Thailand is located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world thanks to its affordability, safety, natural beauty and interesting culture. Thailand has even been nicknamed “The Land of Smiles” because of its genuinely warm and welcoming locals. There is something for everyone here; from the tropical beaches, immense limestone formations and colorful underwater world in the south to the delicious cuisine, ancient temples and lush mountain landscapes in the North. In this article, I will highlight everything you need to know before visiting Thailand, safety tips and a lot more. Make sure to read until the end as I also share the suggested itineraries that will help you plan your own Thailand trip with Adequate Safaris. Welcome to Thailand, welcome to the land of smiles. Now let’s dive in.
Introduction
Thailand is a place where time flows to the rhythm of three seasons, where elephants are revered as national symbols, where golden temples and Buddha statues testify to a spirituality deeply rooted in daily life. The country used to be known as Siam until 1939. Thailand is a mosaic of wonders, compressed into a space that represents only 0.3% of the world’s land surface. The forested mountains of the North, give way to central plains cultivated with rice, while over 3,000 km of coastline embrace tropical beaches and paradise islands. The elephant is the country’s national symbol and sacred animal that moves majestically in the natural sanctuaries. Thailand is also the country that hosts about 10% of the planet’s animal species. Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Samui are some of the most famous pearls of Thailand, with their pristine white beaches and blue turquoise waters.
Where Thailand Is Located
Thailand stretches across the heart of Southeast Asia, and is the only country in the region that was never colonized by European powers, preserving a cultural continuity that can be felt in every corner. The Land of Smiles, as it’s called, not only for the hospitality of its inhabitants, but also because the Thai smile has different nuances, communicating various emotions. From joy to embarrassment, it is a silent language that speaks to the hearts of visitors who use the Thailand tour company from Kenya. Thailand occupies a geographical land mass of about 196,912 square miles, making it the 51st largest nation in the world, with a population of approximately 68.5 million people. It is also ranked as the 20th most populated country in the world.
Thailand Visa For Kenyans
Kenyans need a visa to visit Thailand for tourism or business purposes. A Kenyan Thailand visa costs 8,000 ksh, but you will have to wait for two working days for it to be processed and approved, if all your documents are in order during the time when you were applying. The first thing you will need is a valid passport, that is valid up to the next 6 months. The second step is filling an application form online and attach a couple of details such as the next of kin, your phone number, your current residency in Nairobi just to name a few. The next thing you will need is a preliminary booking ticket. If you have a tie back to your home country, such as a job or a family, it may speed up your chances of getting your visa approved. You will show your bank balance statements and it should match with the duration you want to spend in Thailand. If you follow these steps and the ones provided by Thailand tour company from Kenya, then your visa approval will be much faster with less probability of you being denied.
Top 15 Best Places To Visit In Thailand
Thailand is one of Asia’s best travel destinations in the world. From the iconic Phi Phi islands to the mountains of Chiang Mai, this country has much to offer. Here are the top 15 best places to visit in Thailand with Adequate Safaris:
- Bangkok: Bangkok is the country’s capital located in Central Thailand with over 11 million people. One of the favorite features of Bangkok is the Cha Phraya River that runs through the city. The city is known for its Buddhists temples in Grand Palace that are of unique architecture, ornate shrines, high rise buildings, glittering night clubs, royal palaces and its vibrant street life.
- Khao Sok National Park: This park is located in southern Thailand. It is among the major reasons why most people enjoy visiting Thailand. To get into this park, you will fly and later get a boat ride to Cheow Lan Lake that takes 2 hours. It is a man-made lake that gives you access into the park. You will enjoy some of the most epic mountain landscapes you have ever seen. You will pass through the Three Sisters and make your way into the floating hotels where you will stay. You will spot herds of elephants around the lake in the park.
- Phi Phi Islands: Of all the places in Thailand, I believe the Phi Phi island is the most famous one. You can access the island from Phuket or Krabi by boat. You will make a stop at Koh Phi Phi Lee on a speed boat. The main attraction of the Phi Phi island is the Maya Bay where a movie by Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. You will also have an opportunity to visit the Viking Cave, where you will snorkel in clear waters and the Monkey Bay that is full of monkeys that chill on the beach.
- Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island: This island is located an hour away from Phuket. It is home to the most iconic island of Thailand, known for its unique scenery that is quite mind blowing. One of the most famous places in this island is the James Bond Island where the movie was filmed in 1974. On the way you will enjoy an incredible waterway on a boat with massive mountains on each side. Once you arrive at James Bond Island, you will see the 20 meter limestone tower that has a really cool shape.
- Chiang Rai: Chiang Rai is a smaller city in Myanmar. One of the major attraction sites in the place is the White Temple in Wat Rong Khun. The temple was opened in 1997 and has really unique architecture. If you want to explore nature in Chiang Rai, you can visit Phu Chi Fa Nature Park that is located an hour away from Chiang Rai and a great place to watch the sunrise.
- Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: This viewpoint is the most famous that overlooks the Phang Nga Bay. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Thailand at 800 metre high. You will love the views of the Mangrove forest and limestone islands.
- Similan Islands: This island is located on the Western Coast of Thailand. It is an archipelago of 11 islands and home to some of the best beautiful beaches in the whole of Thailand. You can access the island by boat. One of the best features of the island you will enjoy is the Donald Duck Bay in Ao Kuerk Butcht. It is a pristine beach that has a stone feature which you can hike up to. Snorkeling on this island is also phenomenal and worth your time to explore this paradise.
- Krabi & Railay Beach: What you will love most about this place is its wide variety of beautiful attractions. The most common one is the Railay Beach that is found outside of Krabi. You will love how scenic the beach is as well as the massive monolith rocks that overlook the whole area. It is such a unique view with its longtail boats and mountains that serve as a backdrop for content creation and photography.
- Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi is located in Western Thailand and mostly known for the Bridge over the River Kwai, that is linked with the historic Death Railway to Burma in which thousands of POWS and laborers died during World War II. Outside of this place are several national parks such as Erawan National Park which offers waterfalls, caves and beautiful scenery.
- Samui Archipelago: This place is located in the Gulf of Thailand and features popular resorts of Koh Samui, the diving island of Koh Tao, the laid-back Koh Phangan and Ang Thong. All these islands are distinct from the other and offer the best vibes as well as attract different types of travelers. If you have a younger crowd, I would suggest you visit Koh Phangan, it is the most scenic out of the three.
- Koh Tao: One thing that Koh Tao is known for is its scuba diving. There are incredible diving sites, coral reefs and ship wrecks to explore. Even if you are not into scuba diving, Koh Tao is truly a great place to explore. You can visit the Nang Yuan Island that features three small islands joined by a beach.
- Koh Lipe: Koh Lipe is located in the far south near the Malaysian border. It is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, abundant marine life and crystal-clear water. It is the ultimate beach destination for diving, snorkeling and relaxing. It is also very tiny, meaning you can walk easily from one end of the beach to the other.
- Ayutthaya: This place was founded in 1350; it is a city that sits on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting it to the Gulf of Thailand. It was once declared the most magnificent city on earth. It has three palaces, more than 400 temples and a population that reaches over 1 million in total. It is easily reached by boat or train and only 50 miles from Bangkok.
- Phayao: This province is located in the North of Thailand. It is one of the most peaceful and authentic destination places of Thailand, relatively undiscovered by most. The Phu Langka Forest Park is the absolute highlight of Phayao. You will stay at one of the best accommodations offered at this place along Road 1148 to get the best views. You will also enjoy long walks while seeing their unique temples.
- Mae Hong Son: Last on my list is Mae Hong Son, it is located in the northwest of Thailand. It is also one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand. Filled with cascading waterfalls, mountain landscapes and authentic Thai villages. The best way to explore and discover this province is by driving through the Mae Hong Son loop. A 600 km loop that takes four days to complete. Its highlight of this loop is the impressive Nam Lod Cave, the idyllic mountain town of Pai, the Mae Hong Son city and the Chinese settlement of Ban Rak Thai.
Best Time To Visit Thailand
If you are planning to visit Thailand, one thing you need to be prepared for is its tropical climate that can vary depending on the region and the season. The best time to visit Thailand is usually categorized into high/peak season, low/off season and the shoulder season. Thailand experiences three different seasons in terms of weather, and this can make or break your trip.
High/ Peak Season
This season is classified as the best prime time to discover Thailand. It is in the cool season that runs from November to March. This season offers the most pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degree Celsius. The landscape is usually green and lush because of the previous rainy season. It is the perfect time to explore Thailand’s diverse attractions from its serene countryside to its bustling busy cities. You will also enjoy colorful Thailand festivals such as the Flower Festival, Makha Buka and the Chinese New Year. The only downside about the peak season is higher rates from hotels, airlines, parks, large crowds and less availability since most travel in this season. To save yourself from all these shackles, it is best you book with Adequate Safaris early in advance.
Hot Season/ Shoulder Season
This season runs from April to June. It is a good time to visit Thailand for some travelers, especially the ones who enjoy heat and sun or want to avoid the crowds and save money. This is the month in Bangkok when the weather is the hottest with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. It is also the best time to visit Thailand beaches and enjoy a wide range of different activities in Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Tao and many more. It is also in this season where you will enjoy some of the most fun festivals in Thailand, such as Songkran, the Thai New Year and water festival where people splash water on each other for good luck and the Poy Sang Long, a rite of passage for young boys who become novice monks.
Rainy/ Off Season
This season runs from June to October, it is a viable time to visit Thailand for some travelers, especially those who are flexible, adventurous or budget conscious. During this season, the weather is the wettest with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Rain usually comes in short and heavy bursts followed by sunshine and blue skies. It is in this season, when Northern Thailand and national parks are most appealing with lush vegetation and cooler temperatures. You will enjoy Thailand’s culture, wildlife and festivals that take place in this season. It is however an unpredictable and risky season which may affect your travel plans and safety. It is best that you prepare for frequent rainstorms, landslides, flooding and limited transportation options to enjoy Thailand.
As you can see there is no one best time to visit Thailand. It all depends on your interests and preferences. Thailand is indeed a wonderful country that offers something for everyone, even in its different seasons throughout the year. However, some regions and seasons may suit you better than the others depending on what you are looking for. Now that you have all this information, you can start planning your trip to Thailand with Adequate Safaris by sending us an email via de***@*************is.com or call our WhatsApp line at +254 711711 498
Ideal Time To Spend In Thailand
If you are planning your trip to Thailand and you are wondering how many days are ideal to explore the country, then you are at the right place. First, you need to be aware of the activities, places and interests you are looking forward to having. 10 days is usually the ideal duration that will allow you to intimately enjoy your time in Thailand. These days allow you to enjoy the vibrant city life of Bangkok, its culture and spend the rest of the days relaxing at the beach. Here are some of our best Thailand packages that offer you the ideal time to explore and discover what Thailand has to offer;
7 Days Thailand – September Special Departure
5 Days Thailand (Pattaya + Bangkok) Escape
Who Is Thailand Most Ideal For?
Among all the South East Asian countries, Thailand is the most visited one. Tourists flock to this country mainly because it suits every type of traveler and their budget. If it’s your first time touring Thailand, you will enjoy the experience, since the country is very accommodating to first time travelers. If you are on a budget and you don’t want to break your bank, it is also ideal for you to visit Thailand. The country is also very accommodating to food enthusiasts, water sport activities lovers, tourists who enjoy visiting cultural places that carry a long ancient history will also enjoy time spent in Thailand. If you are someone who does not like high humidity and are sensitive to large crowds, then it is safe to say that Thailand is not the most ideal destination for you.
Average Cost & Breakdown
Travelling to Thailand is usually broken down into three different categories, the budget, mid-range and luxury and for the higher end tourists, they are ranked into the ultra-luxury level. In 2026, here is a range of cost breakdown you will likely spend in the country, depending on the level of travel you are in. A budget traveler will spend an average of $28 to 42$ per day, a mid-range traveler will spend from $70 to 110$ while a luxury traveler will spend $165 and above per day. These daily costs cover transport, some activities, meals, accommodation, but if you are in accompaniment of someone else, they will double or even increase.
How Much A One Month Trip To Thailand Costs
For a one-month trip to Thailand, you are looking forward to spending an average amount ranging anywhere between $ 1084 to $ 8, 982. To cut down on some of these costs, I would suggest staying at air bnbs, where you can prepare meals of your choice.
How Much A Two Week Trip To Thailand Costs
For a two-week trip to Thailand, you can budget between $506 to $4,191. These two weeks will give you ample time to discover a lot about Thailand. Some of the most affordable places you should intentionally visit include Koh Tao, Chumphon and Hat Yai.
How Much A One Week Trip To Thailand Costs
If let’s say you are going for your honeymoon in Thailand for 1 week, you will spend an average of $254 to $2,096 with Adequate Safaris. This budget will cover all your expenses to the last day. Some of the popular locations you will visit in this one week period include Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Thailand Tour Packages From Kenya Cost
Here are some of the most interesting itinerary packages of Thailand from Kenya with Adequate Safaris. They are perfect for first time travelers and balance culture and beach relaxation. They include:
7 Day Thailand Culture & Beach
Day 1: Arrival In Bangkok
You will land at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, where you will be received by Adequate Safaris representatives. He or she will escort you to your hotel, where you will check in and freshen up. In the evening you will head to San Road or Sukhumvit area to explore. Later in the night, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Bangkok Temple & Culture Tour
Early in the morning you will have your morning breakfast and start your day’s exploration. Your driver guide will take you to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. At midday, you will venture to Wat Pho for a traditional Thai massage, where you will also have lunch. In the afternoon you will enjoy a boat ride on Chao Phraya River at Wat Arun. In the evening you will return to your place where you will have dinner at Asiatique riverfront night market.
Day 3: Bangkok Markets & Shopping
After breakfast you will head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This is a 2-hour scenic drive from Bangkok city. You will stop over for lunch and later in the afternoon, you will visit Chatuchak Weekend Market or MBK Center, where you will shop for interesting items that will always remind you of your time in Thailand. In the evening you will be at Vertigo rooftop that is known to have beautiful sunset views.
Day 4: Fly To Phuket – Beach Time
You will enjoy a flight to Phuket from Bangkok that lasts for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Phuket is known to have amazing beach time experiences. Some of the popular beaches you will spend time at include Karon, Kata and Patong beaches. In the evening, you will have an interesting seafood dinner, and later spend your night at Phuket.
Day 5: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
On this day, you will wake up early, have breakfast and spend a full day trip exploring the Phi Phi islands. Some of the interesting places you will get to visit include the Viking Cave, the Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay. You will enjoy snorkeling at the crystal blue waters of Phi Phi Islands. Later in the evening you will be back at your hotel in Phuket where you will spend your night at.
Day 6: Phang Nga Bay/ James Bond Island
This will be a full day tour spent at this bay. You will enjoy canoe rides through tall limestone caves. Later you will head to James Bond Island, where the movie was filmed at. Swimming is a common activity enjoyed at both of these places with your partner and friends. In the evening you will head to Bangla Road, to enjoy an epic nightlife.
Day 7: Phuket Free Time & Departure
This will be the last day of your Thailand explorations from Kenya. Early in the morning you will have breakfast and check out. Your guide will take you to explore the Big Buddha or Old Phuket Town for souvenir shopping. Later in the afternoon, after you have had your lunch, you will be transferred to Phuket Airport, where you will catch a flight back to your home country in Kenya, Nairobi.
Top 10 Food Options That You Must Try In Thailand
Most people think about the delicious Pad Thai when they imagine foods they should try in Thailand. For sure the Pad Thai is among the most delicious ones, but there are some interesting dishes that you should try as well. Some of the local food you should try range from street foods to regional specialties. They include:
- Khao Pad (Fried Rice): This is a staple food in Thai cuisine; it is found in countless variations throughout the country. It is made up of ingredients such as eggs, vegetables, meat or sea food. It is usually seasoned with soy sauce which gives it a savory and slightly salty taste. It is also garnished with lime wedges and cucumber slices offering a well-rounded meal option.
- Khao Soi: Khao Soi is flattened rice noodles deepened in a spiced yellow soup, with a piece of chicken leg. This dish is commonly found in the Northern cities of Thailand such as Chiang Mai. Certain ingredients used to prepare the dish include lime, chili oil, mustard greens, creamy coconut and eggs.
- Pad Thai: This is the most famous dish that you will definitely have in Thailand, especially if you have it in the streets. Pad Thai is a stir-fry dish prepared with chicken, shrimp, peanuts, scrambled eggs, rice noodles and bean sprouts. It is flavored with a combination of tamarind sauce, fish sauce and lime.
- Tom Yum Goong: This is a famous Thai soup known for its sour and spicy flavors. It is prepared by mixing ingredients such as garlic, kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass, mushrooms and chili paste. It also includes prawns or shrimps as the main protein but one can also use chicken. It is a very delicious aromatic dish.
- Massaman Curry: Massaman curry has a unique flavor borrowed from Indian and Muslim cuisines. It is commonly made with beef with variations of other proteins. It is made with onions, star anise, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves and nut meg. It is often served with potatoes, cashew nuts or rice.
- Som Tam (Papaya Salad): This is a refreshing spicy salad that showcases some of the most vibrant flavors of Thailand. It is prepared with green shredded papaya, peanuts, green beans, tomatoes, and bird’s eye chilli pepper. It is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, spicy and sour.
- Pad Kra Pao: This dish is also referred to as basil stir fry. It is a popular street food served in Thailand. It features minced meat or chicken. It is made up of certain ingredients such as basil, ginger, garlic, chilli and soy sauce. It is mostly served with rice and scrambled eggs on top. It is a very simple and yet satisfying meal to have when you visit Thailand with Adequate Safaris.
- Mango Sticky Rice: This is one of the most beloved dishes in Thailand. It is made by combining sweet ripe mangoes with the rich creamy texture of gluten free rice. Rice is cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with sugar that gives it a sticky consistency. It is later served with the ripe mangoes to give it a sweet fruity and yummy taste.
- Satay (Grilled Skewers): This sweet delicious dish consists of skewers and grilled meat. The type of protein that is commonly used to prepare this dish is pork, beef and chicken. The meat used is usually marinated first in lemon grass to give it a rich flavory taste and smell. It is then served with creamy peanut sauce that adds an extra layer of unique taste.
- Sai Krok Isaan: This is fermented pork sausage often referred to as Isaan Sausage. It is spicy and often served with raw cabbage, ginger slices and chilies. Since the sausages are usually fermented, this gives it a tangy flavor ans a slightly sour taste that is super delicious.
Thailand is indeed a food lover’s paradise. One you wish to experience in the company of Adequate Safaris, the best inbound and outbound travel and tour company in Kenya. Most travelers miss out on trying these dishes, but you who are with Adequate Safaris, won’t be one of them. And that is a threat.
Top 5 Hacks To Save Money While Visiting Thailand
Some of the best ways that will aid you in saving money while in Thailand are travelling during the low season, between April and September. This will save you money on airlines, accommodation, car rentals and even food. The only downside about this time is that it is usually the rainy season. The second hack is try as much as possible exchanging your money at the airports. The exchange rates at this place are usually high. The third hack is try as much as possible not to use taxis and tuk tuks, instead download the bolt app, here you will get first time travel discounts or even use the BTS train to move around the city. The fourth hack is to try learning some few Thai travel words, this will help you blend easily with the locals and save you from being conned or seen as a newcomer in the country. If you are travelling domestically, choose to use trains and buses. The fifth hack, will be, for wholesale exchange rates, ensure you use a multi currency card.
Other Things To Know About Thailand
I will only share with you important facts that will help you as a new traveler in Thailand, or in any country that you visit with Adequate Safaris. Since you are not familiar with types of foods served in Thailand, it is best before your travels you start taking probiotics. This is because foods in South East Asia may not go hand in hand with your gut system. It is best you do this, 3 weeks before commencing your trip and also everyday when you are in Thai.
- Another thing to know is that Thailand is a solo-friendly country to visit. Even as a solo female tourist, you will be amazed at how welcoming the locals are and quite respectful too.
- This is a super random one, but a lot of restaurants and shops in the more touristy areas of Thailand will ask you to take off your shoes before entering, so it’s best if you walk around in flip flops or sandals.
- Toilet paper is not really a thing in Thailand.
- Thailand is not sunny all year round.
- Traffic in Bangkok can sometimes make a new traveler feel overwhelmed in Thailand. Because of this, travelers are first advised to book hotels near the BTS train systems, especially if they are tired.
- Another thing to know is, if you give a bad review about Thailand, this could send you to prison. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, but it is also known as the land of surprising laws. And they like when visitors retain this reputation. If you happen to defile these defamation laws, even as a traveler, you can get up to 2 years in prison.
- Thailand has the world’s most unique airport, the small wooden pavilions make the airport look like a luxury resort, rather than a transportation hub that it actually is. If you fly from Kosamui Airport you will experience a pretty magical experience from the views it offers.
Thailand Currency
Thailand’s currency is referred to as Thai Baht. 1 USD is equivalent to 36 THB and 1 KES is 0.28 THB. It was first introduced in Thailand as a unit currency. It linked closely with Thailand’s nation’s heritage, known for its distinctive and vibrant designs. The first Thailand’s coins were introduced in the year 1857 when King Rama IV was in power. The coins are made of silver and feature indicated designs which reflect Thailand’s art and culture.
Why Should You Travel With Adequate Safaris?
Visiting Thailand with Adequate Safaris is a seamless, personalised and stress free experience. We ensure you visit the beautiful streets of Bangkok to its beautiful islands of Phuket and Grand Palace. Nowhere else in Kenya will you get the perfect itinerary that will intimately connect you to see the best places in Thailand as well as its hidden gems. We will offer you the best negotiated rates, from airlines, accommodation hotels to transports with no hidden costs. With our extended knowledge and experience in the travel industry, trust that when you choose Adequate Safaris, you will always be in safe hands for all your travels. Send your enquiry via our email at de***@*************is.com or call our number at +254 711 711 498
Final Thoughts
Your first few days in Thailand can actually feel like a lot. This is because Thailand has got beautiful mega cities, tropical islands, beaches, hidden scams, cultural rules and so much that is happening at once. But all this, is also what makes Thailand feel so special. And once you see how it all plays out, your trip to Thailand can become one of the most rewarding and unforgettable places you will ever travel to with Adequate Safaris. Thailand is a land in which every sunrise lights up tapestries of cultures, landscapes and the mysteries waiting to be revealed by no one else but you. Dearest gentle reader, I hope you have enjoyed your reading. Now remember to live and travel a little with us. Why? Because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
