Are you planning your trip to Thailand and don’t know where to start? Thailand is a pretty big country, and that is why we tend to separate the north and the south.
If you are traveling for less than a few weeks, I don’t recommend trying to do both. It’s way better to choose one and get the full experience out of it.
Deciding where you will travel between the two can be a really difficult task. They both offer amazing experiences yet are really different from each other.
Let me help you make that choice by comparing these aspects:
Weather
Northern Thailand has 3 distinct seasons :
- March to May: Hot season
- June to October: Rainy season
- November to February: Cool season
The hot season looks a lot like other regions’s climates. It’s dry, and the temperature goes up to 97°F (36°C).
The rainy season is cooler and the heaviest daily pours will happen in September.
The cool season, which doesn’t seem too cold for us Canadians, will reach temperatures as low as 41°F (5°C) in the hills.
Because of its tropical climate, the temperatures in southern Thailand tend to remain pretty constant: hot and humid days and nights. There is a dry season and a rainy season, which varies for the east and west regions.
Rainy season (generally)
- Eastern side: September to December
- West side: May to October
In these times, we are talking about short but intense daily pours.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, north Thailand is a lot cheaper and less touristy. The food prices, as well as the hotel prices, are of great value. You will get more for your money.
On the other side, southern Thailand has a lot of bucket list destinations. Therefore, it makes it way more touristy, so accordingly more expensive. Of course, spending time in paradise wasn’t going to be free…
When I say it is “more expensive”, take into consideration that Asian countries are still extremely cheap compared to, for example, European countries.
Local delicacies
Since there’s an important difference between the climates of the different regions, local delicacies will vary. But don’t worry, sticky rice, padthaï and other obvious delicacies are available all over the country.
The northern region lacks in palm trees, so if you are a fan of coconuts, this might disappoint you. The seafood is the other part of the cuisine that is lacking in the north. However, they will impress you with herbs and other ingredients only available in the jungle. Some of the mouth-watering dishes you will find include spiced meat soups and salads.
You will find all the seafood you can imagine in the south! Fishermen are more than present and take pride in their amazing work. Curries, fish stews, satays and much more for you to eat. A lot of them are coconut-based. Yummy!
Nightlife
The ultimate truth is: The Thailand nightlife happens in the SOUTH.
Backpackers won’t be pleased by the significantly more laid-back nightlife of the north, but not all travelers are backpackers/young people. You will still have plenty of options between pubs, bars, restaurants, live music events or event night markets. But I’m telling you it won’t turn up like in the south!
Southern Thailand is famous for its insane party scenes. This area offers some of the world’s best parties. Between the beach bars and clubs that seem like they never close, the full moon party and the half moon festival, you will have the time of your life! Get yourself some buckets of drink that are always way too strong, put that neon paint on your body and have fun until you have to go to sleep.
Daytime activities
North Thailand offers a completely different landscape than the rest of the country. It has an amazing, dramatic look, all thanks to the forest-covered mountains. The outdoor activities are what will keep you busy in the daytime. Think about doing zip-lining, some waterfall swimming, jungle hikes, or you could go even crazier and do bungee jumping! If you would like to immerse yourself in the cultural aspect of the country you will be served with many temples, meditation centers and even ancient sites.
South Thailand is the opposite. If thinking about being on the go all day doesn’t tempt you, maybe relaxing amongst perfect sand and beautiful turquoise water will. Don’t get me wrong, it is not boring at all. You can go island hopping which is amazing or do water sports such as diving, kayaking and snorkeling.
