Travel Tips: How To Travel

Like a Local in Thailand

Thailand isn’t just about five-star resorts, famous temples, or bustling beaches — it’s also about everyday moments that locals cherish. To truly discover the country, you’ll want to step off the tourist track and experience Thailand the way Thais do: eating local, traveling smart, and embracing the rhythm of daily life. Here’s how to travel like a local — saving money, tasting authentic flavors, and getting a deeper cultural experience along the way.

🚌 Getting Around Like a Local

• BTS & MRT in Bangkok – Affordable, clean, and efficient. A single trip costs 15–60 THB. Use Rabbit Card for convenience.
  

  
  

• Songthaews (Red Trucks in Chiang Mai / Shared Pick-up Taxis) – Cost-effective and fun. Just hop on and pay around 20–30 THB per ride.
  
  

  

• Motorbike Rental – In places like Chiang Mai, Samui, Koh Larn, Pattaya Pai, or Koh Phangan, renting a motorbike (150–250 THB/day) gives freedom to explore. Always wear a helmet!
  

  
  
  

• Trains – Slower but scenic. Take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to see the countryside, starting from 600 THB.
  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

💡 Local Tip: Use Grab (Thailand's Uber) for safe, cashless rides in most cities. Includes cars, taxis, and orange-vest motorbike taxis for quick navigation through traffic.

🍲 Eating Like a Local

Thailand is a foodie’s paradise — and you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Pad Kra Pao (Stir-Fried Basil with Meat) – Spicy, comforting, and usually under 60 THB at local stalls.
  

  

• Khao Soi (Northern Curry Noodles) – Chiang Mai’s specialty, creamy coconut curry with crispy noodles on top.
  

  

• Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – Fresh, spicy, and tangy; pair it with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
  

  

• Boat Noodles in Bangkok – Served in small bowls, rich broth, and just 15–20 THB each
  

  

• Mango Sticky Rice – A sweet finish loved by both locals and visitors.
  

  

💡 Local Tip: Follow the crowds — if you see many locals at a food stall, it’s almost guaranteed to be good. The street food is not only cheap (40–60 THB/meal) but also the most authentic way to taste Thai life.

🏙️ Local Markets You Shouldn’t Miss

• Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok) – For souvenirs, clothes, and street food.

  

• Warorot Market (Chiang Mai) – Local-style fresh market with snacks, herbs, and handicrafts.
  

  

• Night markets in many major cities offer a lively mix of street food, handmade crafts, and live music. They’re affordable, laid-back, and perfect for enjoying a relaxed evening that stretches late into the night.

  
  

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Ratchaburi) – Classic Thai experience, but try Amphawa Floating Market for a more local vibe.

🌿 Living the Local Life

To really feel Thailand, immerse yourself in daily life:

• Stay in Local Homes or Boutique Stays – Skip big chains. Choose homestays, guesthouses, or eco-resorts run by locals, especially in Chiang Mai, Nan, and Sukhothai
  

  

• Join a Cooking Class – Learn to cook Thai food in a local’s home or during market tours.   
  

  
  

• Ride a Tuk-Tuk – Bargain politely and agree on the price before hopping on
  

  

• Visit Local Temples – Go beyond Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Explore smaller community temples for a spiritual vibe.
  

  
  

• Try Local Wellness & Mindfulness Practices – Thai massage courses, meditation retreats, or traditional herbal spa treatments.
  

  

• Learn Basic Thai Phrases – “Sawasdee ka/krub” (hello) and “Khob khun” (thank you) go a long way.

  

  
  
  

• Respect Local Customs & Etiquette – Dress modestly at temples, take off shoes indoors, avoid touching heads or pointing with feet.
  

  

🌟 Local Experiences Not to Miss

• Floating Villages & River Life – Visit Amphawa or Koh Kret to see daily life along the water. Try local snacks and handcrafts made by villagers
  

  

• Temple Stay Experiences – Some northern temples offer overnight stays, meditation, and insight into monastic life.

  

• Local Festivals – Time your trip to see Yi Peng lantern festival (Chiang Mai), Songkran (Thai New Year), or Loy Krathong (floating lanterns).
  

  
  
  

• Cycling Tours in Historical Towns – Explore Ayutthaya or Sukhothai by bike for a peaceful, authentic experience.
  

  

• Cooking & Market Tours – Shop with a local for fresh ingredients, then cook traditional dishes together.

  

• Nightlife with a Local Twist – Skip tourist bars; try live music at Chiang Mai’s Nimmanhaemin Road or Bangkok’s hidden jazz cafés.

  

  
  💡 Insider Tip: Ask locals for their favorite cafés, temples, or viewpoints — the best experiences aren’t always in guidebooks.

🌿 Seasonal Travel Tips: When to Visit Thailand

Thailand is a year-round destination, but choosing the right season makes your trip even better:

• High Season (Nov–Mar):

  • Best weather: sunny skies, cool breeze in the north, perfect for beach escapes.
    

    
    

  • Big festivals: Yi Peng lanterns in Chiang Mai, New Year celebrations, and Chinese New Year
    

    

  • Popular for Scandinavians escaping the winter cold.
    

    

• Green Season (May–Oct):

  • Lush landscapes, waterfalls at their fullest, rice fields glowing green.
    

    

  • Fewer crowds and lower prices — perfect for slow travelers.
    

    

  • Great time for eco-adventures and cultural exploration.
    

    
    

✈️ Getting to Thailand 

Experience the comfort and premium service of Thai Airways — Thailand’s national carrier offering direct flights from Scandinavia and seamless domestic links that help you discover the full beauty of Thailand. From Bangkok, you can easily connect with Thai Airways and its partners to all major destinations — Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and beyond.

Start planning your unforgettable Thai journey today!
Visit Thai Airways website for more details click Flights from Norway to Thailand