Thailand Travel Guide: From A Flight Attendant’s Perspective

Thailand

I’ve been lucky to visit both Bangkok and Phuket a few times through work, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorites. Bangkok has that non-stop city energy, busy, full of life and chaos, and always something happening. Phuket is more laid-back, with beautiful beaches and a totally different vibe. Two very different sides of Thailand, but both worth visiting.

Fun Facts

🇹🇭 Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by Europe – Its name actually means “Land of the Free.”

🏙️ Bangkok’s official name is the longest in the world – It has 168 characters and is listed in the Guinness World Records!

🛕 There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand – Around 400 of them are in Bangkok alone.

🐘 The elephant is Thailand’s national animal – Symbolizing strength, wisdom, and good fortune.

🥢 Thailand is one of the top countries for street food – Bangkok especially is world-famous for its food scene.

Get Your Vocabulary Right

Hello – Sawasdee ka ( for a woman), Sawasdee krub ( for a man)

Thank you -Khop khun ka / krub

How are you? – Sabai dee mai?

Im fine, thank you – sa-bai dee, khop khun

Goodbye – La gorn ka / krub

Goodnight – Fun dee na ka

One coffee please – Kafae neung ka

🛕 A Short Bit of History

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, has a long, proud history dating back over 700 years. Bangkok became the capital in 1782 and has grown into one of Asia’s most exciting megacities — blending royal traditions, Buddhist spirituality, and modern chaos. The country was never colonized, and you can feel that in the strong sense of cultural identity everywhere you go.

The country has been ruled by the Chakri Dynasty since 1782, when Bangkok became the capital. The kings are known as Rama, and today’s monarch is Rama X. While the monarchy doesn’t rule the country politically, it still holds a big place in Thai culture and daily life.

🏛️ Landmarks to Visit

The Grand Palace – Home to Thai royalty (not currently living there, but still used for ceremonies). Wear respectful clothes!

Wat Pho – The giant reclining Buddha and traditional massage school.

Wat Arun – A beautiful temple, especially at sunset by the river.

Chatuchak Market – Go on a weekend for long walks, food, vintage, and souvenirs.

Ancient City (Muang Boran) – This place is a hidden gem and absolutely magical! It’s a huge open-air museum south of Bangkok with replicas of the most important temples and monuments around the country. I’ll add some of my pictures below 🧡

Also, if you ever find yourself in Bangkok and need a little break from the chaos, I found this super cozy café a bit outside the city center called Ryoku Cafe. Perfect spot to unwind or get some work done on your laptop. The vibe is calm, the food and drinks are 10/10. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quiet escape.

✈️ From Bangkok to the Islands

Thailand has so much to offer, and it’s easy to travel from Bangkok to the beach:

Phuket – 1.5h flight from Bangkok (cheap and many daily options).

Krabi / Ao Nang / Railay Beach – Fly or take a bus + boat combo.

Koh Samui – A bit more upscale, but beautiful. Flights go direct.

Koh Tao / Koh Phangan – From Koh Samui, take a ferry!

Chiang Mai (not an island, but worth it!) – If you want mountains, elephants, and peaceful vibes.

Nightlife in Bangkok 🌃

Bangkok comes alive after dark. Whether you’re into rooftop bars with skyline views, street food markets that stay open late, or music and dancing until sunrise, there’s something for everyone. The energy is wild, sometimes overwhelming, but very exciting. A bit of a must see at least once in your life.

Some areas like Khao San Road are packed with backpackers and party vibes, while places like Thonglor or Sukhumvit have a more upscale, trendy crowd. If you’re not into drinking, you’ll still find plenty to do, from late night massages to night markets or riverside dinners with live music.

I’ve experienced it once or twice, and for me, it was wild and worth seeing. But it also made me realize that those nightlife vibes aren’t really my thing anymore. Personally, I prefer a calmer beach in Phuket or another island, enjoying a good boat trip and exploring some beautiful islands instead. And that’s the beauty of Thailand really, you can do both!

Just be aware..the nightlife scene is super mixed, and you’ll see everything from relaxed cocktail spots to full chaos. Go with an open mind, and always keep your belongings close.

Culinary Delights

Thailand is full of flavor, and the food is definitely one of the highlights. Pad Thai is a classic, stir-fried noodles with tamarind, peanuts, lime, and usually with shrimp or chicken. You can find it everywhere.

There’s also green curry, tom yum soup, or a spicy papaya salad that are famous dishes in the Thai cuisine.

And of course, you can’t leave without trying mango sticky rice, sweet mango, warm sticky rice, and coconut milk. Simple but delicious.

🛵 Transportation Tips

Getting around Bangkok can be chaotic, but here’s how I roll (don’t tell my mom! 😅)

Scooters – I personally take scooters from Grab, because they cut through traffic and get you anywhere very fast. But let’s just say… not the safest option..

Grab app (like Uber) – You can book cars or scooters.

Skytrain (BTS) – Clean what I’ve heard, avoids all the traffic.

Tuk-tuks – Fun for a short ride or the experience, but agree on the price first.