Hey Frieda!

Oh, I totally get you, I was in the exact same spot when I was planning my first trip to Thailand!

If there’s one thing I’d say is non-negotiable, it’s getting a SIM card or eSIM right away. Staying connected is a lifesaver. The moment you step out of the airport, you’ll need it for maps, navigation, and messaging your driver if you booked a pickup.

I actually waited until my second day in Bangkok to buy one because I was so sure I’d memorized the routes to and from my hotel. Spoiler: I hadn’t. On my first night out for dinner, I thought I knew my way back, but the city can be pretty overwhelming. I missed a turn and ended up wandering around for 45 minutes before finally getting help from a taxi driver.

So yeah, I really wish I’d gotten connected from the start!

Hope this helps!

– Ann

Hi Frieda,

My best advise for first time Asia travellers is not to plan for too many activities. I often saw first-timer itineraries that were fully packed with program from morning to the evening. This either ends in people having a very stressful holiday, not even remembering what they REALLY did during their time in Asia or eventually skipping already booked activities.

You will have so many impressions that need time to be processed. I would recommend to plan for maximum one activity, one great thing to see a day and for the rest of the day go with the flow, just stroll around and explore. Don’t be one of these attraction hunters, they get back home more stressed than they were before their holidays.

I had my best holidays in Asia when I just booked the first hotel for the first two nights in a destination and then made spontaneous decisions on what to do and where to go according to my mood and interests.

Enjoy your time in Asia!

Cheers, Raphael