    Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son
Bangkok - If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory
1

Bangkok If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory

Bangkok - If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory - null
Bangkok - If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory - null
Bangkok - If you go to Thailand, Bangkok is mandatory - null1+

You either love Bangkok or hate it, I do love it indeed, its frenetic rhythm and chaotic harmony makes it dusty and charming.

I Stayed  at Ploy hostel in Phra Nakhon, I booked a double room for myself before arriving, price was fair with what the hostel is itself. I spent three nights at Ploy's, discovering and getting lost among hundreds of people in the noisy Kao san. You can find whatever you can think of in this place.

I spent the second half of my time in a quieter guesthouse called Suan Plhu, also cheaper an more comfy, I visited the main temples, and street markets, Chatuchak market is worth to go and have look, it's the biggest in South East Asia. 

As you walk around Bangkok you can feel that big city rush at all times, however the atmosphere, apart of the pollution, it's warm and welcoming.

Ko Tao - Paradise for divers
2

Ko Tao Paradise for divers

Ko Tao - Paradise for divers - null
Ko Tao - Paradise for divers - null
Ko Tao - Paradise for divers - null1+

From Bangkok I took a neverending train trip to Chumpon, from there I hopped on the ferry straight to Koh tao.

The island lives mainly from scuba diving tourism. There are plenty of diving centers to choose from, I found Pura Vida, great diving center, good instructors and immersions, there were spanish instructors so all the divers I met there were also spanish speakers.

The ocean its full of life there and I saw thousands of coulorfull fishes, and even black tip sharks.

Great experience!

Pai - Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son
3

Pai Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son

Pai - Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son - null
Pai - Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son - null
Pai - Starting point for a bike route along Mae Hon Son - null6+

I flew from Surat Thani on a very cheap flight to Chiang Mai, next day I took a Bus to Pai, where I spent also one night as it was only my starting point in my bike route heading south.

The scooter rental was cheap and I got a good deal for 14 days.

The roads where amazing crossing the deep thai jungle, you will find very modern roads in very good conditions and you´ll find the opposite. I didn´t see many tourists in this part of Thailand, I could meet a different face of the country.

Staying at people´s garden or eating with a Thai family was really interesting.

Q & A

  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    No issues or problems
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Street food, any market you go you'll find decent food
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Explore Thailand
  • Packing tips?

    The less the better
  • Transportation Tips?

    HItchiking its possible, Tuktuk, Mototaxi
  • Any surprises?

    Thai people are extremely kind
  • Booking details?

    Hostelworld