Thailand sabbatical

Simply switch off for a few months

For months, one single question circled in my head like an overexcited ceiling fan in a beach hut: How do you spend a sabbatical without it feeling like Monday morning again after just three weeks? I didn’t want a “Guess where I am now!” postcard adventure. I wanted something real — something that tastes like salt on your skin, street dust on your face, and brand-new perspectives. The ideas were as wild as they were tempting: A motorcycle tour across Europe? Seductive. Living as a full-time diver between Nemo and the corals? Sounds like enlightenment with fins. Or simply circling the globe until either my bank account or my courage gives up? Also not a bad option.

But then a thought snuck into my mental cinema, sat down, and refused to leave — like that song you hate but still catch yourself humming along to: Thailand.

Reiseblog24 | Simply switch off for a few months

Sabbatical in Thailand, my experiences

Be away for a few months and leave everything behind...

The land of smiles, spice levels, tuk-tuks, and temples. If I’m reading all those travel reports correctly, you can expect a veritable cornucopia of kindness, charming chaos, golden Buddhas, paradise beaches, and mango sticky rice worthy of a religious experience. And if it all gets a bit overwhelming? No worries — somewhere there’s always a hidden bay or a café with functioning Wi-Fi (well… most of the time).

So I went all in and planned my trip as thoroughly as one can when leaving their comfort zone 9,000 kilometers behind. It quickly became clear: many of my friends would have loved to join — but three months off? Pure fantasy.

So here’s to my employer — or more precisely, to my ever-growing mountain of overtime hours, which turned out to be a treasure chest in disguise.

Looking back now, I can say: it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Traveling alone wasn’t a limitation — quite the opposite. It gave me space. Space for encounters, for silence, for nonsense, for wonder. For that feeling of arriving somewhere without having to be anywhere.

For me, one thing is certain: I will return. For the landscapes. For the food. And most of all, for the people. Because that warm, honest smile — that stays.

Thailand sabbatical

Thailand trip from south to north and back again

A few months off – finally time for adventure!

Do you know that feeling when a long-postponed dream starts to feel like a bad joke? Welcome to my reality — until the moment I actually found myself on a plane to Thailand. After countless plan changes, pandemic cancellations, and the occasional resigned “Maybe next year…,” it finally happened: out of everyday life and straight into adventure!

And what can I say? Thailand had me enchanted from the very first second. This country is a symphony of colors, smells, and sounds — from sizzling street-food chaos to peaceful temples to turquoise dive sites where even Nemo would happily take a selfie.

In this blog, I’m taking you along on my personal journey across Thailand: how I planned my sabbatical, what went well (spoiler: not everything), and why a flat tire in the jungle can sometimes be the beginning of a real adventure.

If you’re planning your own trip: a quick look at the current entry and safety information from the German Federal Foreign Office certainly doesn’t hurt — and the matching app keeps you updated on the road.

💡 Tip: You can find the current travel information directly at the Federal Foreign Office.

I’ll take you to golden temples, street-food bliss, and paradise beaches — and tell you what really went through my mind along the way. Thailand has a magic that can’t truly be described. But I’ll try anyway — come along!

My travel summary: Thailand

Thailand — the land of smiles, temples, traffic chaos, and the best mango sticky rice of my life. A trip there is more than just a vacation — it’s a colorful cultural shock with a happy ending (usually).

Somewhere between golden Buddhas, Pad Thai on every street corner, and the occasional near-miss with a coconut falling from a tree, Thailand manages to amaze you, overwhelm you, and leave you absolutely spellbound — all at the same time.

But before you take off thinking that flip-flops and a sense of adventure are all you need, do yourself a favor and check the latest entry requirements. It would be a shame if your Thailand dream burst at the check-in counter because your passport wasn’t valid long enough or you missed a visa.

In this post, I’ll take you along on my very own Thai odyssey — with all the highs, lows, and a generous serving of curry.

Reiseblog24 • Long-haul & Adventure Travel – Top News as of January 2026

1. Partial travel warning & security situation in Thailand

In December 2025, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office tightened its travel advice for Thailand. Several provinces along the border with Cambodia are now subject to a partial travel warning due to ongoing clashes, martial law and evacuations – travel to these areas should be avoided. For the rest of the country, including the main holiday regions, travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, while non-essential trips to the conflict-affected southern provinces remain discouraged.

Source: German Federal Foreign Office – Travel advice Thailand, VisaHQ – Foreign Office travel alerts

2. Health focus: Smog & dengue fever

Air pollution in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other major cities can reach unhealthy levels, especially during the dry season from November to April. Travellers are advised to monitor real-time air quality and consider masks or reduced outdoor activity on heavy smog days. At the same time, Thai health authorities continue to track dengue fever: after a challenging 2024/25 season, experts expect a decline in cases in 2026, but mosquito protection, light clothing and early medical checks in case of fever remain essential.

Source: German Federal Foreign Office – Health & environment, Portail Asie – Thailand: current situation & advice

3. Entry rules: Up to 60 days visa-free – with tighter checks

Since 2024, Thailand has doubled the visa-free stay for nationals of 93 countries from 30 to 60 days and further expanded the scheme in 2025 to boost tourism. At the same time, authorities began reassessing the programme in late 2025 and now scrutinise repeated short-term entries more closely; travellers trying to live in Thailand long-term on back-to-back visa-free stays may face detailed questioning or even denial of entry. Before departure, visitors should confirm whether they qualify for the 60-day exemption and carry proof of onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds.

Source: Reuters – Thailand visa reforms, VisasNews – 60-day visa exemption review

4. Trend: Workation & digital nomad programmes

With the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), the country is branding itself as a “workation paradise” for digital nomads. The visa allows multiple entries over five years, with stays of up to 180 days per entry and the option to extend, targeting remote workers, creatives and so-called soft-power talent. In parallel, Thailand is refining long-stay options such as the Thailand Privilege Card, whose updated membership tiers and prices take effect in 2026 and cater to frequent visitors seeking premium services.

Source: Destination Thailand Visa – official site, Thailand Privilege Card 2026 – overview

5. Sustainable island tourism: seasonal closures & e-tickets

Several marine national parks, including the popular Similan and Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea, close to visitors each year during the monsoon months to allow coral reefs and marine life to recover. After reopening in October 2025, an electronic entry ticket was introduced that requires visitors to register their passport number and is planned for use across multiple marine parks, including the Phi Phi Islands. The famous Maya Bay also remains tightly regulated: strict visitor caps, no boats inside the bay, a ban on swimming and timed visits are now standard conditions that travellers should factor into their Thailand island itineraries for 2026.

Source: WELT – Island closures & e-ticket, Simba Sea Trips – Maya Bay rules

Meine Empfehlungen (*), hier habe ich gute bis sehr gute Erfahrungen gemacht....

Why a travel blog about Thailand?

Thailand has been one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for years — and for good reason! The country captivates with its paradise beaches, breathtaking landscapes, impressive temples, and a culture that’s as fascinating as it is colorful. A travel blog about Thailand doesn’t just offer practical tips — it inspires, ignites wanderlust, and fuels the anticipation for an unforgettable journey through this magical land.

Sights in Thailand – Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

Thailand is packed with unique sights that will make your trip truly unforgettable. In Bangkok, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the magnificent Grand Palace, which also houses Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Another must-see is the famous Wat Arun, whose illuminated silhouette transforms the Bangkok skyline at sunset into pure magic.

If you head north, you’ll discover cultural gems such as the Black House (Baan Dam) in Chiang Rai — a mystical mix of art gallery and museum. And if you’re dreaming of postcard-perfect beaches, you’ll find them in Phang Nga Bay or on the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui — places so idyllic they make your camera feel inadequate.

Experience Thailand's cultural diversity up close

Thailand ist ein Schmelztiegel verschiedener Traditionen und Glaubensrichtungen, die sich über Jahrhunderte entwickelt haben. Besonders spürbar ist der Einfluss des Buddhismus – in unzähligen Tempeln kannst du beeindruckende Kunstwerke bestaunen und spirituelle Ruhe finden.

Doch Kultur in Thailand bedeutet mehr als Tempelbesuche: Lass dich bei einer traditionellen Thai-Massage verwöhnen oder erlebe die beeindruckenden Festlichkeiten wie das Lichterfest Loy Krathong, bei dem Tausende leuchtende Laternen den Nachthimmel erhellen.

Kulinarische Abenteuer – Die Aromen Thailands entdecken

Die thailändische Küche ist eine Explosion der Sinne! Hier treffen süße, saure, salzige und scharfe Aromen aufeinander und kreieren unvergessliche Geschmackserlebnisse. Ob würzige Currys, duftendes Pad Thai oder frische Meeresfrüchte – in Thailand wird Essen nicht nur genossen, sondern zelebriert.

Ein absolutes Must-Try ist die Street-Food-Kultur, vor allem in Städten wie Bangkok oder Chiang Mai. Probiere dich durch Garküchen und erlebe authentische Gerichte wie Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Yum Suppe oder köstliche Satay-Spieße.

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Useful tips for your trip to Thailand

Thailand — the land of smiles, street food stalls, temples, and (spoiler!) helmet-free scooter riders who will regularly make your heart skip a beat. To help you focus on the beautiful sides of this fascinating country — and not on airport stress or forgotten travel documents — here’s your little lifesaver when it comes to preparation:

✅ Entry Requirements

Please don’t just hop on a plane and hope for the best: check the current visa rules beforehand. They sometimes change faster than you can say “Pad Thai.”

✅ Best Time to Travel

November to February — the so-called dry season — is considered the most pleasant time to visit. Translation: less rain, less sweating, more vacation joy.

✅ Shopping Paradise

Whether it’s a tailor-made suit in Bangkok, handcrafted art from Chiang Mai, or your fifth pair of sunglasses for the equivalent of three euros — Thailand is a true Eldorado for bargain hunters. Warning: your suitcase space is limited… your desire to buy things is not.

Important Documents for Your Thailand Trip

Before you load up on mango sticky rice and dig your toes into the sand on Koh Samui, make sure you haven’t left the following documents sitting in your printer:

📌 Passport (valid for at least 6 months — and no, an expired ID photo does not count)

📌 Visa (depending on your nationality and length of stay — clarify this before you reach the gate)

📌 Flight ticket & hotel confirmations (digital is fine, but don’t forget your battery)

📌 International driver’s license (if you dare to drive on the left — on a scooter, without a helmet, see above)

📌 Travel insurance — especially for medical emergencies. Hospital bills in Thailand? No joke.

With a little preparation and a healthy dose of adventure spirit, nothing stands between you and a Thailand trip full of smiles, curry, and coconuts. Sawasdee kha!