Thailand First Impressions: What We Loved & What Surprised Us
Our trip to Thailand was a spontaneous one. We spotted some flight deals and decided to go! Over eight days, we explored Bangkok and Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. With one of us having visited Southern Thailand before, we wanted to experience a different side of the country.
Eight days wasn’t nearly enough to see everything, but we came away with plenty of things we loved and a few surprises. From Bangkok’s excellent public transport to Chiang Rai’s unique temples, here’s what stood out to us and what you might want to know before visiting.
What We Loved About Bangkok and Northern Thailand
1. It’s Incredibly Affordable
Northern Thailand offers excellent value for money, from local food and transport to accommodation and activities.
Compared with Southern Thailand, particularly its more touristy destinations, we found Northern Thailand more affordable overall. If you’re looking for a destination where your money goes further, the north is well worth considering, with Chiang Rai being a highlight.
2. There’s Something for Every Budget
Whether you’re after luxury hotels, boutique stays, street food, fine dining, nature or cultural experiences, Thailand caters to different travel styles and budgets. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a memorable trip, but there are also plenty of ways to treat yourself.
3. Getting Around Is Relatively Easy
We were particularly impressed by Bangkok’s public transport. The BTS and MRT networks are well connected, and we found the maps and station signs easy to follow. You can also travel to and from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports using public transport, making it easier to explore the city while skipping the traffic.
We also found ride-hailing apps convenient for shorter journeys. Outside Bangkok, buses and trains connect major destinations, although reaching attractions beyond the main towns can require more planning. We used multiple mode of transport, including Domestic Flights, Green Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Orange bus from Chiang mai city to Chiang Dao, Grab and Songthaews.
4. The Temples Are Incredible
Thailand’s temples were among the highlights of our trip, but what stood out most was how different they could be from one another. Chiang Rai, in particular, has some of the most distinctive temples we’ve seen. From the striking White Temple to the intricate Blue Temple and the enormous Guan Yin statue at Wat Huay Pla Kang, each offered something different. Their architecture, colours and intricate details made every visit memorable.
5. There’s So Much More to Explore
Eight days barely scratched the surface. Between Bangkok’s city life, Northern Thailand’s mountains and cultural attractions, and the beaches and islands in the south, there’s something for almost every kind of traveller.
Which is why don’t try to fit too much in your itinerary, choose all the things you’d actually enjoy instead of trying to check everything off a list, or you’ll not enjoy your trip.
Thailand is the kind of destination where you could return several times and have a completely different experience each time, and many people do.
6. The Markets are worth the hype
Thailand’s markets are worth visiting for more than just shopping. They’re great places to sample local food, browse affordable finds and experience everyday life. You have to visit at least one major market during your trip, whether it’s Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok or Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market, each offering a different way to experience Thailand’s local culture, food and shopping. Don’t feel the need to visit every single market. Choose yours based on your day/interest.
We particularly enjoyed Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market. It’s a great way to explore the Old Town on foot, admire the illuminated temples after dark, and discover plenty of local food and things to shop for along the way. Held only on Sundays, the market transforms the historic streets into a lively evening of local crafts, handmade souvenirs, street food and performances.
7. The People Were Welcoming
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and we could understand why. One thing we noticed throughout our trip was how people greeted us with a warm Sawasdee kha (hello), often accompanied by a smile and a slight bow. These small gestures made everyday interactions feel welcoming, and we found people to be respectful and friendly wherever we went.
Learning a few simple Thai phrases, such as Khop khun kha (thank you), also made these interactions more personal. Even in places where communication wasn’t always straightforward, people often made an effort to help, sometimes finding someone else who could communicate with us. These little moments made travelling around Northern Thailand more comfortable and added to our overall experience.
8. Thai Bubble Tea for Just AED 2
If you live in Dubai, you’ll know that bubble tea and Thai tea don’t come cheap. So, it was a treat to find roadside stalls selling iced Thai tea for just AED 2, especially in the hot and humid weather. It’s a small thing, but sometimes it’s these little everyday moments that make a trip memorable.
9. Bangkok Has Incredible Green Spaces
Bangkok can feel hectic, but it also has some amazing green spaces right in the middle of the city. Benjakitti Park was a highlight, with its wetlands, walking and cycling paths, and views of the surrounding skyline.
There is a Green Bridge that also connects the Benjakitti and Lumphini Park areas, making it possible to enjoy a longer walk away from the busy roads. If you want to slow down for a few hours between sightseeing. If you are searching for nature in the city, Benjakitti is well worth adding to your itinerary.
10. The Café Culture Is Excellent
Thailand has an impressive café scene, and we loved café-hopping during our downtime, especially in Chiang Mai. From specialty coffee shops to spacious cafés surrounded by greenery, there’s so much variety to explore. Some cafés felt like destinations in themselves rather than just somewhere to grab a quick coffee, making them perfect for slowing down between sightseeing.
Early Owls was one of our favourites, thanks to its peaceful garden setting. It was a lovely change of pace from exploring temples and busy streets, and a reminder that not every travel experience needs to involve sightseeing.
11. Communicating in English Was Easier Than We Expected
We were pleasantly surprised by how often we could communicate in English, even outside the main tourist areas and in the northern towns. Not everyone spoke English fluently, of course, but we generally managed to get our point across.
When someone couldn’t help us directly, they sometimes called another person who could communicate in English. It was a small thing, but it made navigating unfamiliar places much easier than we’d expected.
12. There’s Plenty of Food Choice, but Plan Around Your Dietary Needs
Thai food is a highlight in itself, from noodle soups and curries to street food and freshly prepared dishes. We enjoyed trying local food throughout the trip, and the markets made it easy to sample different things without spending much. You can find veg and chicken options. However, finding suitable options can depend on where you’re travelling and what you eat.
Bangkok has a wider range of restaurants and international options, while smaller towns and rural areas may offer less choice. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s worth researching restaurants in advance and learning how to explain what you can and can’t eat. Don’t assume every dish can be easily adapted, particularly at smaller local eateries. For eg: Chiang Dao once we were in the mountains, it was harder for us to find suitable options.
Things That Surprised Us About Thailand
1. Public Rubbish Bins Can Be Hard to Find
One thing we noticed was how difficult it could be to find public rubbish bins while exploring. We often ended up carrying our trash until we found somewhere to dispose of it.
Interestingly, despite the lack of bins in some places, the areas we visited were generally clean. People seemed accustomed to carrying their rubbish with them rather than leaving it behind. It’s a useful habit to adopt when travelling around Thailand.
2. Cash Is Still Essential, Even in Bangkok
We expected to need cash in smaller towns and remote areas, but it was still important for everyday purchases in Bangkok. While cards were accepted at many hotels and larger establishments, markets, street food stalls and smaller businesses often preferred cash. We wouldn’t recommend relying on cards everywhere, even in the capital.
3. Currency Exchange Comes with a Few Surprises
We learnt that exchanging money in Bangkok isn’t always as straightforward as expected. Super Rich is a great exchange with good rates, available and located very conveniently around Bangkok.
At a SuperRich counter in ICONSIAM, we were told that although there was no minimum exchange amount, we couldn’t simply exchange half of a US$100 note. We had to exchange the entire note instead.
We also noticed that most currency exchange counters closed earlier than we’d expected, eg: around 8:30 pm in IconSiam mall. Bangkok may be a city that stays up late, but that doesn’t mean every service operates late into the evening.
These are just smaller things, but just to keep it in mind
4. Check the Weather of the Area before Travelling
Thailand’s weather varies by region and season, so don’t rely solely on a general forecast for the country. In Bangkok Rain can arrive in short, heavy bursts, even during the rainy season, and you may still have plenty of time to explore between showers.
If you’re visiting Northern Thailand, air quality is another important consideration. The burning season, typically affecting the region from around February to April, can bring significant haze and poor air quality. Conditions vary from year to year, so check the forecast and air quality readings for your destination before travelling, especially if you plan to hike or spend a lot of time outdoors.
5. Bangkok Was Still Manageable After the Floods
We visited Bangkok the week following the September 2026 floods, and we could see the extent of the flooding around the wider city even as we landed. However, over the four days following the floods, we saw how much effort had gone into clearing the water and cleaning up affected areas.
We found getting around the tourist areas relatively straightforward, particularly where the BTS and MRT provided convenient alternatives to road travel. Our experience showed us that conditions can change quickly after severe weather. Rather than relying solely on social media footage, check current local updates and transport services before deciding whether to proceed with your plans.
6. The Heat and Humidity Can Be Exhausting
Even with or without rain, the heat and humidity can make sightseeing tiring, especially when you’re walking between temples or spending hours outdoors. (not in the winter). And if the skies are clear, the sunglight can be harsh for temple photography.
7. 7-Eleven Has Almost Everything, Except a Travel Adaptor!
Coming from Dubai, where convenience stores seem to stock almost everything, we assumed finding a travel adaptor at 7-Eleven would be easy. After checking several branches, many other shop, we still couldn’t find one.
Three of the hotels we stayed at also told us they couldn’t find one in stock and were waiting for their own deliveries. We eventually had to borrow adaptors from hotels or charge our devices at cafés.
It was a small but unexpected inconvenience simply because we would not be used to that in
Final Thoughts: Our First Impressions of Thailand
Thailand won us over with its affordability, distinctive temples, lively markets, café culture and the sheer variety of experiences on offer. We also appreciated how easy it was to explore Bangkok independently using public transport, while Northern Thailand offered a different pace and plenty of cultural highlights.
Eight days is enough to give you a taste of the country. And if it suits you, you’ll definitely be returning for a second time!
