Thailand

Thailand sabbatical

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 | Thailand sabbatical

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

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.net – Thailand Travel News

Reiseblog24.net – Thailand Travel News & Travel Safety (As of: 14 Nov 2025)

Focus: Updates for travel to Thailand from 2026 onwards – new fees, digital procedures, tourism strategy & travel trends.

From February 2026: Thailand to introduce 300-Baht tourist entry fee
Under the name “Kha Yeap Pan Din” (“Stepping onto Thai soil”), Thailand plans to introduce a 300 Baht tourism fee from February 2026 for all foreign visitors — regardless of whether they arrive by air, land, or sea. Part of the fee will fund travel insurance for tourists, while the rest will support infrastructure and safety initiatives.
Sources: Moneycontrol – Tourist Taxes 2026 , Euronews – Fee postponed to 2026 , Any-Visa – Thailand Tourism Tax
New digital entry system: TDAC form to replace paper card from 2025/2026
Thailand is gradually rolling out a digital travel form (TDAC) which will replace the current TM6 paper arrival card. Foreign travelers will be required to submit their information online up to 72 hours before arrival — designed to speed up immigration checks and improve security. From 2026 onwards, travelers should include this digital process in their planning.
Sources: The Sun – Digital Travel Card TDAC , Economic Times – Background on entry rules
Thailand extends New Year holidays 2026 to five days to boost domestic tourism
The cabinet in Bangkok has approved an extended New Year holiday period from 31 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The aim: encourage domestic travel, increase hotel occupancy, and stimulate local economies — important for anyone traveling during that time, as the country will be busier (and pricier).
Sources: Moneycontrol – 5-day New Year 2026 , The Thaiger – Extra holiday confirmed , TripZilla – Overview of New Year extension
Crypto on vacation: Thailand launches 18-month pilot project “TouristDigiPay”
To attract younger and tech-savvy visitors, Thailand is testing “TouristDigiPay” until 2026: foreign travelers can convert cryptocurrencies into Thai Baht through licensed exchanges and use them for payments via QR code. The goal is to boost tourism-related spending while maintaining strong anti–money laundering controls.
Sources: Reuters – Crypto-to-Baht for tourists , Tom’s Hardware – TouristDigiPay explained
Trend 2026: “Healing, Culture & Coastlines” – Thailand as a travel reset destination
Recent travel features portray Thailand as the ideal “reset country”: wellness retreats, local culture, and quieter coastal regions are moving into the spotlight. The message: less partying, more mindfulness. For long-haul travelers from 2026 onward, this means more offers for yoga, Muay Thai fitness, detox retreats, and authentic cultural experiences beyond the typical party islands.
Sources: Euronews Travel – “Healing, Culture and Coastlines” , Yahoo News – Thailand as a travel reset

Disclaimer: All information above is based on sources available at the date stated. Fees, digital entry processes, safety conditions, and entry regulations may change at short notice. Always check the official websites of Thai authorities, embassies, airlines, and tourism organizations for up-to-date and binding information. No liability is assumed for accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.

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!