One Week in Thailand

What You Should Know Before Going On A Thailand Tour

Thailand tour packages can run the gamut from historical and culturally immersive, to a young party barge around Phuket.

Many different global tour operators have trips to Thailand, often with different themes. Thailand is a great destination for wildlife lovers, active travelers, and of course beach goers.

Elephant Tours in Thailand

Elephants and their mahouts (or handlers) have long been a part of the Thai economy, and helped with the logging business. When this practice was outlawed by the government, the role of elephant trainers and their animals transitioned to become a part of the tourism industry.

In some ways, this has created new animal welfare problems. Elephants often undergo abuse in their training to become rideable attractions, and once in this career, they can be overworked and fed improperly. On the other hand, elephant trainers complain that they would not be able to afford to feed their elephants (which, not surprisingly, eat a lot) without pandering to tourist interests.

Luckily, there is a way to ethically interact with elephants. Elephant sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers (which help restore the health of retired elephants and transition them to a more natural way of life) are great options of getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. It’s also a great way to fully immerse yourself in a natural Thai landscape.

Choosing a Thailand Tour

There is a lot to consider when picking your tour to Thailand. Oftentimes, tours in Thailand are geared toward a younger crowd, seeking the party atmosphere Southeast Asia is so well known for. If this is not what you’re after, consider a nature tour, or searching by a higher accommodation rating.

The majority of Thailand tours are in the Value (3 star) range. For a bit more comfort, consider searching Premium or Luxury tours, as these terms have are relative to what tour accommodation is normally like in Thailand. Put another way, luxury accommodation in Thailand will mean nicer, but not overly extravagant.  

Food tours are very popular in Thailand, and will feature a lot of street food, so be prepared. Traveling with a tour is one of the best ways to ensure you stay safe and eat safe. Your guide will know the best stalls and have advice on where to eat.

Active and adventure travel is another main theme when it comes to Thailand tours. This usually means visiting several national parks for hiking, zip lining, and waterfall rappelling. You’ll be sure to spend some time around Chiang Mai, Thailand’s adventure capital.

Cheap Thailand Tour Packages

Thailand is notorious for being a great destination for travelers on a budget. Although this is not as true as it once used to be, due to the flood of backpackers and tourists in the last 10 years, it’s still possible to experience Thailand on a budget.  Here are three tips to help guide you in traveling Thailand cheaply:

1. Eat cheap. If you avoid international restaurants and classic tourist destinations, Thai food is still very affordable. More affordable meals can be found in cafeteria style dining halls, and from street vendors.

2. If you’re eating street food, walk off the beaten path. A good way to reduce the price of even the street food in Thailand is to take a turn off major street, an a try a food cart on a smaller street. You’ll be surprised at the difference!

3. Choose a budget tour. Group tours in Thailand can often offer different “styles” of traveling. Choosing a budget option will significantly reduce in price, and often refers to the quality of housing you will be staying in. If you don’t mind hostels, which are for the most part pretty clean and hospitable in Thailand, this is a great option for you.

Touring Thailand With Kids

If you’re traveling to Thailand with your family, the beaches beckon you. With snorkeling, soft sand, and many chances to relax in save secluded beaches, there are countless of activities to keep children busy and allow parents to relax.

There are also a number of national parks in Thailand, offering varying degrees of difficulty in hikes and activities. Kids will love the opportunity to see nature up close, play around waterfalls, and learn about the many different plants and animals.

Multi Country Thailand Tours

A large portion of Thailand tours also visit a combination of the nearby Southeast Asia countries. These include Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Laos.

This can be a great way to visit a lot of different countries and get a feel for Southeast Asian culture, both similarities and differences.