Turntable Bangkok
Let there be no misunderstanding; Thailand is a fantastic holiday destination and no one will deny that. The many times that I have crossed the country with a rental car and also with public transport, from north to south and from east to west, are legion.
Admittedly, this fanatical traveler, who has been retired for many years, only stays there as a tourist, but in total I have not spent months there, but years. I think I can judge with some understanding. For some, Thailand is what you call the promised land and other countries only exist to pop over the border with the aim of extending the residence permit for a number of months.
Surrounding countries
Thailand and especially the capital Bangkok is a fantastic 'hub' to look across the border and broaden your horizon. From the metropolis of Bangkok you can visit a number of neighboring countries for very reasonable rates using a number of low budget airlines, such as AirAsia and Cebu Pacific. Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia are what you call next door. From Laos you can make a wonderful two-day boat trip to Chiangrai.
Cambodia and Siem Reap with the world famous Ankor Wat temple complex is simply a must. You can fly to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, for next to nothing and from the Penang peninsula by boat to Indonesia will not cost you a fortune. Medan is a wonderful place to stay from the arrival port. There are countless people at the harbor ready to take you there. Vietnam, which looks a bit Western and where you can enjoy French and Vietnamese cuisine, is also right next door from Bangkok. Not to forget the beautiful cities of Ho Chi Minh - formerly called Saigon - and Hanoi.
Ever thought of China? This immeasurably large country is also easily accessible from Bangkok and not too expensive. A flight from Bangkok to China's capital Beijing, excuse me Beijing as the place is officially called these days, is a piece of cake. Or do you want to visit the Philippines and discover Manila with its Spanish influences? By boat from Manila to the most beautiful of the more than 7000 islands. It's all possible and simple. From Manila and also from Bangkok, you can fly to Incheon for not too much money and from the airport you can reach the center of Seoul by train non-stop in 40 minutes. A nice trip to get to know South Korea.
Preparation
The anticipation already starts with the preparation. The Internet is indispensable and a formidable tool for orientation and for compiling a travel schedule.
Prices of flights and hotels you can find it all very simple. This way you can also make a financial plan in advance so as not to be faced with unpleasant surprises. Don't make the travel schedule too tight and give yourself the necessary rest. You really don't have to visit all the sights, because traveling is a tiring activity.
Would you like to see the north of Thailand in two or three weeks and then go down to Samui or Phuket? Everything is possible, but then you go what I call the American way; Europe in a week.
China is also easy to visit. Make sure you have a visa. Complete round trip with Thai Airways done beautifully.
Yes, it all seems very exciting and fun those trips. But does anyone have experience booking hotels or do you do that with the airline. And what about the visas you will probably need anyway? Where do you apply for it in Thailand?
Timo, Via the Internet you can really find everything about any necessary visas and where you can get them in Bangkok, for example, or whether you can get them on arrival at the relevant airport. Book hotels the same way on the internet. Just look at the relevant sites such as Booking, Agoda, etc. Also simply book the flights yourself via the internet. Just take a look at the AirAsia site from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. The world is at your feet. And I'm not that young anymore. Just a little daring.
I undertook all the trips mentioned in my article from Bangkok and arranged my visa for China there. The anticipation and planning is also a wonderful event prior to the trip. It's all very easy.