thailand tourism guidelines

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COVID-19 Guide for Travelers to and in Thailand

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Visa (if required)
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Vaccination record (if vaccinated)
• COVID-19 test result (if unvaccinated)

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening to Thailand.

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Thailand Travel Restrictions 2022

(Updated May 25, 2022)

• Latest updates on Thailand Pass

Top 20 Questions on Thailand Pass

• How to Travel to Thailand in 2022
• Thailand Travel Restrictions
• Join our Facebook Group
• Best COVID Insurance for Thailand
• Test and Go Thailand (March 2022)
• Test and Go Hotels in Bangkok
• Test and Go Hotels in Phuket
• Test and Go Hotels in Pattaya
• Test and Go Hotels in Koh Samui

TODAY’S UPDATE:

• Thailand reopens the country without quarantine to fully vaccinated travelers from any countries and territories under the Test and Go program .
• Fully Vaccinated Thai and foreign travelers from non-listed countries may still enter Thailand without quarantine through the Phuket Sandbox Program , Samui Sandbox , Bangkok, Pattaya , Hua Hin , and Chiang Mai Sandbox starting November 1, 2021.
• The Thai government has restored the mandatory quarantine of 10 days for unvaccinated Thai and foreign travelers.
• Thailand Pass is required for Thai and foreigners to enter Thailand including those nationalities under the Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival list.
• The Test and Go Hotel , AQ Hotel , SHA+ Hotel reservation, and COVID-19 Insurance with a minimum coverage of $20,000 are still required for foreigners entering Thailand.

• The Thai Embassies and Consulates are now issuing 60-day tourist visa and special tourist visa (STV) and Thailand Pass to enter Thailand .
• Thailand allows semi-commercial flights to travel to Thailand.
• The foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand will comprise of diplomats and foreign workers including their families, business representatives, and experts invited by the government, permanent residents, foreigners with Thai families, students and their guardians, medical tourists and their attendants, business visa holders, Thai Elite Visa holders, APEC Cardholders, special tourist visa (STV) and tourist visa (TRV) holders, non-immigrant O retirement visa, non-immigrant OA and OX holders and migrant workers with official documents. Foreigners must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy in their current location to apply for a Thailand Pass and for more information.
• From now until September 30, 2022 Thailand will allow long stay foreign tourists under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program. This long-stay visa is open to foreign nationals traveling to Thailand with the intention to stay long-term as tourists to boost the tourism industry. Those who are qualified must get in touch with the local Tourism Authority of Thailand Office or Thai Embassy in their current location for more information.
• Frequently Asked Questions below.

I am an expat leaving Thailand for a short time and returning. Do I have to apply for Thailand Pass and Test & Go?

Yes. At this time, all people entering Thailand must apply for a Thailand Pass and follow Test & Go requirements if they are fully vaccinated. This includes having the required entry requirements such as insurance, SHA+ hotel booking, RT-PCR test, and Thailand Pass approval.

I am an expat returning to Thailand. Can I quarantine at home instead of a hotel?

No. No matter what visa you hold in Thailand, you must follow the Test & Go entry requirements. You must spend 1 night in a SHA+ quarantine hotel while waiting for your RT-PCR test result.

Have the April 1 changes to pre-departure RT-PCR testing come into effect?

Yes. Pre-departure RT-PCR tests are no longer required when entering Thailand.

Has the April 1 change come into effect for the Sandbox scheme?

Yes. The Sandbox scheme now requires only 5 nights of quarantine in the Sandbox designated area. Visitors must now do 1 x RT-PCR test and 1 x ATK test on day 5 instead of 2 x RT-PCR tests. The Test & Go program is a better option for those who are fully vaccinated.

Have the April 1 changes come into effect for the un-vaccinated Alternate Quarantine scheme?

Yes. The Alternate Quarantine timeframe has been reduced from 10 nights to 5 nights. You still need to have 2 x RT-PCR tests during this time. The tests will be taken on Day 1 and on Day 4 or 5.

I booked a 10-day Alternate Quarantine package but I am arriving after April 1. What should I do with the new changes?

You may contact your hotel. If you have not arrived in Thailand before April 1, you are eligible for the updated 5-day Alternate Quarantine scheme. Your hotel will advise what options are available to you.

Do I need to print my Thailand Pass documents for when I arrive at Passport Control in Thailand?

Yes. It is the best practice as you will present these documents to Immigration and Health Officers at the airport Passport and Health Control.

If you only have digital copies and something happens to your electronic device, you will not be allowed to enter the country.

How do I present my Thailand Pass QR code if my mobile phone is not working?

You should print a hard copy of your Thailand Pass QR code. If your mobile device does not work in Thailand, you can still present the QR code to Immigration and Health Officers at the airport Passport and Health Control.

Can I upload my Thailand Pass QR code to the MorChana App before I arrive in Thailand?

No. You can download the MorChana App before arriving in Thailand, but it will not allow uploads until you arrive in the country. You may ask your SHA+ hotel staff to assist you on how to navigate the app.

If I land in Phuket with the correct insurance, my SHA+ hotel, airport transfer, and separate RT-PCR tests booked, can I apply for Test & Go?

Yes. The above requirements are required to apply for Test & Go and Thailand Pass. You will also need to be vaccinated to apply for Test & Go.

Have the April 1 changes affected domestic flights in Thailand?

No. When landing in Thailand, domestic flights on arrival must still be approved “sealed” flights. Please check with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways for the new list of sealed flights to Phuket and Samui.

Can I do my Test & Go quarantine in Pattaya?

Yes. If you land in Bangkok you can organize Test & Go quarantine in Pattaya. Your SHA+ hotel must provide transport from Bangkok airport to the hotel.

If your flight lands directly at Pattaya airport you will do your RT-PCR test at the airport and then be transported to your hotel.

Are international flights landing in Pattaya?

There are flights now landing directly at Pattaya U-tapao International Airport. Check with your airline provider for available direct flights.

Can I take a domestic flight from Bangkok to Pattaya for Test & Go quarantine?

Only if the flight is an approved “sealed” flight. This should be booked as part of your international flight itinerary.

If you book separate domestic flights, you are required to quarantine for 1 night in Bangkok before traveling to Pattaya.

What SHA+/AQ hotels are available in Pattaya?

You can find the latest information for SHA+/AQ hotels in Pattaya at Agoda .

Why is my US credit card being rejected when trying to book my RT-PCR test?

There is an issue with www.thailandpsas.com approving transactions with American credit cards. You can contact your hotel and they will organize the RT-PCR test booking for you.

I am trying to book hotel transport in Phuket with an American credit card and it is rejected. What can I do?

Transport from the airport to your hotel should be included in your SHA+ quarantine package. If there is an issue booking your hotel with an American credit card, try a different card or purchase through PayPal.

My hotel in Phuket does not offer transport from the hotel. What should I do?

Any SHA+/AQ hotel should include transport from the airport to their hotel. If they do not offer this service, it is best to look at different hotels because you cannot organize private transport.

Where can I see if hotel transfer is included in Phuket when looking at Agoda?

Many Phuket hotels do not list Airport Transfer on their front page. Click into the hotel and look at the bottom left corner of the details page. Airport transfer will be listed here under services offered.

How do I book a private transfer from the airport to a hotel in Phuket?

You cannot. Transfer from Phuket airport to your hotel must be provided by the hotel so it meets all Covid safety measures.

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COVID-19 Thailand Visa Amnesty/Extension

What is a visa amnesty or covid extension.

It is the visa relief or 60-day visa extension for all foreign nationals staying in Thailand affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Foreigners can apply for a COVID extension at any immigration office until March 25, 2022.

Who are covered by the visa amnesty or COVID extension?

All foreign nationals who are legally staying in Thailand whether you are here on visa exemption entry stamps and tourist visas. The holders of non-immigrant visas, or yearly extension of stays are not eligible for the COVID extension.

What are the current implementing rules regarding the visa amnesty or COVID extension?

• Visas or permits to stay that are still valid and updated by the local Thai immigration office.
• Foreigners holding a long-term visa such as a working visa, marriage visa, or retirement are required to apply for their yearly extension at the Thai immigration office as usual.
• Foreigners do not need any embassy letter to be granted the automatic visa extension due to COVID-19.

Is the COVID-19 visa extension free of charge?

The COVID-19 extension of the visa costs 1,900 Thai baht.

Will the visa amnesty be extended?

The validity of the visa amnesty is until March 25, 2022 only. There is no indication that this visa amnesty or grace period will be extended.

What will happen when the visa amnesty is lifted or not extended anymore?

When the situation is resolved and returns to normal, foreigners must leave Thailand on or before the permit to stay date in their passports or they must apply for the proper another type of visa at the immigration office.

Want to stay in Thailand for up to 20 years? Consider the Thailand Elite Visa program.

90-Day Reporting

If you are a foreigner staying in Thailand for a period longer than 90 consecutive days holding a Non-Immigrant Visa or Extension of Stay, you are required by Thai Immigration to report your current address every 90 days. You may file for the TM47 notification in person, by mail, online, or by an agent. Please check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/90-day-reporting-immigration.php

Consequences of Visa Overstay

During this COVID-19 crisis in Thailand, some foreign nationals may find themselves overstaying in Thailand, do so by mistake, by miscalculating the length of their stay, forgetting their visa expiration date, or by unforeseen cancellation of their flights due to travel restrictions. As a traveler, you should strongly avoid overstaying in Thailand, but if you do find yourself in Thailand on an expired visa it is very important that you act fast and in the right way. Please check this page to learn more of the consequences of overstaying in Thailand: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/overstay-visa-thailand.php

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Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival

Foreigners under the Visa Exemption program and the Visa on Arrival programs may now travel to Thailand. Foreigners under the Visa Exemption may enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days and travelers under the Visa on Arrival program may stay in Thailand for up to 15 days. Travelers under the Visa Exemption and the Visa on Arrival must apply for Thailand Pass before traveling to Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions

To extend a tourist visa, do i need to visit the thai immigration office in person i do not want to go to crowded areas at risk of covid-19 infection..

Yes, there have been no changes regarding the visa extension application whether it is your first time to extend or the second time to extend. The application is still done in person. Thai immigration offices are practicing different measures such as social distancing and disinfecting the area to make sure that the applicants are not at risk of contracting the COVID-19. You might want to see if your local Thai immigration is open on Saturdays. That is a less crowded day of the week to visit the immigration office.

I have tried online reporting and reporting through a mobile app, both attempts failed. What are my other options?

If the online and mobile app reporting does not work, you need to do the reporting by yourself or you can ask a visa agent or third party to do the 90-day address reporting. You need to provide a power of attorney and the 90-day reporting documents such as the original and copy of the passport. There is no immigration fee for address reporting.

Is it required by law to wear a face mask?

The emergency decree issued by the Thai Government that came into effect recommends everyone wear a face mask when they are outside of their residence. However, some provinces such as Phuket have their own rule and you will be subject to a penalty. In Bangkok, commuters are required to wear a face mask when using public transportation and while in public places.

Should I carry my passport at all times?

Yes. If you are a foreigner and you will be out of your residence or hotel, you need to carry your passport especially right now that there are random checks to check the visa validity. It is also good to know that there are banks that would not allow you to enter the premises if you have traveled recently abroad, so it is best to have your passport with you at all times.

I am aware of the entry requirements for foreigners entering Thailand, is there special consideration for those traveling with my Thai family or visiting my Thai family?

At the moment, you can enter Thailand. You just have to make sure that you have obtained a Thailand Pass , purchased COVID-19 Insurance , had a COVID-19 test and you will undergo a mandatory Test and Go or ASQ quarantine.

I have a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit expiring on April 24, due to my country’s travel restriction I cannot return to Thailand to renew it. What are my options?

If your country does not allow you to travel to Thailand or if your country of departure is under the travel ban, I regret to inform you that there is nothing you are able to do. It is not possible to renew it while you are outside Thailand and it is also not possible to renew it at the Thai embassy in your country. Should your visa and work permit expire while you are outside Thailand, you need to apply for a new non-immigrant B visa for you to enter Thailand and after you have entered Thailand, you can apply for a new work permit.

When do I need the embassy letter for the COVID-19 visa extension?

As of writing, the embassy letter is no longer required by the immigration office to receive the 60-day COVID-19 extensions.

I am looking for flights from Laos to Europe and this requires me to transit in Thailand. Do I need a Health Certificate when transiting? There are multiple different articles including the one on Thai Airways stating that a Health Certificate is required for transiting passengers.

As of writing, international passengers including transiting passengers are required to present a COVID-19 health certificate and negative COVID test result. If you are affected by this travel requirement, you may opt to postpone your travel or you may opt to book a flight that will not transit through Thailand. For the latest update, it is best to contact your airline.

I am a US citizen traveling from the US to Thailand via Hong Kong, am I subject to mandatory quarantine?

No, the mandatory quarantine is not required for any foreigner and Thai travelers entering Thailand via Hong Kong if you are fully vaccinated. You may apply for Thailand Pass under the Test and Go program. The mandatory 10-day quarantine is only required for unvaccinated travelers from any country.

I’m a French national. I have 60 days tourist visa, which is ending soon, but due to COVID-19, I am kind of reluctant to travel back to France. Is there any way that I can extend my visa for another 30 days?

Yes, any nationality holding a 60-day tourist visa entry stamp can extend for 30 days at the local immigration office. For the extension, you just have to submit one passport-size photo (4cm x 6cm) with white background, TM6 card, TM30 receipt from your hotel, and pay the fee of 1,900 Thai baht.

I am British and I entered Thailand on holiday on March 3 and am scheduled to leave on April 1. If my flight is canceled due to COVID-19, I may be forced to overstay my 30 days permit to stay until I have a rescheduled flight. Is this ok? If not, what should I do?

You are able to extend this 30-day visa exemption stamp for another 30 days at the local Thai immigration office. For the extension, you just have to submit one passport-size photo (4cm x 6cm) with white background, TM6 card, TM30 receipt from your hotel, and pay the fee of 1,900 Thai baht.

I am an American and I have a 30-day visa exemption that I extended for an extra 30 days. My current extension will expire on April 1, 2021. What are my options to stay in Thailand due to the travel restriction in other countries?

You have two options: 1.) You can extend your current extension for 30 days at your local immigration office. 2.) You can request a COVID-19 extension and you will be given a 60 days extension at your local Thai immigration office.

I have a non-immigrant O visa for having a Thai wife. It is a single entry visa. My 90-day entry stamp will expire in April and the money in my account has not seasoned yet for 2 months. What can I do?

Since you are legally married to a Thai national, you can apply for a 60-day extension for having a Thai wife. This extension will give you enough time for your funds to season for 2 months. After your funds have seasoned for 2 months, you may apply for a 1-year extension or marriage visa.

My work permit and my visa will expire by the end of the month. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, I am not able to return to my country. What are my options?

Since your visa and your work permit will expire, your only option for an extension of your stay in Thailand is to file for the 60-day COVID extension. You may apply for this extension on the last day of your permit to stay.

I am flying from the USA to Thailand via Hong Kong. Do I still need to present a health certificate and travel insurance?

At the moment, passengers entering Thailand need to obtain the Thailand Pass , purchase a COVID-19 insurance , book Test and Go Hotel for 1 night, or an ASQ Hotel for the 10-day quarantine (if not vaccinated), and obtain a COVID-19 medical certificate.

Can anyone advise what to do regarding my Non-B visa? My Non-B expired on 4th March. I have to pay a fine of 500 baht per day for overstay. The borders around Thailand are closed for me to renew it. I have requested a 30-day extension but was refused. They need my new contract for the new year. This is costing me an arm and a leg. What are my solutions?

The best solution for this is to avoid overstaying so that you will not get in trouble in the future. If you do not have a new contract from the school it is imperative for you to return to your home country until you have a new contract and apply for a new visa from the Thai embassy there. Once you have secured a new non-immigrant B visa, you may return to Thailand together with a copy of the health certificate and health insurance. Another option is to request a COVID extension while you are preparing the documents for your non-immigrant B visa. Some immigration offices are now issuing non-immigrant B visas.

I am a U.S. citizen. I arrived in Bangkok last March 9. My flight to Manila has been canceled on April 8. I am in Pattaya. Do I need a US embassy letter to extend my 45-day Travel Visa? Or can I just go to the Thai Immigration office in Pattaya to get an extension due to COVID-19?

No, you do not need an embassy letter at this time. Your current 45-day visa exemption stamp can be extended for an additional 30 days. For the extension, you just have to submit one passport size photo (4cm x 6cm) with white background, TM6 card, TM30 receipt from your hotel and pay the fee of 1,900 Thai baht.

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2,085 Comments

Hello! I have a question! I got 3 doses, but the last one was in January. Is there an expiration date so I am not considered fully vaccinated again? Thank you! Greetings!

Dear Daniel,

You are considered fully vaccinated.

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2022-guide.pdf

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Why would anyone take an experimental vaccine.when 99.9% recovery..so sad to hear million dieing worldwide from the vaccine . I give travelling a miss

Hello, how many doses do i need to be considered fully vaccinated ? I got 3 doses up till now and my trip is on early october

2 doses is fully vaccinated.

When is the Covid-19 visa extension deadline? Can I still extend my Covid-19 visa?

The deadline was August 24, 2022.

Hi there, I’m traveling in Chiang Mai with my friend (He’s a Taiwanese living in Japan) and he got PCR tested positive today. His tourist visa expires the day after tomorrow and he has ticket to Japan on the same day. Japan requires him to be tested negative with certification.

Issues: – tourist visa is expiring – he cannot go to next destination because he has covid

any advice would be appreciated thank you.

Your friend can still get visa extension thru 3rd person. He/She need to be tested negative prior to continue his travel.

I arrived in Thailand a few days ago. I am not fully vaccinated, so I did an RT-PCR test in my country before departure. Now the result of the test is expired. I’m planning a flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Do I need to make a PCR test again in case of domestic flights in Thailand?

Hi Nicholson,

For domestic travel , it’s not necessary. Only upon entering Thailand.

Hi there, I’m a Filipino that entered Thailand with a visa exemption of 30 days. If I want to continue staying in Thailand as a tourist, do I have to apply for a tourist visa at the immigration office? How long can it be extended? And can it be done within Thailand? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Alicia ,

You can extend it for additional 30 days. Check this https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

Hello there,

Thank you for response. I would also like to ask if you were still requiring RT-PCR test for transit passenger. I had connecting flight there within an hour then I will fly to my final destination in Manila.

Yes, if unvaccinated.

I have a flight on Sept 18,2022 to Manila PH. I am a fully vaccinated OFW coming from Germany and had a connecting flight in Bangkok,Thailand within an hour then I will fly home bound to Manila. I would like to ask if you are still requiring Travel insurance,RT-PCR or Rapid test and if I still need to register on your Thailand health pass for Transit passenger like me. Hoping for your response. Thank you.

Hello Joana,

A health Insurance and the Thai Pass requirement for international/transit passengers will be lifted from 1 July, 2022 onwards. However, please check for the latest travel requirements with the airline and the country of your furthers destination.

I am currently in Phuket as tourist and I tested positive. What should I do?

If asymptomatic, make self isolation if with symptoms and severe admit yourself at nearest hospital. Your can do visa extension via third party.

Hi. I got in Thailand with 60-day tourist visa and later got my Non B working as a teacher. This visa expires end of September and I will no longer work for the company, but I would like to stay in the country. Do you think I should ask for a tourist visa (do I need to leave Thailand to do so?), or a covid visa extension if it’s still possible?

You can extend it for additional 30 days.

I am an Australian currently in Indonesia who will fly directly to Thailand to volunteer for an organisation for 60 days. Which visa can I apply for from Indonesia? Or should I arrive with the 30 days visa exemption and extend this to 60 days once I am there?

Yes, you can apply and do visa extension prior you finish your 30 days free visa.

Hi … I’m isolating in Bangkok due to contracting Covid. My Thai visa runs out today. I expect to get a negative PCR test result sometime next week. As soon as I get a negative result I wish to fly to Laos. Can I show the PCR test results to Immigration at the airport and deal with the overstay issues there before flying out to Laos?

Yes. To avoid penalty

Hi, Im Russian, Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Thailand, or PCR test is enough?

Hi Mustafa,

For easy entry, fully vaccinated is better, Just prepare your vaccination certificate and Passport. If unvaccinated, you need to have valid 72 hours RT PCR upon entry.

Hi, Me and my wife are trying to return to HK from Bangkok but we are struggling to find a quarantine hotel. We may have found one which is available from the 31st but our visa exemption expires on the 30th. How can we extend our visa exemption by a few days so we can travel on the 31st? Thanks

You can visit with the nearest immigration office o. You can also call our office +66 2 254 8900 and visit our website https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php for further assistance.

Currently staying in Bangkok

Here’s the address of our Bangkok office 18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Hi, I am unvaccinated, I will do the PCR test 72 hours prior to flight in Aug:

1. what is the procedure of my kid of 6 years old? 2. what if the PCR result of one of us result is positive? we are not allowed to fly, right? or we can fly but need to have the hotel of SHA+ for quarantine for 5 days? Thanks in advance

1. If you are unvaccinated and with children, both of you should have 72 hours RT PCR. 2. If the result is positive, you will be isolated at quarantine facility for a week . Better to secure your travel insurance with covid coverage in any case happen.

Hye. I’ve been looking for the latest requirement for transit in Thailand. I’m still not sure if I still need to have the insurance for 1hour+ transit in Thailand. Does anyone have answer for this? Thank you

Insurance is optional.

good afternoon, i have the complete vaccination and i have a trip to thailand on the 16th. the entry rules have changed today, it is still necessary to apply Thailand pass? And regarding travel insurance, is it still necessary? Thank you waiting for a reply

Thailand Pass is no longer required. Insurance is not mandated but still highly recommended.

Hi there one question arrive in Phuket, German with exemption 30 days is it still possible extend that for 30 days or will get only 7 days? can it be done in patong immigration or must go Phuket town immigration?

You can arrange your visa extension at Phuket immigration. You can also reach our office for assistance : +66 76 326 322

Hi .. My GM and Family [Qatari Nationals] Travelling to Thailand – Phuket on: 30 June [1-week stay] 2-Adults 18+[Fully Vaccinated] Is they needed PCR Test prior to their Travel Please…??

If adults are fully vaccinated, children can enter Thailand with the same procedure of adults as well.

Hi, can non-fully vaccinated traveller enter Thailand in June with a recovery certificate that is still valid for 3 months from the date tested positive, instead of taking a pro ART?

Also, is the test also required for domestic flights (eg. Bangkok to Phuket)?

Yes, you need a negative RT PCR within 72 hours of your flight. For domestic flights, no other requirements as long you successfully enter Thailand.

If I have been diagnosed with covid recently (less than 14 days) before my flight to Thailand, can I still enter Thailand? I have since recovered and am negative before departure and have also been fully vaccinated more than 14 days before entry.

Yes, bring your vaccination certificate and certificate of recovery.

Hi, I am flying from India to Hong Kong via Bangkok, with a 3-hour layover. The flight is this Saturday. My complete journey is booked on the same ticket.

Could you please confirm for me all the requirements I need to comply with for my layover?

A reply from you would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much

If you will travel for the month of June and fully vaccinated, just covid insurance. But if you will recheck in your luggage at immigration for your next flight, you need to apply Thailand Pass.

Effective on July 1, Thailand Pass is not necessary and insurance is optional.

Where can I find all the information for people in transit at the international airport BKK-Suvarnabhumi Intl. in June 24?

Open the link for your guidance, https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/covid-19-guide-for-travelers-in-thailand

I’ve entered thailand with a visa exemption for 30 days. Can I extend this by 60 days now or do I have to extend it by only 30 days first?

Hi Alexander,

If you will exceed with the granted visa exemption of 30 days, Yes , get visa.

We are a family of 5 transiting from Singapore to Bangkok then to Dubai. It’s a 4 hour layover. I hate the requirement to transit?

Hi Stephen,

If you will recheck in you baggage at immigration, apply for Thailand Pass and insurance. If no, just travel insurance with covid medical coverage of USD 10, 000

What is required if I am only transiting through Thailand? I am a US citizen. I am leaving Myanmar and traveling back to the United States. Myanmar requires everyone to have a negative PCR test to board the plane. Do I still need insurance or a Thai Pass if I am only passing through Thailand on an 8 hour layover?

Hi Monique,

If your flight details will be within the month of June, yes insurance is still required. If July 1st onwards, insurance is optional.

I am transiting through Bangkok (with through baggage) before landing in Japan. Is it right I need insurance even though it’s just a 2hr layover? I have vaccination proof, and will have a COVID test too of course. Is insurance necessary for the short layover? Thanks

Yes, you need insurance. Also, if you will recheck in your baggage at immigration, apply Thailand Pass.

I am travelling from Hong Kong to the UK with a layover of 10 hours in Bangkok. I will only stay in transit areas in BKK airport. I am vaccinated a year ago. I suppose I would need a negative PCR test result, may i ask if i also need medical insurance to travel via Thailand in this case? Thanks in advance.

Yes, travel insurance with covid coverage of USD 10,000 is required. If you will gonna recheck in your baggage at immigration, Thailand Pass is needed , if No, not necessary.

Hi Yordmanu, Thanks for getting back. Sorry may i confirm again if PCR test is needed if i am only in transit, given that i am vaccinated a year ago?

Thanks again!

No for layover it’s not necessary, just covid insurance if you will enter for this month of June 2022.

Hi, I have flight from Paris to Bangkok with Emirates on 03 Jul but it will only be transit as I will then go from Bangkok to Jakarta (Thai Lion) on few hours difference. Then on the way back on 23 Jul, I go from Jakarta to Bangkok but as the connecting flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong is more than 12 hours, I need to book overnight hotel. Note that I have to change airport as both airlines are different. What is my requirement for this specific case

Effective on July 1st, Thailand Pass will be removed and covid insurance is optional. Just bring you vaccination certificate.

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My family and I are travelling to Vietnam with a flight transfer in Bangkok airport for 2 hours later in June. Can you please advise what is now required to ensure no issues. My wife and myself are fully vaccinated with Certificate of vaccination and children are 13 and 11. Can you please advise what is needed and whether we need to complete the Thailand Pass application if we are not leaving the airport transfer area?

Your children can be enter with the same procedure of parents,(If you are fully vaccinated, that will be their procedure too). For Thailand Pass, just put their name under your application, there’s a button for additional there.

I will be travelling from Hong Kong with a stopover at Bangkok to EWR via Ethiopia Airline on about 16 August 2022. With reference to the statement below:-

Each passenger shall possess the complete set of documents which include: (1) Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, using RT-PCR method, which has been certified or issued no more than 72 hours before departure, OR certificate of vaccination showing that the last dose was administered no less than 14 days before the date of departure.”

Is it correct that RT-PCR is not needed so long I can present certificate of vacccination?

Dear Simon,

Yes, you are correct. Proof of Vaccination is enough. You do not need to do any COVID test. Thank you.

I am travelling to Pakistan from Hong Kong Via Thai Airways. I have a transit in Bangkok for 5 hrs and my baggage is mentioned to be checked through. I will not leave the airport restricted area during the waiting hours. Do I still need to buy travel insurance? I am fully vaccinated and might not require Thailand Pass as well.

If you will not recheckin your baggage for your next flight, just obtain travel insuourance with covid medical coverage.

We are flying from Melbourne to Thessaloniki (Greece) via Istanbul and Bangkok, departing 16 June 2022. Transit at Bangkok Airport will be on 16 June for about 3.5 hours.

We are a family of four.

Two adults having received two doses and two children (12 & 9) that have not been vaccinated yet but have had COVID a few months ago.

Q1: Do we all need to have a PCR Test for transit via Bangkok?

Q2: Are there any issues with the children not being vaccinated?

Children will have a same process with their parents. If they got covid, bring certificate of recovery.

Hello, I am flying from Kazakhstan to Malaysia with a transit in Phuket. What documents will I need?

Apply for Thailand Pass, if your travel time will be on the month of June.

I am flying from London to Sydney via Zurich and Bangkok, departing 10 February 2022. Transit at Bangkok Airport will be on 11 February for about 2 hours.

To transit, I know that I will need evidence of medical insurance. I will also have a proof of vaccination certificate.

Do I also need a PCR test result in addition to the vaccination certificate ? Or is the certificate good enough for transit ?

Yes, you will be needing Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, using RT-PCR method, which has been certified or issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Thank you.

I have two questions:

1. If I recently have been infected by COVID-19 and my PCR test prior to departure is positiv, can I use the certificate of recovery instead? I understand that the certificate of recovery is accepted if the test nr. 1 at the arrival in Thailand is positive, but what if the test in Denmark (my home country) is positive prior to take off?

2. Is it possible to travel by flights within Thailand (flight from Bangkok to Phuket) between the test on day 1 and day 5?

First, for those previously infected you must present a valid COVID-19 recovery form or medical certificate certifying that you have recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months before traveling or are asymptomatic in case your COVID- 19 RT-PCR test shows a positive result. If you’ve been tested positive prior to take off you must contact your airlines if what requirements you should bring with you. Second, Yes you can travel once you have your negative test result on your Day 1. Thank you.

Will the covid amnesty visa will renewed after 25th January?

Yes, it has been continued until March 25, 2022. Thank you.

Is Thai pass needed for transit via Bangkok(flying on Feb 6th from chennai to sydney with 1:30 hrs transit in Bangkok)?

You only need RT PCR test result and insurance. Thank you.

I have been approved via THailand Pass for entrry in January 2022. I recently recovered from COVID, but my PCR test is likely to still come back positive. Am I granted entry into Thailand with appropriate medical documentation of recovery? Will I still be required to take a PCR test upon arrival?

Dear Shannon,

Good day. You can still use your Thailand Pass to travel to Thailand however, you must also test negative in the RT-PCR test because you cannot board the flight if you tested positive, the airline will not allow you. Thank you.

Vietnam is open..we all plan to go there..no need for anything

Effective on July 1, Thailand Pass will be removed. Just bring your vaccination certificate, and the insurance is optional.

Is the 60 day covid 19 visa extension still possible at the immigration? Do I need any embassy letter or other document?

Yes, it is still possible to request for the extension under COVID. You can do this extension and visit immigration office until January 25, 2022. Thank you.

Hello, I am from the Philippines and I have parents working in Thailand. Would I still need to apply for a Thailand pass and undergo quarantine?

Dear Iszach,

Good day. Yes, you still need a Thailand Pass to be able to enter Thailand. If you are fully vaccinated, you can do a test and go program. For more information, please visit: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass Thank you.

Hello, I am just checking to see if we qualify for the Phuket Sandbox. My husband, daughter and I are Canadian diplomats currently residing in Malaysia. We would be 2 weeks post fully being vaccinated come August 1 when we would like to travel to Phuket and stay 8 days (not planning to leave the Island). I know we need the Visa, Covid Tests and insurance, but my question is, if we are Canadian but leaving from Malaysia would we be able to take advantage of the sandbox or do we need to be coming from Canada. We would be able to take a direct flight from Malaysia to Phuket.

Dear Kim, Good day. Both Malaysia and Canada are not low risk or medium risk countries per publication of the Ministry of Public Health. So you cannot qualify for the Phuket Sandbox program even if you are vaccinated or you only stay for 8 days. But that will change, perhaps middle of July or end of July, Malaysia will be considered medium or low risk at that time of your travel. Thank you.

Will the Phuket Sandbox allow people to enter without quarantine on a non-immigrant B visa? If not, is it possible to convert the Tourist Visa (or visa exemption if possible) to a non-Immigrant B without leaving Thailand? I am a US citizen,

Dear Chas, Good day. Yes, any person with Visa Exemption, TR visa or Non B visa can enter Phuket as long as you have COE and you have been vaccinated starting July. You must enter Phuket internationally through Singapore, Doha or Dubai (not through Bangkok). You must also stay in an accredited hotel for at least 7 days. You can travel around the island of Phuket during these seven days. Thank you.

If i have a non-immigrant B visa, can I purchase health insurance good for only 1 month?

Dear Ariane, Good day. For those arriving in Thailand or entering Thailand, the required validity of your COVID Insurance, it must cover the whole duration of your stay. So if your Non B visa is valid for 90 days, you must purchase at 90-day COVID insurance . If the validity is 6 months, you must also buy 6 months insurance. Thank you.

What if upon arrival in Thailand my visa is only valid for 1 month, it means I only have to buy the health insurance for a month?

Dear Ariane, Yes, you need to buy 1 month COVID 19 insurance and also provide an exit flight that coincide with the expiry of your visa or expiry of the insurance policy. Thank you.

Hi Rex Pls let me know how many night and day to stay quarantine. Bc I saw some hotel packages are 15nights & 16days but some is 14nights & 15days. thanks,

Dear Minge, Good day. The minimum requirement is 14/15 days. It depends on the hotel you have chosen. Some hotels are required by MOPH to offer 15 days or 16 days and some hotels are only required to have 14 days. Just choose what the hotel is offering as a package. You cannot request a hotel to lower it 14 days if they are offering 15-day package. You can choose another hotel that offers 14-day package if you want that package. There’s more than 130 ASQ hotels in Bangkok. Thank you.

Hi. I have e – Tourist visa for 60days. I want to expand tourist visa for more 30days. Were I have to go to do it Bangkok 1. Immigration Bureau? 2. Immigration division 1? Or in all this places i can expant my visa?

Dear Viktorija,

Good day. You can apply for the 30-day extension at any immigration office in Thailand. If you are residing or currently staying in Bangkok, you need to visit the Muang Thong Thani Satellite Immigration office. Thank you.

What are my chances of getting another visa extension after being able to extend my TR visa twice? First, I was granted 30 days extension then the immigration officer offered 60 days extension due to Covid ending on June 27, 2021. When the Covid outbreak worsen in the Philippines last April, Philippine government set a policy to only allow 1500 inbound passengers prompting the airlines to limit their flights. When am about to fix my flight after being cancelled, I learned that Philippine Airlines had already closed their flights for the month of June and July. I have no clue how my visa extension will come out when i apply for the third time and that’s what i worry about.

Dear Chris, Good day. Please check with us in June about the COVID extension if it is extended or not. Right now, this program is only available until May 29th. Let’s see if you can extend it again in June. I recommend for you to call PAL to book a flight in June. Thank you.

I am in Bangkok and due to fly back to the Philippines on June 30. My visa though is only until June 27 and while i plan to apply for extension given that i already had two visa extensions, I am not too certain if i will be accommodated. This time if possible, to be allowed to stay for 3 days, just until my flight is sufficient. I just dont want to have a record that i overstayed.

Dear Chris, If you have no plan to return to Thailand for good, you can overstay for 3 days and pay the overstay fine at the airport. If you have plans to return to Thailand after your trip in the Philippines and returning as tourist, then we recommend for you, not to overstay even for a single day. Thank you.

Dear Chris, I have travelled to Thailand , got my COE and finished my quarantine. I need to fly to China for work. Now the visa office informed, I need to stay in Thailand for more than 2Months, befire they can issues my visa. What am I to do now?

Dear Lizette, Good day. You can apply for the COVID 19 extension at any immigration office. This will give you 60 days stay from the date of application. So I recommend to go to immigration office when your current visa or permit to stay is expiring. Thank you.

Can you please inform me what a good website is for updated travel restrictions within Thailand?

Dear Uschi, Good day. Yes, you can definitely check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions You may also sign up for our weekly updates. Thank you.

It didnt come easy. PAL rejected my requests couple of times but am happy to inform you that I was finally accommodated on their June 30 flight. My only worry now is my visa expires 3 days earlier than my flight. I dont want to have any record of overstaying. Just want to consult if you think Thai Immigration would grant me at least 3 days visa, just up until my flight. Am praying hard now that my flight wouldn’t get cancelled anymore. Thinking about my situation is giving me unnecessary stress.

Thank you in advance for being available and sharing your expertise.

Dear Chris, I am not sure if you are in Thailand now or are you already in the Philippines. If you are already in the Philippines and your flight to Thailand is June 30th and your Thai visa is until June 27th, you will not be able to get a COE based on that visa. You may have to get a COE based on visa exemption. Thank you.

Hi, I will be flight to Bangkok on 1 May and already get the ROC approval from the Hong Kong Thai Embassy, however, the flight schedule no was changed but on the same date of arrival, I tried to log in to amend the ROC but iot showed that it was approved which cannot be amended any information, may I know that how should I do ? is it necessary to amend the flight NO

Dear Ben, Good day. The COE has the remarks number stating that if your flight was canceled or delayed and you have a new flight within 72 hours from the original flight and all your other documents are updated, you can use the same COE. Thank you.

Hi I was going to fly Thailand on apr 20th but it turns out i am Covid positive. I have to stay isolated 2 weeks at home. What are the requirements for people that has already Covid? You know PCR remains positive even if you can not transmit the illness… Should I quaratine? Thanks

Dear Fabian, You can travel to Thailand only when you test negative. People who recovered from COVID 19 will test negative afterward. That is the way to say they have recovered. Thank you.

Hi Fabian, what ended up happening in your situation. Were you allowed to enter with a certificate of recovery or did you have to wait until you tested negative?

Hi .. i just want to ask .. My friend want to travel in DUBAI UAE .. right now shes in thailand did bnkok thaild requires 100,000 usd for health insurance even she will do exit in the country? And she have already travel health insurance here in dubai .. hope u will answer my question . Thanks

Dear Mariel, A Thai national does not need a travel insurance when she returns to Thailand. If your friend is not Thai and she will return to Thailand, she needs to have 3 to 6 months COVID insurance for Thailand. Thank you.

My husband plans to travel this May, he is a dialysis patient does ASQ hotels provide dialysis treatment for 2 days? He is done with his covid vaccine.

Dear Mae, Good day. I recommend for you to contact with the ASQ Hotel if they can arrange this special request. They might be able to arrange it with the partner hospital. Thank you.

I’m married to a Thai national but I reside in the UK (I’m British), my wife is in Thailand (Isaan). I’m hoping to travel out there in October this year 2021 and would like to ask, will I be permitted to travel to Isaan to see her and spend a few weeks there?

Thanks Andre

Dear Andre, Good day. Yes, you will be permitted to see your family in Isaan. if you are staying less than 45 days in Thailand, you may opt to get the visa exemption of 45 days which you may extend for 30 in Thailand. You only need to apply for the COE or certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy. The main requirements are bank statement, return flight within 45 days, ASQ hotel booking for the quarantine of either 7 or 10 days, COVID 19 travel insurance for Thailand and the COVID test before your flight. The processing time for the COE will take a couple of days.

You may download our Free Guide on How to Enter Thailand on this link: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2021-guide.pdf Thank you.

My Mom is a Thai citizen will she have to self isolate at the hotel or we can self isolate ourselves at home? Because we have not enough money to pay that hotel fee for 14 days. What should we do?

Dear Jimmy, For the Thai national, when applying for the COE to return to Thailand, you will be given an option to quarantine in a hotel paid by yourself or quarantine in the facility provided by the government (usually it is a hotel classroom or a hotel also). No, you cannot quarantine at home. You must do it in designated areas for 10 days. Thank you.

Hi, Can i convert my non immigrant o type visa into non-immigrant B type visa without leaving Thailand? Is there any relaxation in this case due to covid?

Dear Vishakha, Good day. At this time, if your non immigrant O visa is a dependant visa or guardian visa or volunteer visa, it is not possible to change it into a Non Immigrant B visa within the country. If it is a Non O visa under retirement or under marriage visa, there will be a possibility that it can be changed into a Non Immigrant B visa at Bangkok Immigration office. Thank you.

My mum is a Thai resident living in England, my sister and I are British citizens. We’ve had bad news about a family member and we are desperate to go over as soon as possible this would not be for tourism, strictly personal agenda. What can we do?

Dear Alex, Good day. You may enter Thailand under visa exemption. Please check this page as your guide on how you can travel to Thailand right now: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021 Thank you.

Hi there, I am a visitor from Indonesia, and I entered Thailand under the 45 day visa exemption scheme. I just finished my quarantine and plan to extend my duration of stay beyond the original 45 days. Is that possible? And what are the requirements?

Dear Lisa, Yes, you may visit the local immigration office and you may apply for a 60-day COVID 19 extension and pay 1900 THB. Thank you.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Thailand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to  civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Thailand.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Thailand.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

6 months from date of entry required

One page is required per entry stamp; please note endorsement pages are not considered blank passport page

No, if your stay is less than 30 days

Yellow fever may be required if arriving from certain countries with yellow fever

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Bangkok 95 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330 Thailand Telephone: + (66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

CONSULATE 

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai 387 Witchayanond Road Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand Telephone: +(66) (53) 107-777, 053-107-777 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) 81-881-1878, 081-881-1878 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (53) 252-633, 053-252-633 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Royal Thai Embassy website for the most current visa information.

• U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa.
• We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry.
• Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
• Business travelers, U.S. government employees travelling on official business, teachers, retirees, and those planning to stay longer than 30 days should check with the  Royal Thai Embassy about visa requirements .
• If you overstay your visa, you will be fined. Depending on the length of overstay, you may also be arrested, detained, deported at your own expense, and banned from re-entering Thailand.

We strongly recommend you carry a copy of your U.S. passport identification page and current Thai visa to help avoid detention by the Thai immigration police.

Thailand’s entry/exit information is subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please see  The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau .

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website . 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Thailand. However, these restrictions are generally not enforced. Please verify this information with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Periodic acts of violence in Thailand remain a concern.  In August 2019, several small explosions and related arson events occurred in various locations throughout Bangkok resulting in no deaths but some injuries and minor property damage. Several small-scale bombings occurred near some tourist locations in the far Southern provinces in August 2016 and December 2018. In August 2015, an explosion near the Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok killed at least 20 people and injured more than 100. The U.S. Department of State assesses there is a continued risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including in Thailand.

If a protest or demonstration is expected to pass near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate facilities,  Embassy and Consulate entrances and functions may be restricted. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s  website ,  Facebook,  and  Twitter  sites and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai’s  website ,  Facebook , and  Twitter  sites post information about local events that may affect Embassy functions. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security and safety messages.

Far Southern Thailand:  Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places. Martial law is in force in this region.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces. Travel to this region by U.S government employees must be reviewed and approved in advance. For more information on terrorist threats against U.S. citizens worldwide and steps to take as a result of these threats, please see the  Worldwide Caution .

• Crimes of opportunity,  such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, and burglary, occur in Thailand.
• Violent crimes  against foreigners are relatively rare. However, murders, rapes, and assaults against foreigners do occur.
• Sexually motivated violence,  committed by either Thai citizens or foreigners, is most likely to occur after time spent at bars, clubs, and parties, on beaches, or in remote/isolated areas. The Thai police response will differ from an investigation in the United States; investigating officials have publicly discredited people who have reported being the victim of crimes . In addition to making a report at the police jurisdiction in which the crime occurred, we advise contacting the Embassy and engaging a local attorney if you are a victim of an assault.
• When traveling alone,  exercise caution, stay near other travelers, and ensure friends or family know how to contact you.
• Taxi and “tuk-tuk”  drivers may attempt to charge excessive fares or refuse passengers. You should either request the driver use the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
• At the airport  use only public transportation from the airport’s official pick-up area, cars from the limousine counters, or a car from your hotel.
• Rental scams  do occur in Thailand. Many rental motorbike, jet ski, and car companies will hold your passport until you pay for real or fictitious damages. We advise against using your passport as collateral.
• Exorbitant bar tab scams  occur in Thailand. Some bars and entertainment venues will charge exorbitant prices for drinks or unadvertised cover charges and threaten violence if you don’t pay.
• Other scams  involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in tourist areas.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Thailand. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Conditions at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center (IDC):  Conditions in immigration detention centers (IDCs) where authorities detain foreign nationals who violate immigration laws remain poor and most are overcrowded. IDCs, administered by the Immigration Police Bureau, which reports to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), are not subject to many of the regulations that govern the regular prison system. U.S. citizen detainees often complain of stark, austere living conditions, overcrowding, and unhealthy conditions. Personal security is poor. In addition, the main IDC in Bangkok does not dependably provide adequate medical or mental health care. In 2019, two U.S. citizens died while in custody at the Bangkok IDC. Deportations are self-funded and it may take up to two weeks for Thai authorities to process a case before deportation. Detainees must have funds to purchase a phone card and do not have access to the internet. Prior approval and a security escort are required to visit a Western Union or an ATM machine.

• Please see the  Immigration Act B.E. 1979  for more information about Thai Immigration violations.
• Please see the  Department of State’s Report on Human Rights Practices for Thailand  for further information.

Lèse majesté (Royal Insult):  Thais hold the monarchy in the highest regard. Making a critical or defamatory comment about the royal family is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense. As an example, purposely tearing Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered a lèse majesté offense.

• Prostitution is illegal in Thailand.  Serious consequences include criminal conviction and imprisonment, particularly in the case of child prostitution. 
• Commercial surrogacy is banned.
• Personal use of even non-lethal military equipment, such as protective vests and night vision scopes, is prohibited.
• Illegal drugs  carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.
• Shoplifting  can result in large fines and lengthy detention followed by deportation.
• Domestic Issues:  Local police are reluctant to become involved in domestic issues. You may call the Family Services Emergency hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone.
• Possessing counterfeit or pirated goods is a crime in Thailand.  For more information see the  intellectual property section of the U.S. Department of Justice website .

Customs  may enforce strict regulations on Buddha images, firearms, bullets and/or bullet casings, bullet-proof vests, night vision devices and other para-military type equipment, explosives, drugs, radios, books, and recordings, which might be cultural property and/or considered harmful to the public interest.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no known legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Thailand. However, LGBTI groups report that in the case of sexual crimes, police tend to downplay sexual abuse claims from LGBTI victims.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Sidewalks and street crossings are not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Newly constructed buildings, facilities, and transportation equipment should be accessible by law for persons with mobility issues. However, enforcement of these provisions is not uniform.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Some victims of sexual assault or domestic violence find that Thai authorities do not handle such cases with as much sensitivity or consideration for privacy as they would expect in the United States. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except for Bangkok and other major cities.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical treatment  is generally adequate in Thailand’s urban areas. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, good facilities exist for routine, long-term, and emergency health care. Basic medical care is available in rural areas, but English-speaking providers are rare.

Medical tourism  is an established and rapidly growing industry. You should consult with your local physician before traveling and also  refer to information on medical tourism from CDC.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medicine for personal use  is allowed as long as the amount does not exceed a 30-day supply and you bring the medicine with you. Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with  Thailand Customs  and the  Thailand Food and Drug Administration  to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are present:

• Chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis
• Tuberculosis:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Melioidosis         

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  The air quality in Thailand varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons, but seasonal smog is a problem. In recent years the air quality in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon have exceeded Thai and U.S. government daily standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) for a portion of the year. In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, annual agricultural burning, approximately February through late April, and forest fires cause days with unhealthy to hazardous air quality based on the U.S. index. In Bangkok environs, airborne dust and auto pollutants are prevalent in the cooler, dry period (December-February). Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from air pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease
• People who work or are active outdoors

For Bangkok and Chiang Mai, U.S. Mission Thailand is reporting the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from PM2.5 data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Government. The information and advice on health protection measures to take is available

Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Bangkok and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Medical staff at public hospitals may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Thailand.
• Although Thailand has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Thailand, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• If you are considering traveling to Thailand to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Thailand’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Thailand via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality:

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

COVID-19 Testing: For the most current list of COVID-19 testing locations in Thailand approved by the Ministry of Public Health, please visit:  http://service.dmsc.moph.go.th/labscovid19 .  Testing is paid for by U.S. citizens.

The Ministry of Public Health provides a list of 44 laboratories approved to conduct COVID-19 testing found  here .

Please Note : Same-day Covid-19 testing is available at most private hospitals throughout Thailand.  Please reference this list of testing locations and contact the provider directly to inquire about COVID-19 testing options, scheduling, cost, and other information.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Thailand.   According to Thai authorities, both private and public hospitals are providing COVID-19 vaccines. More information on a list of hospitals in Thailand is available  here .

The Bang Rak Vaccination and Health Center, the Institute of Dermatology, and the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute are currently providing free bivalent vaccines to non-Thai citizens on a walk-in basis.

Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic accidents are common in Thailand.  According to the  World Health Organization , in 2018, Thailand had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates. Bangkok and some parts of Chiang Mai have heavy traffic.
• Reckless driving:  Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey other traffic laws are common in all regions of Thailand. Traffic moves on the left. Some drivers move illegally against the traffic. Scooters and motorbikes commonly drive on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of heavy traffic. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.
• Accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly . Riders may incur serious injuries when they are not wearing helmets or proper clothing and footwear. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, 74 percent of traffic fatalities involved riders of 2-and 3-wheeled vehicles. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is sporadically enforced. 
• Use a pedestrian bridge  to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. 
• If you have a traffic accident,  you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.
• Emergency vehicles:  Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention

Traffic Laws:

• Driving under influence is punishable by law . If you are found to be intoxicated, you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and subject to a fine.
• Bribes are illegal.  If you are found guilty, you could be imprisoned up to five years, face severe fines, or both.
• Lack of ID.
• Not obeying traffic laws and traffic signals.
• Driving slowly in regular lanes of traffic.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should contact your auto insurance company for guidance . 

Public Transportation:

• Mass transit:  In Bangkok, the BTS elevated "Skytrain," “Airport Rail Link” mass transit, and the underground MRT systems are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than Bangkok traffic.
• Bus system:  Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.
• For hire vehicles:  Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport.
• Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle service  exist in Bangkok and other large cities. Those affiliated with registered taxis, such as Grab Taxi, Line Taxi, and All Thai Taxi are legal, but their affiliated car services are under legal review.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Thailand should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Thailand . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Thailand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.

1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. visit the grand palace and wat pho.

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi , it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

For information on specific destinations in Thailand, check out the following guides:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )

Thailand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Thailand is very affordable, though you should expect to pay more on the islands and less up north. Hostels range from 270-500 THB per night for a 4-6-bed dorm. Larger dorm rooms with 10 or more beds can be found for 170-250 THB. Private rooms in hostels cost 700-1,000 THB. Hostels on the islands are going to be on the upper end of that range. During peak season, expect to spend about 20% more.

Free Wi-Fi is common and many hostels also include free breakfast and have air conditioning. It’s not uncommon for hostels to have pools either (especially if they are a party hostel).

You can find cheap guesthouses for as little as 400 THB per night in cities and 300 THB per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about 1000 THB per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with an air-conditioner, expect to pay 1400 THB per night.

Budget hotels start at around 1,000 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at 2,500 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach.

Airbnb is very popular in Thailand and you’ll find a lot of options in most major cities. Renting private rooms is not common, but renting full apartments is very affordable for the quality you get, starting at around 600-900 THB per night.

Food – Thai food is spicy and flavorful and uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas. Popular dishes throughout the country include pat tai (a fried noodle dish, more commonly known to Westerners as pad thai), tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Street food can cost as little as 20 THB, though on average you’ll spend about 40-70 THB per meal.

Sit-down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB for a dish. For larger dishes or curries, you pay spend up 120 THB per dish. In bigger cities, the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 70-100 THB. On the islands, you’ll probably pay about 30 THB more per dish than you would on the mainland.

Western food is pricey compared to Thai food. Most Western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) cost between 170-340 THB, though they can be higher in fancier establishments. Most Western food also pales in comparison to its original so it’s best to skip it altogether. I mean, you didn’t come all this way to have a crappy burger or pizza, right? If you’re looking for sushi, expect to spend 2,000 THB or more for a meal and drinks.

Fast food like Burger King or McDonald’s begins at 150 THB for a sandwich and 300 THB for a meal.

When it comes to drinking, the cheapest beers cost about 60-85 THB each for a small one and 100-120 THB for a large. A glass of wine costs 180 or more THB and cocktails cost between 300-450 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven for half that price. In most places, especially tourist areas, you’ll find happy hours for 60-90 THB for beers and basic cocktails.

And, since food is so cheap, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. If you do decide to shop, expect to pay 600-800 THB for a week’s worth of basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Thailand Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Thailand, budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street vendors, enjoying a couple of drinks per day, using public transportation, and doing mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks and diving.

On an upscale budget of around 3,725 per day or more, you can do anything you want. There’s nothing you can’t do. After this amount, the sky is the limit and Thailand does luxury really well!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

• Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
• Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
• Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
• Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
• Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
• Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
• The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
• Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
• Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
• Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
• Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.

How to Get Around Thailand

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.

There is a new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.

Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:

• Thai Lion Air
• Vietjet Air

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.

Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.

Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Thailand Travel Guide

Your ultimate thailand travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in thailand. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Known for its famous cuisine, Thailand is also a country full of history and culture and home to many sacred sites and temples.

Add in plenty of shopping venues (both on land and on the water), friendly locals, and many natural wonders like beaches, lagoons, and caves, and it all makes a memorable trip.

There are many things to see and do in Thailand.

This Thailand travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Thailand

• Currency: The official currency is the Thai baht and 1 baht is equal to 0.032 USD.
• Power: Power voltage is 220 V at 50 Hz.
• Visa:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 months after your departure date and a return plane ticket. You can stay for 30 days without a visa.
• Getting Around The best way to get around Thailand is by bus or train.
• Sales tax The sales tax rate is 7%.
• The Capital City of Thailand is Bangkok

Things to See and Do in Thailand

• Climb in Railay  – We went Rock Climbing in Railay for the first time in 2000 and each time we go back to Thailand we climb, King Klimbers and Hot Rocks are our go-to shops. 
• Go Sea Kayaking   – through the Hongs of Phuket
• Volunteer or  visit an Elephant Sanctuary
• Take Part in Songkran  – It’s the world’s largest water fight. Actually, it’s the Thai New Year and they ring it in in style with a lot of water. 
• Take a Muay Thai Kickboxing Course  – Sign up for a month and really delve into the culture.
• Take a Cooking Class –  Thai food  is a favourite around the world and cooking courses are popular around the country. Sign up for a multi-day course to really get to know the cuisine.=
• Beaches  – Thailand has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Places like Phuket and Kho Samui are popular with the tourists but there are many other beaches like Railay and Ao Nang in Krabi, Kho Lanta and Kho Lipe near the Malaysian Border. 
• Tip: avoid Pattaya Beach it’s overrun and just downright depressing. 
• Bridge on the River Kwai – Made famous by the movie it was a strategic location during WWII. There is a war memorial here for soldiers who were kept as POWs in unbearable conditions.

Thailand Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand
• The Best Things to do in Koh Samui
• Best Things to do in Krabi
• Best Things to do in Phuket
• 35 of the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – A Guide to The Lantern Festivals of Chiang Mai

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of backpacker hostels in the range of 250-700 baht per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, shared kitchens, lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, and great locations.

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay 1,500-2,750 baht per night and enjoy private rooms, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a hotel restaurant and bar, a gym, and nearby attractions.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 3,00-12,000 baht per night, with the mostluxurious going all the way up to 76,500 baht. Take in the best of Thailand with top-of-the-line hospitality, polished rooms, and suites with flat-screen TVs, beautiful hotel architecture, rooftop pools overlooking the city, multiple dining options, fitness centers,tennis courts, and more.

If you are starting your trip in Bangkok check out our suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok.

Thai cuisine favors rice, noodles, nam pla (fish sauce), vegetables and fruits, seafood or meat, and herbs and spices. Pad Thai is one of the national dishes in Thailand.

Soups and curries, with various combinations, are also popular dishes. Thailand has many street vendors where you can sample great Thailand cuisine.

When out and about, try some mango sticky rice or banana roti (banana pancake). Expect to pay 90-150 baht per meal when dining in a restaurant.

The Best Ways to Get Around Thailand

Getting to thailand:.

Getting to Thailand: The Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main airport to fly into and is about 19 miles from Bangkok. The Phuket International Airport (20 miles from Phuket city center) and the Chiang Mai International Airport (2 miles from the city center of Chiang Mai) are alternatives.

You can check for the best flights to Thailand on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Transportation: Trains are a fast way to get around, especially the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. Tickets cost 16-59 baht depending on how many stations you pass through, or you can pay 120 baht to get a one-day pass with unlimited rides. The Skytrain runs from 6:30 AM to midnight and passes by many attractions, including more rural areas

Buses : are a good way to get around and travel through most parts of the country. Pay just 7 baht for shorter rides or 9-19 baht for air-conditioned buses that cover longer distances.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. In major cities like Bangkok, the taxis are metered, and prices start at 35 baht, with 2 baht being added per kilometer traveled

Car Rental:   To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license that you have held for at least one year prior. Prices start at 700 baht per day

When to go To Thailand

When to visit Thailand: Thailand mainly has two seasons, wet and dry.

Thailand’s high season is November to February.  This is when it is the driest but this is also when you’ll be swarmed with the most tourists.

Southern Thailand is hot all year long, but has a very wet rainy season:

The West Coast of Southern Thailand is wet between April to October.

The East Coast is wet from September to December.

June to October is the rainy season and temperatures soar with high humidity.

Northern Thailand’s dry season stretches from November to May.

Temperatures are less hot between October and January and can actually be a little cool in the North especially in the evening and early morning.

Where to Stay in Thailand

Hansar Hotel Bangkok : This five-star hotel in the Pathum Wan District of Bangkok is the place to be. Enjoy private suites with glass showers, an infinity pool and hot tub, a hotel restaurant and bar with live music, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast and room service. Shopping centers and the Lumphini Park are nearby.

Royal Phuket City Hotel : Just a short trip to the Tiger Kingdom animal park and Wat Chalong temple, and a short walk to the Trickeye Museum, this four-star hotel is the place to stay in Phuket. Enjoy private rooms with sea views, a day spa, the hotel’s three restaurants, a karaoke lounge, and a rooftop pool, plus more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and Air B&B for the best deals on accommodation in Ireland.

Thailand Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• The Best Things to do in Pai Thailand

What to Pack for Thailand

We have been back numerous times and have come up with these Thailand travel tips to help you pack right.

That being said, you don’t have to pack a lot to travel to Thailand, it is always hot! And whatever you don’t have, you can buy there, but here are our top suggestions for things to have while traveling in Thailand.

You can basically live in a bathing suit and flip-flops, although the cities are getting quite chic so it’s nice to dress up too.

Pack lightweight breathable clothing.

Thailand is hot and humid. You won’t need a lot of heavy clothing. A bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts.

Hiking boots or shoes are good for jungle and mountain treks

• Sarongs  – these can be used for anything. From covering up when visiting temples, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night while using it as a light sheet. Check out our  Many Uses of the Simple Sarong  for more suggestions.
• Ladies, make sure to pack a light long-sleeved blouse for entering temples. A skirt is a good idea for the same reason, although I often just tie a sarong around my shorts.
• Flip Flops  – Flip Flops, Thongs, Jandals…whatever you call them in your part of the world, flip-flops are a must for Thailand. They are easy to slip on and off when entering temples. Since the weather is so warm, you don’t need a lot of footwear unless you are going for hikes. If you are planning on hikes, pack some lightweight hiking boots.
• Backpacks  – We prefer a backpack to a suitcase for Thailand as you’ll be on boats, tuk-tuks, motorcycles and trains. Backpacks are easier to carry and you don’t have to roll them through the sand of Thailand’s amazing beaches. We buy a lot of our clothing in Thailand. The fabric is lightweight and perfect for the weather.

Thailand Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Thailand  click here .

20 Best Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust

The Best Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand

TRAVEL to THAILAND – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Thailand in our comprehensive 2024 Thailand Travel Guide.

Having spent almost 12 months exploring and living in the ‘Land of Smiles’, we’ve become pretty knowledgable when it comes to information on travel to Thailand, which is why we’ve put together this epic Thailand travel guide for you!

Travelling to Thailand, a place proud in heritage and Buddhism offers an insight into the fight to sustain its past while a booming economy beckons.

From the Grand Palace to the rice paddies of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s diversity of adventure and culture combine to be the perfect mix for a first-timers country or those who want to delve deeper.

Maybe a trip to remote Northeastern Thailand to visit 13th-century temples or why not head to Phangnga Bay home to a multitude of limestone islands.

Thailand along with its expanding cities, natural landscapes never cease to amaze from the Northern jungles of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai where waterfalls become an ideal swimming spot as lush forests dominate the mountainous horizon all while golden beaches and oceans sustain some of Thailand’s most pristine and unique sea life.

Travelling in Thailand has it all from exotic cuisines, endless opportunity for adventure and some of the friendliest people in the world. What more could you ask for?

10 BEST Things to Do in Ao Nang, Thailand [2024]

21 best things to do in koh phangan [2024 travel guide], 13 awesome things to do in chiang mai, thailand (2024 guide), travelling in thailand: at a glance.

Here are the basics of travel to Australia.

Thai Baht (See  current exchange rates ). $1 USD equals roughly 31 Thai Baht. You can often find cheap local meals for about 30-50 Baht ($1-2 USD), and an average beer at a bar can cost between 70-100 Baht ($2-3 USD). 

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Chiang Mai, Phuket

ENTRY / VISA:

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country, or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival. For information about the visa process click  here.

Thai (In touristy areas, many locals speak English. So you don’t have to be fluent in Thai to navigate the country!)

Thailand in general is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart. The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. If you have 110-volt appliances, you need a voltage adaptor otherwise you’ll burn out the item you are using. Plug type A (two-prong round socket) or C (two-prong flat sockets).Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave.

TRANSPORTATION:

Getting around Thailand is super easy. Thailand has some wonderful public transport infrastructure in place, and you can get just about anywhere in the country without too much of an issue.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Thailand

With so much to see and do in Thailand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Thailand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Go Scuba Diving

Thailand is the place to get scuba certified. The courses are among the cheapest in the world and the trainers are highly qualified. If you are already certified, dives are cheap.

Go  diving from Phuket .

Find peace at a meditation/yoga retreat

Thailand caters to those of us who are looking for a place to recharge our minds and bodies. With lots of affordable options, a retreat should be on your must-do list.

Book your  wellness stay in Koh Samui .

Take a Thai cooking class

Thai food is so delicious, so why not learn to cook it yourself? There are many cooking classes available throughout the country.

Book a  cooking class in Bangkok .

Island hop the most picturesque beaches

Thailand offers some of the most spectacular beaches in all of the world. Most of these are on islands only accessible by boat. Fortunately, transport is cheap and easy so get out and find your favourite beach!

Pay your respects at the many temples

Buddhism is an essential and vibrant part of Thai life and temples are all over the country. To learn more, respectfully engage in conversation with monks. And at some of the temples, you can learn meditation for the day or have a meal for a small donation.

Tour the famous  temples of Chiang Mai .

Other Things to do in Thailand

Rock climb . Krabi is known for many things, rock climbing among them.  Railay Beach  is the most popular place to give the sport a try.

Get a Sak Yant tattoo . Sak Tant tattoos are  sacred and blessed tattoos  inscribed by monks using traditional bamboo tattoo methods. Definitely a permanent memory from your time in Thailand.

Ride a tuk-tuk . These three-wheeled vehicles are the most common way to navigate the busy streets in most Thai cities. You’d be hard-pressed not to find them convenient and affordable during your travels.

Visit a floating market . Bangkok has  the most famous floating markets . But you can tour others throughout the country for a uniquely Thai feel.

Eat Pad Thai . Sure you’ve probably had Pad Thai at your favourite Thai restaurant back home. But you’ve never had it as you will in Thailand itself.

Watch a Ladyboy show . Seemingly peculiar yet incredibly popular and well respected in Thai culture, the  Ladyboy Cabaret’s  will leave you entertained for sure.

Walk on the Bridge Over the River Kwai . Famous in its own right, the bridge is worth a stroll when you are  visiting Kanchanaburi .

Visit the Golden Triangle . Thailand, Laos and Myanmar come together at what is called the Golden Triangle.  Visit here  to take in all 3 countries at once.

Visit the Bangkok Airplane Graveyard . It’s never good to think of planes and graveyards in the same thought. Unless you can explore the ruins of  massive and historic planes .

Catch a sunset at the Phi Phi viewpoint . Sure there are plenty of amazing places to end your day in Thailand. But  Koh Phi Phi  boasts just about the best sunsets as anywhere else in the country.

Watch Muay Thai fight . You can watch Muay Thai at any number of venues around Thailand. Or  take a lesson in Bangkok  if you’re up for the challenge.

See the Big Buddha . Buddhism is big in Thailand. And nothing demonstrates this more than the Big Buddha in Phuket.

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Amazing Things to do in Thailand !

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Best Places to Visit in Thailand

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Thailand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

The capital of Thailand has become one of the most popular gateways to Asia. No trip to Thailand is complete without  a few days in Bangkok .

For the best introduction to the stunning scenery and warm culture of Thailand,  visit Phuket , the country’s largest island.

With the best restaurant and cafe scene in the country, excellent nightlife, a strong Buddhist presence and enough activities to fill a calendar year, there is definitely no shortage of  things to do in Chiang Mai !

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a huge island covered in forest and fringed with pristine beaches. As the second-largest Thai island, you absolutely must plan to  visit Koh Samui .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Thailand, reference our following city travel guides: 

*  Bangkok City Guide *  Bangkok Itinerary *  Day Trips From Bangkok

Chiang Mai:

*  Chiang Mai City Guide *  Chiang Mai Itinerary * Day Trips From Chiang Mai

*  Phuket City Guide *  Phuket Itinerary * Day Trips from Phuket

*  Koh Samui City Guide *  Koh Samui Itinerary

Krabi Pai Koh Phi Phi Chiang Rai Ao Nang Koh Mook Trang Kanchanaburi

Kamphaeng Phet Koh Lanta Pattaya Hua Hin Koh Phangan Koh Yao Noi Koh Tao Tonsai Beach

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Awesome Places to Visit in Thailand.

Best Thailand Travel Itinerary

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do, we’ve put together a  few Thailand itineraries  that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Thailand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Thailand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

There is so much to see and do in Thailand, and you honestly could spend years here (lots of people to in fact).

Here is an overview of how you might consider spending between 1 to 3 weeks in Thailand.

Whether you love adventure, relaxation, health and wellness, luxury, food or culture, every type of travel is possible in Thailand!

Southern Thailand is more about beach life, luxury, partying and relaxing, whereas Northern Thailand is more about culture, food and adventure.

Here are some  2-week Thailand itinerary  suggestions that will help you plan your trip to Thailand.

Southern Thailand – Beach Life

• Fly into Phuket
• 2 days in Phuket
• 2 days in  Khao Sok National Park
• 3 days in Ao Nang – There are a lot of  things to do in Ao Nang , and you can island hop from here.
• 3 days in Koh Lanta
• 4 days in Koh Lipe
• Fly back to  Phuket  to fly out

Northern Thailand – Culture

• Fly into Bangkok
• 3 days in Bangkok – Check out our guide on the  best things to do in Bangkok.
• 2 days in Ayutthaya – Travel back in time and visit this historical park. Well preserved ruins and massive stupas.
• Fly up to Chiang Mai
• 3 days in Chiang Mai – There are so many  things to do in Chiang Mai.
• 3 days in Pai – Relax on the river bed or ride a motorbike and explore the surrounding area. Read our awesome  Pai travel guide.
• 2 days in Chiang Rai – Visit the White Temple.
• Fly back to Bangkok and head out on the next adventure.

Best of Both Worlds – North and South

• 2 days in Bangkok
• Day trip to Ayuthaya
• Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Rai
• Fly from Chiang Rai to Krabi
• 2 nights in Ao Nang / Railay Beach
• 2 nights in Koh Lanta
• Fly back to Bangkok and fly out

READ MORE: CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE  BEST THAILAND ITINERARIES .

Thailand Trip Planning

Best time to visit thailand.

If you are travelling the whole country from south to north, we would recommend travelling between the months of December and February for beautiful clear blue skies and nice temperatures.

January to February sees much less rain across the country, and temperatures remain constant throughout the year. The humidity is also very manageable.

If you’re in the north of the country at this time of year it may get a bit chilly at night so bring a sweater with you.

If you wanted to avoid the busy times, which are from November to March, consider travelling around from March to October when it is low season. There are way fewer tourists and hotels and flights are cheaper.

The one downside is that it does rain a lot in the afternoons and it can be very humid, but if you don’t mind getting a bit wet then this is a brilliant time to travel to Thailand.

Avoid Chiang Mai around April, as this is the burning season. It is not a pleasant time to be there as the air quality is not very good and hard to breathe at times.

If you have asthma, avoid this area completely during the burning season.

Thailand Travel Budget Guideline

Thailand is a very cheap country compared to most Western destinations, but it is on the high side compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

A Thailand travel budget really comes down to your style and how much you’re willing to spend on things.

It’s entirely possible to travel on $20 a day, and you could also live on $2000 a day if you want.

For the most part, the north is around 30-50% cheaper than the south, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to figure out how much to spend and where you want to hang out the most.

The prices below are a general budget guide to travel in Thailand. All prices are in USD per day.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

• Single Traveller:  $20-$40
• Couple Travellers:  $50-$80

Backpacking in Thailand is a wonderful experience for people of all ages and in our opinion the most authentic and enjoyable way to explore the country.

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, and either not drinking or only having a few beers a week, then you can go as low as $25 a day, a bit more if you are in the south.

A single hostel bed can be $8-$15 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$30. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $2 from 7/11.

You can rent scooters for as low as $5 a day if you’re renting long-term, and fuel is very cheap, making it an excellent way to explore towns.

Flashpacker

• Single Traveller:  $50-$100
• Couple Travellers:  $80-$150

If you can afford to fit into a flashpacker budget, you’re going to have an incredibly epic time in Thailand.

You’ll be spoilt with nice private rooms, great food, cocktails on the beach and quite a few awesome activities like scuba diving in Koh Tao.

You’ll get excellent private rooms for $20-30 in the north, $40-50 in the south.

You can eat off the street when you want, and a lot of good, delicious meals can be found for $5-10.

Visit a few temples, do a cooking course, get a private guided tour, the world really is your oyster as a flashpacker in Thailand.

• Single Traveller:  $200-$400+
• Couple Travellers:  $250-$500+

Thailand has some of the best luxury resorts in the world, and this is where the majority of your budget will go when you travel to Thailand as a luxury visitor.

The truth is even if you eat at very nice restaurants, you’ll still struggle to pay more than $20-$30 a meal (there are of course exceptions to this rule in award-winning restaurants), but you’ll probably find your budget will get blown out on alcohol.

Fancy cocktails in luxury resorts can cost up to $20 for one drink.

CHECK OUT OUR  THAILAND BUDGETING GUIDE  TO HELP MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER.

Getting to and Around Thailand

Visa requirements for thailand.

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival.

There are 57 countries that are visa-free and 21 countries that can obtain a visa on arrival. The rest need a visa and can obtain them from your local Thai embassy.

Visa-on-arrivals (VOA) are usually given for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days when entering by land.

These can be extended once at an immigration office in Thailand.

Make sure you look up the visa requirements for your country. Airlines have the list of visas required for different countries and may refuse you to board if you don’t have the visa.

Check out whether you need a visa or not  here .

How to Get to Thailand

There are a number of airlines that fly to Thailand from all over the world.

The main international airports that you will likely fly into are Bangkok Suvamabhumi Airport (BKK) or Phuket International Airport (HKT). Bangkok is a major transport hub and many countries offer direct flights.

There is public transport from both of these airports into the cities, or you can catch a taxi or shuttle bus.

You can sometimes get a great deal with a budget airline too. Luggage and food will not be included, and you will have to pay this on top of the fare.

But if you are only travelling with a carry-on and don’t mind bringing your own food, you can get some awesome prices.

We look for our flights through Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Transport in Thailand

If you’re more inclined to stick to tourist-focused transport you’ll find no shortage of companies willing to get you to every main tourist destination. Caveats apply though, so read on…

You can get some great deals with the local airline carriers within the country. Sometimes flying is cheaper than train or bus travel too. 

The airline carriers are usually budget and luggage may not be included in the price. Food and drinks will probably cost extra onboard.

Vietjet, Lion Air, Thai Smile, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai, Thai Airways and Air Asia are all good carriers in Thailand.

Buses are the most common way to travel in Thailand, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single town that isn’t serviced by at least one bus company.

The tourists’ options are nice “VIP” buses that offer comfortable seating, a small meal and a (mostly) reliable bus. Unless you are on a tight budget, we recommend booking on the VIP buses where possible.

Something to keep in mind is that just because you’re paying more for a tourist bus, doesn’t mean your valuables will be safe, and unfortunately, there is a lot of theft common on these trips.

But chances are you’ll find yourself on a bus at some point in your travel to Thailand.

Getting out to the famous Thai islands often means you’ll need to take a boat or a ferry. You can buy your ticket at legit travel agents, or at the boat company’s office at the pier.

The boats aren’t anything fancy and range from small speed boats to large ferries with open decks and beds for sleeping on the overnight journeys.

You can sit inside or outside, but if you sit outside make sure you wear sunscreen and be prepared to get a bit wet if it’s a speedboat.

Thailand has a few major cities that are connected via a decent train network, and this is an excellent way to travel around the country.

From Bangkok, you can get to destinations like Chiang Mai and Chumphon on an overnight trip, or you can get a train to Ayutthaya which is 50km out of Bangkok.

If you are on a tight time frame, the train is not the best way to travel in Thailand, as they do run late a lot of the time.

Just like anywhere else in the world, Thailand is full of taxis. And just like anywhere else in the world, these taxi drivers may try and scam you or rip you off.

If you grab a taxi on the street make sure they use the meter or negotiate a price beforehand.

Songthaews are red pick-up trucks with benches on the back ( songthaew  literally means ‘two benches’ in Thai), which you will find all throughout Thailand.

They are shared transport for getting around towns or between villages. You simply flag down a Songthaew when you see one comes, tell the driver your destination, and if the driver is going that way jump on the back.

The cost ranges per distance and you pay when you arrive at your destination.

Tuk-tuks are a great way to get around the cities, and no trip to Thailand would be complete without taking at least one tuk-tuk journey.

Tuk-tuks are basically a little bubble trailer attached to the back of a scooter that a couple of people can sit in.

These 3-wheeled vehicles go everywhere and are incredibly popular for locals and tourists alike.

Rental Cars

While driving in Thailand can be quite interesting, renting a car is still the best way to have full autonomy over your travel itinerary.

Be aware of the traffic laws and pay full attention to other drivers.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend  Rental Cars , which has the largest range of cars for the best value on the market.

READ MORE: Check out this post if you’re looking for more detailed information and tips on  how to get to and around Thailand .

Apps and Technology

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Thailand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Thai words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Thailand.
• Google Maps  – Super helpful for getting around Thailand. Some local attractions in remote areas don’t have exact street addresses, so Google Maps can help you visualize exactly where they are. 
• Rome2Rio  – Very convenient for comparing different forms of public transport so you can pick either the quickest or the cheapest way to travel. 
• Maps.Me  – This allows you to download maps that you can use offline. That way you never get lost even if you don’t have wifi!

Best Things to Eat in Thailand

There’s a reason Thai food is one of the most popular foreign cuisines around the world – because it’s absolutely amazing!

Known for being delicious, healthy and cheap, Thai food is quite varied, and you’ll find unique dishes in all the major towns, and a distinct flavour difference from the south to the north.

It can also be quite spicy, so if you’re not into that make sure you learn to say “ mai phet ” (my pet), which means “no spice”.

Here are some dishes not to miss when you are in Thailand.

• Som Tom (Spicy green papaya salad)
• Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Fried Basil and pork)
• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green chicken curry)
• Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with cashew nuts)
• Khao Soi (Creamy coconut curry noodle soup)
• Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-fried pumpkin)
• Pak Boong (Morning glory greens)
• Panang (Thai curry)
• Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and sticky rice)
• Pad Thai (Classic fried noodle dish) 

READ MORE: LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE  BEST FOOD IN THAILAND !

Places to Stay in Thailand

Thailand is a curious nation when it comes to places to stay because the options here cover just about everything you could ever dream of.

If you’re looking for world-class, high-end, award-winning luxury resorts, you’ll find them in spade around southern Thailand in places like Phuket.

On the flip side if you are travelling through some remote hill tribe villages in the north, don’t be surprised if you end up sleeping on a dirt floor with bugs.

It might not be luxurious, but is definitely authentic! It all depends on where you go and your budget.

To book your accommodation in Thailand we recommend using  Agoda , and  you can use the coupon code “AGODANMD10” to get 10% off your hotels and hostels.

Types of Accommodations

Thailand is packed with affordable backpacker hostels that generally range from 5 to 12 USD per night for a dorm bed.

If you are a solo traveller looking to save the most money, a cheap hostel dorm bed is the way to go. 

Most hostels in Thailand have basic amenities and are quite clean. It is common to find kitchens, lounge areas, pool tables and games, televisions, and laundry facilities in hostels around Thailand. 

There are a lot of party hostels as well, which are amazing for meeting people and having fun nights out.

But if you prefer a more low-key, quiet, stay make sure you book hostels that aren’t notorious for partying.

Guesthouses

For mid-range priced accommodation, Thailand has lots of guesthouses.

These are like very small hotels, usually set in a local’s home or apartment building, but they offer a more intimate and homey experience than a hotel. 

A standard room in a guesthouse can be anywhere between 15 and 40 USD per night.

So you can enjoy more private and cozy accommodation than a hostel, for a very cheap price.

If you are traveling as a couple, it may even be cheaper to split the cost of one cheap room rather than buy two separate hostel dorm beds. 

Hotels in Thailand can range from standard and basic to absolute luxury. Even very nice hotels can be super cheap compared to many other countries, so Thailand is a great country to treat yourself. 

Gorgeous hotels that aren’t 5-star luxury hotels can still cost anywhere between 30 and 150 USD per night.

If you shoot for the best of the best, meaning luxury, beachfront, five-star hotels, you’ll spend a few hundred USD per night which is still affordable for the quality you are getting. 

Airbnbs are pretty similar to guesthouses because they are also set up in a local’s home or property. But when you rent a place on Airbnb, you usually have either the whole house or apartment to yourself.

You can also rent single rooms on Airbnb for a cheaper stay. 

Airbnb prices in Thailand are actually a bit higher than some cheap hotels and guesthouses.

Depending on the quality of the place, places can cost anywhere between 50 and 150 USD per night. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Beach Bungalows

Because Thailand has such an abundance of coastline, it is quite easy and affordable to find adorable beach bungalows.

Renting a beach bungalow means you’ll have your own private mini house right on the sand with the ocean right in front of your window. 

Any major tourist island of Thailand will have beach bungalows available for rent, and they usually cost only 30 to 70 USD per night.

Thailand Travel Tips

While there are  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Thailand, there are also plenty of Thai-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are some of our best tips to help you travel to Thailand.

• Be respectful to the locals and other travellers. Respect the culture, whether you are in a temple or out on the streets.
• Dress appropriately. Because you are in a warm country, doesn’t mean you can wear next to no clothing. Please dress respectfully, especially when you are going inside a temple.
• Never raise your voice or start a commotion in public. In Thai culture, they do not do this and hate confrontation. Always keep your calm, even if someone is trying to take advantage of you.
• Be prepared to take off your shoes a lot. Bring slip-on or sandals. You will be taking your shoes off and on if you are entering a temple, home or some hotels and restaurants.
• Book tours through respectable travel agents
• There are two prices at attractions; Local price and foreigner (farang) price. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. Don’t argue, it will not get you anywhere.
• Have an idea of prices before you shop, buy a tour, buy a transport ticket or rent a room. Sometimes the prices fluctuate depending on how smart you are. Do your research so you don’t get ripped off.
• Know the currency exchange rate. This is important when changing money. You want to know you are getting a good price.
• Try new foods. Thai food is delicious
• Use your insect repellent, as the sand flies and mosquitoes are terrible
• Wear a helmet if you rent a scooter
• Know the scams. Research scams in Thailand so you are prepared and know if someone tries it on you.
• Do not drink the tap water. Take a metal water bottle and refill it out of big filtered water vendors or reverse osmosis machines.
• Take advantage of the happy hours. You will see them at bars and cafes during the day. So take note and have a few drinks then.
• Always look both ways when crossing the road. Sometimes a scooter may be going down the wrong way. Look both ways and be sure before crossing.
• When renting a scooter, take photos of the bike from all angles and in front of the rental place too. Never leave your passport with them either. Bring a photocopy. There are dodgy companies out there.
• The girls in the bars may not be ladies. There are many lady-boys in Thailand and you would never even know so just heads up if you are not into that.

READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of  Thailand travel tips  to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!

Thailand Packing List

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Thailand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

READ MORE: Be sure to know  what and why to pack  for every season in Thailand!

Staying Safe in Thailand

Thailand, in general, is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart.

The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

You need to respect and obey the Thai law, including all of those that involve respecting the monarchy.

Thailand has experiences with civil unrest and military coups in recent years.

Use your head and stay clear of street demonstrations.

Violent crime is very rare in Thailand, but do exercise caution during parties such as full moon parties or dodgy areas in places.

In general, if you show respect to Thai people, they will show respect to you.

Driving on the roads in Thailand is crazy, so we can’t mention safety without reminding you to be wise on the roads.

For bus and minivan transport try and go with tour companies and bus companies that are responsible.

If you rent a motorbike, check it over when you pick it up. Check the brakes, the lights, etc. Most importantly always wear a helmet, shoes, pants and a top.

Don’t be one of those backpackers that rides a scooter wearing their swimwear thinking you’re cool.

Hot tip – the gravel in Thailand is just as hard as the gravel in your home country if you come off.

Don’t travel to Thailand without travel insurance! It’s the most important thing you need for your trip, trust us. Alesha visited the hospital in Koh Lanta with stomach pains and we ended up with a $1500 bill.

Travel insurance covered every cent.

Get your free quote with World Nomads here.

Medical System in Thailand

If you need to go to a hospital in Thailand, don’t panic. The quality of care is very good, and in some hospitals could be even better than what you have back in your home country.

In most situations, you’ll be required to pay upfront for any care unless you can prove you have travel insurance.

That’s one of our Thailand travel tips for you.

Private Hospitals In Thailand

There is a private hospital network that is privately owned, and their prices are a lot more expensive.

The doctors and nurses will speak English and the care is very good, but you are paying an arm and a leg for their services.

They will ask for your passport on the way in before they see you. NEVER hand them your passport.

If you are insured, call your insurance company and get clearance that they will pay, or you can pay a price upfront to get the services rolling.

If you hand them your passport, they will hold it ransom and start charging you for random services, refusing to return it to you until you pay the full amount.

When it comes to money, these private companies are very aggressive. And if they know an insurance company is paying they will give you tests that are not necessary.

This happened to Alesha when she had an intestine infection. We were communicating with our insurance company and told them these tests were not needed.

The insurance company agreed and the clinic got very aggressive and hostile. This was at Siam International Clinic in Koh Lanta.

While we were there we saw them rip off countless backpackers, charging them insane prices for things as basic as paracetamol.

The service was great, the facility was spotless, but they were a business first and hospital second, only caring about extracting as much cash as possible.

This isn’t to scare you, and obviously if you’re sick or have an accident go to a hospital immediately. It’s just a warning.

We highly recommend you always have  travel insurance  when travelling in Thailand.

Government Hospitals in Thailand

There are dozens of government-run hospitals all throughout Thailand, and these range from having very high standards to being basic, third-world facilities.

At these hospitals, you will be waiting in long queues, and there may be no one that speaks English.

If you can go with a local, that would be the best option for communication. You may also need to pay upfront before a doctor or nurse will see you.

As a foreigner expect to be charged a higher fee than a Thai person, but these costs will be extremely cheap, especially when compared to the private hospitals.

This is because locals pay social security and tax, so a lot of their medical care may be subsidised.

Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism is definitely a big thing for people travelling to Thailand.

You can get procedures done for way cheaper than in most western countries, and a lot of these services are extremely high quality.

But DO YOUR RESEARCH!

If you are looking to get cosmetic work done, meet with the clinic, ask all your questions and research the clinic online for reviews before committing to anything.

For dental care, Thailand is an excellent place to go as well. We went to a dental clinic in Chiang Mai called Dental 4 U and we had great experiences with them.

We did our research, talked to ex-pats, and all arrows kept pointing at this dentist.

It was a lot cheaper than Australia, very clean, our dentist spoke perfect English, had studied in the US, and explained every little detail to us.

Staying Connected in Thailand

These days it is incredibly easy to stay connected while traveling. Free wifi is common in touristy areas, and SIM cards are quick and easy to obtain.

So if you’re only traveling to Thailand for a week or two, you should be able to survive by just sticking with your current data plan or only using wifi. 

If you’re spending a few weeks or longer in Thailand, you may want to get a local SIM card so you can connect with locals more. 

Consider these options for staying connected in Thailand. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Head to any 7-Eleven or cell-phone store in Thailand to purchase a local SIM card. There are lots of different plans to choose from, including ones with data.

A cheap, pay-as-you-go plan is the most flexible and economical unless you plan on making lots of phone calls every day or using lots of data, then you can buy a prepaid plan. 

In touristy cities like Bangkok the staff at cell-phone stores usually speak English. Show them your phone, discuss what type of plan you want and they can install a local SIM card for you.

Then you’ll have a Thai phone number, and you can start calling and texting and using data in addition to just seeking out wifi. 

If you want to set up your SIM card before you go, you can order it online and then pick it up when you arrive.

Get your  WiFi for Thailand setup today .

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

If you’re heading out of the populated areas and into remote corners of Thailand, you probably won’t have any signal or wifi.

You can rent a portable wifi device, but they generally only work in areas with good connections. Portable wifi devices, also known as “pocket wifi”, are also about the same price as just buying a SIM card with a data package.

You’re probably better off just buying some data. 

But if you’re venturing into the wilderness of Thailand, maybe just try to embrace being off-the-grid and enjoy some disconnection from technology. 

Access Free WiFI

Most tourist destinations have free wifi, as do most hostels and hotels.

It is usually very straightforward and easy to login to free wifi from your phone or laptop, and then you can contact people via iMessage, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. 

While you have free wifi, it can be useful to download a navigation app like Maps.Me so you can use GPS navigation while once you leave the wifi.

Be a Responsible Traveller in Thailand

The best way to be a responsible traveler in Thailand is to learn a bit about the local culture and try your best to adhere to its customs. 

That means always having respect for others. Show respect for other travelers and local Thais, and also show respect for the land.

Don’t litter, avoid buying single-use plastics and try to leave a natural place as pristine as it was when you arrived. 

When booking tours in Thailand, do your research to make sure the tour company is reputable and sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly businesses over others, and try to support local businesses rather than big conglomerates.

Elephant tourism is massive in South East Asia. If you are dying to see elephants in the wild, only visit elephant sanctuaries where the animals are rescued and treated with respect and dignity.

Never ride elephants , and never go to a place where the animals are exploited. 

Overall, just use good judgment. Thailand is grateful for tourism and its contribution to the economy, so travel responsibly while you’re there and help maintain this beautiful country.

Key Thailand Travel Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent in Thai to have a great time when you travel to Thailand. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Thai people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

Keep in mind that In Thai, there are often masculine and feminine forms of a phrase.

So on this list, if you are a male, use the translation listed first, and if you are female use the translation listed second.

Krup  is the word used at the end of many phrases if you are a male, and  ka  is used if you are a female.

Phrases that have  krup/ka  at the end mean you say one or the other, depending on your gender.

Books to Read About Thailand

Maybe you already know everything about Thailand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Thailand. 

Anna and the King of Siam

This is an amazing true story of an English school teacher who was invited to live in nineteenth-century Siam and care for the children of the nation’s leader, King Mongkut.

The Kingdom of Siam eventually became Thailand, so this is an interesting insight into the history of the area. This book inspired the famous play and movie, The King and I.   Purchase on Amazon

A suspenseful and enticing fiction story, “The Beach” is about a traveler in Bangkok named Richard who hears about the legend of a hidden paradise beach.

He then embarks on a journey to find this secret beach and uncovers dark and mysterious mysteries about the place along the way.

This book was made into a movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio, and Maya Bay from the Phi Phi Islands is shown in the movie.  Buy on Amazon .

The Bridge Over The River Kwai

In the remote town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, is the area’s biggest attraction.

The novel, ”The Bridge Over The River Kwai”, is a fiction story loosely based on the real story of the Prisoners of War who built this bridge during World War II.  Buy now on Amazon .

Thailand: The Beautiful Cookbook

This is an amazing book to get either before or after visiting Thailand. If you want to learn about the cuisine, the culture, and the traditions of Thailand, this book has so much information that will educate and inspire you.

Or after a trip to Thailand, if you want to savor and remember all the delicious food you ate and recreate the recipes at home, this is a great book to have on hand.  Purchase on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Read our thailand blog posts, the ultimate guide to the best food in thailand, the ultimate koh mook, thailand travel guide (2024 edition), 11 activities in thailand for couples who love adventure, 20 epic things to do in chiang rai, thailand (2024 guide), where to stay in phuket – the best hotels for every budget, the 23 best things to do in phuket, the best 3 days in phuket itinerary for 2024 (bonus tips), the perfect 3 days in bangkok itinerary (2024 guide), the perfect 1, 2 and 3 week thailand itinerary, the perfect 3 days in chiang mai itinerary, doi inthanon day trip – everything you need to know [2024], koh samui tours and day trips – the 5 best in 2024.

Introduction

• For beginners
• Visas & borders
• Getting here

An independent travel guide to Thailand

Thailand offers many quintessential Southeast Asian travel experiences: spectacular nature, a rich culture and history, a friendly population and a cuisine as rich in colour and appearance as in taste. For many travellers, Thailand is a first foray into Southeast Asia and that first trip becomes one of a series.

On this page

• Alternative
• How long for

Our Thailand travel guide is here to help you get the most out of each and every one of your trips to Thailand, beginning with some simple guidelines below aimed at first-time travellers to the country.

Tourism has been developing seriously in the kingdom since the 1970s. Today, there’s both a very well trodden trail and a very well developed travel infrastructure to take any pain out of travel here. Relatively easy to get around, and, by regional standards, quite affordable, the country attracts a vast number of tourists from all corners of the globe—you’re just as likely to be sharing a beach bar with an Australian as an Austrian, or indeed a Singaporean.

Absolute highlights

Thailand packs a solid punch when it comes to offering appealing attractions, but when it comes to the absolute must-sees in Thailand , a few spots really shouldn’t be missed. Choose from scores of tropical islands, multiple sites of fascinating ruins, trekking destinations in the north and, for those seeking an intense megalopolis experience, the nation’s capital Bangkok never disappoints.

Bangkok : Set astride the majestic Chao Phraya River, Bangkok represents all that is good and bad about an Asian mega-city. It’s a city with something, somewhere for everyone, whether it be delicious street food, offbeat nightclubs, serene yoga classes or colourful market shopping.

Chiang Mai : This is Thailand’s northern capital, and with its smaller size and population, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer travellers. The centre of town is packed with glittering temples, excellent restaurants and expansive shopping markets , all of which are easily taken in on foot.

Historic ruins : Three destinations between Bangkok and Chiang Mai are home to important historic ruins dating back as far as the 13th century. Both Sukhothai and Ayutthaya were former capitals and are the two most popularly visited. Kamphaeng Phet will appeal to those looking to get a little further off the beaten trail.

Islands : With so much variety, we’re wary of nominating absolute faves, but these four very different islands are difficult to beat. Ko Pha Ngan is a highlight for its amazing variety of beaches and affordable accommodation, Ko Jum boasts a bo-ho laidback vibe, Ko Bulon Lae shows how tourism can exist in harmony with the tranquil rhythm of the islanders and Ko Kut offers a more upmarket and serene option—and the beaches are gorgeous.

Popular destinations

Kanchanaburi : A short hop from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is home to pristine national parks , cavernous caves, majestic rivers, lakes, waterfalls and temples. For many though, this takes a backseat to the area’s World War II history.

Pai : Once a sleepy and somewhat remote Shan town, Pai , while still a bit of an effort to reach, is these days well and truly on the traveller’s map of northern Thailand. If you’re a young backpacker on a first trip to Thailand, it can be a great scene.

Nong Khai : Overlooking the Mekong River within earshot of Laos, Nong Khai boasts magnificent landscapes, waterfalls and forest temples nestled into its surrounds. Add in a good mix of affordable accommodation, yummy food and one quirky yet awe-inspiring sculpture park and you have an appealing destination.

Hua Hin : A vast white-sand beach, thriving art scene, tacky tourist sights, early 20th century architecture, seedy bars, scenic hills and golf courses, hastily developed streets, aggressive touts, inflated prices, family-friendly resorts and lots of European retirees: Love it or hate it, Hua Hin has a character all its own.

Krabi : A mash-up of funky bars, Western restaurants and old-school markets slinging fiery curries somehow come together to form a fun and intriguing town, better known as Krabi .

Alternative destinations

Sangkhlaburi : When travellers dream of Thailand, they may picture jungles, sparkling temples and the exotic charm of rural villages— Sangkhlaburi is home to all this and its seclusion only adds to its mystique.

Chiang Dao : Dao means star in Thai—and the mountain in Chiang Dao is so high it’s supposed to be on the same level as the stars themselves.

Sangkhom : Tucked along a pretty stretch of the Mekong River, the tiny village of Sangkhom is one of those little-known, remote places that can turn out to be a highlight for those willing to sidestep the well-trodden track. In other words, we love Sangkhom!

Prachuap Khiri Khan : Make time to visit and you will be amply rewarded with a low-key, local atmosphere that has just enough of a developed tourist infrastructure and plenty of largely tasteful accommodation to make your stay comfortable. The seafood is great, too.

Nakhon Si Thammarat : Set to a historical backdrop of Buddhist kings and bustling trade, modern Nakhon Si Thammarat is a fast-paced cultural and commercial centre. If you’re after a taste of unadulterated Southern Thailand and you don’t mind sliding off the tourist trail, head here.

Tropical islands

Thailand is no slouch when it comes to sea and sand, with four main clusters of islands, plus dozens more individual islands to choose from. (We cover more than 30 Thai islands on Travelfish.)

Eastern Gulf Islands : Set towards Cambodia, these include jungle-clad Ko Chang , drop-dead gorgeous Ko Kut and, closer to Bangkok and popular as a weekender from the megacity, Ko Samet .

Southern Gulf Islands : These include family-friendly Ko Samui , home to the infamous Full Moon Party Ko Pha Ngan and the diving mecca of Ko Tao .

Northern Andaman islands : On Thailand’s Andaman (southwest) coast, these run from Ko Phayam and Ko Chang Noi in the north to Phuket in the south. Note, there are plenty in between.

Southern Andaman islands : The lovely Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai are striking antidotes to boisterous and overtouristed yet spectacular Ko Phi Phi . Further south you’ll find laidback Ko Jum and family-friendly Ko Lanta , followed by a whole string of smaller islands, which taper off at Ko Tarutao , Ko Bulon Lae and Ko Lipe , just before the waves become Malaysian.

Nature lovers

National Parks : While they’re not all world class, Thailand does have a rich network of national parks, including enormous Khao Yai National Park in the northeast and Kaeng Krachan National Park in the south. Other crowd-pleasing spots include Khao Sok National Park and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park , both of which are in the south. In the northeast, Pha Taem National Park points towards early evidence of human habitation in the area.

Ruins and rivers

Khmer ruins : Those with an interest in Thailand’s Khmer period often strike into the northeast, where highlights include the spectacular ruins at Phanom Rung and Phimai , though plenty of other sites can be visited as well. Be sure to explore the fiery, addictive cuisine of Isaan while you're in this region.

Rivers : While Thailand is famous for its beaches and islands, there’s something special about lazing away a few days by swirling river waters, too. The Mekong delineates much of the Thai-Lao border and prime river-hangout towns include Chiang Khong , Chiang Kha , Sangkhom , Nong Khai , That Phanom , Mukdahan and Khong Chiam . Other rivers worth experiencing are Kok River in the north and the Chao Phraya , which weaves straight through the Thai capital.

For many, an active Thai holiday might mean anything requiring more than a 20-metre stroll from the hammock to the ocean. But for those looking to do more than re-read Lord of the Rings in a hammock, Thailand isn’t at all shabby when it comes to fun things to do.

Learn to dive: Top of the pops is probably learning to dive on Ko Tao (or Ko Phi Phi, or any number of other islands). Above the waters, rock climbing , especially by Railay Bay, is world class.

Cooking courses and food walks : Doing a cooking course or taking a food walk are both popular activities, as is visiting one of Bangkok’s many floating markets .

Trekking : In northern Thailand, trekking is hugely popular, with Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son and Pai all trekking centres. The trips are often combined with bamboo rafting and visiting or staying in a minority village.

Courses and personal improvement : Every Thai town has at least one wat (temple) so there is no shortage to visit and some choose to stay at or do meditation courses within . Language courses are also popular, especially in Chiang Mai, and then there is yoga, fasting and detox retreats , often in idyllic locations, for those taking a more holistic approach to their travels.

Festivals : Thailand celebrates an impressive array of festivals , with the water festival of Songkran (Thai new year) in mid-April the biggest of all. Others, including the Rocket Festival and Phi Ta Khon in the northeast of the country and nationwide Loi Krathong , can offer remarkable (and colourful) insight into life in Thailand.

Between November and May, Thailand’s north sees mostly dry, cooler weather, warming to scorching hot in April. May to November is dominated by the southwest monsoon, characterised by heavy rain interspersed with dry and sunny stretches.

The South has two seasons, and the weather changes depending on which side of the peninsula you are on. The west coast sees the southwest monsoon bring rain and often heavy storms from April to October, while on the east coast, most rain falls between September and December. The rest of the year on each side is warm and dry.

So when is the best time to visit? From a weather point of view , December to February generally offers the best conditions—the north won’t be blisteringly hot and you’ll find great weather on some of Thailand’s islands.

With this great weather though comes big crowds and peak season prices. Those who don’t mind a bit of rain in return for thinner crowds prefer the shoulder season in November and March. Of course it also depends on where you are going—when the rain is pouring on Ko Chang, it is shining on Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan.

How long to go for

How long have you got?! For a first-time visitor looking to see just a bit of Bangkok, and say Kanchanaburi or Ko Samet, a week would suffice to give a taste of what the country has to offer. Thailand though really deserves two weeks for a first-time trip we reckon.

If you’re planning on travelling around a bit, rather than just staying on one island, four weeks is a popular stretch as it fits within a visa-free stay and allows for a couple of weeks in the north and a couple of weeks in the south.

If you are planning a longer stay, it pays to familiarise yourself with Thailand’s visa rules . They change often and some rules are enforced haphazardly, complicating what should be a simple process.

What it will cost

Your budget will depend very much on your style of travelling . If you’re comfortable in simple accommodation, eating street food, not drinking too much alcohol, travelling using cheap transport and steering clear of heavily touristed (and so more expensive) destinations, you can still survive on around 600 baht per day—less if you’re especially frugal and travelling as a couple. Watch out for fancypants dorms which are often way over-priced for the standard when compared to what you could pay for an air-con private room in a normal guesthouse.

Most independent travellers tend to spend a little more. That air-con room is tempting, as is the pool and WiFi, latte and occasional VIP bus or short domestic flight. All these conspire to push daily budgets up to around a more comfortable 1,000 to 1,500 baht per day.

If your tastes veer more towards the luxurious, then Thailand does offer terrific value for accommodation around the 3,000 to 6,000 baht mark, with food and entertainment costs potentially rising accordingly. Likewise, you can also spend tens of thousands of baht a night for truly luxurious settings—think private pool villas and so on—flying everywhere and fine dining the whole way along.

What to read

Probably the most famed Thailand-set novel is Alex Garland’s The Beach , which was re-released by Penguin in 2016 to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of its publishing. Garland seeks to explore the question of whether Western travellers effectively ruin the very thing they set out to find — you can pretty easily guess the answer, but the book is a page-turner while it teases the analysis out.

Bangkok Found by Alex Kerr pierces deeply into the art, culture and people of Thailand in a book that reads more like an inspiring travel narrative than a research project. A chapter on polite behaviour, titled "Walking Softly," should be required reading for all visitors to Thailand.

For a nuanced examination of traditional Thai values, 1954-published Many Lives by M.R. Kukrit Pramoj is a compelling read, exploring the lives, and deaths, of 11 people in early 20th-century Thailand. The stories unravel a web of unwritten laws that still keep Thai society tangled together, for better or worse, today.

A lighter exploration of life in Thailand in the 1960s from the perspective of an outsider is Mai Pen Rai Means Nevermind by Carol Hollinger. This memoir is now something of a history book too, recounting the period Hollinger spent in Bangkok first as a housewife, then as a teacher at the American University and finally Chulalongkorn University.

A more recent look at the lives of Thais (and those visiting Thailand) is Sightseeing by Chicago-born, Thai-raised Rattawut Lapcharoensap, a series of short stories (and one novella), published in 2004. It’s an illuminating view behind the curtain in a country that strains to put its best foot forward for visiting foreigners.

The 2014 Man Booker winner The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan is a deep, dark and important read, set mostly in a Japanese POW camp along the Thai-Burma Death Railway. If you plan to visit Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi in Thailand, you really should read this beforehand.

What to watch out for

Sadly Thailand has more than its fair share of scams . Gem scams, especially in Bangkok, persist. Petty theft, snatch and grabs and other crimes of opportunity are not uncommon in heavily touristed areas.

Violent crime specifically aimed at foreign travellers remains rare, but does happen. Use your common sense, stay under control and, if a situation becomes uncomfortable, leave or seek assistance immediately.

Having adequate travel insurance cover is essential .

Thailand’s road toll is extremely high. Drink driving is endemic, especially over public holiday periods, when hundreds of people die on the roads. Bus accidents are frequent. Always wear a motorcycle helmet when riding a bike. Do not ride a motorbike if you don’t know how. Public boats are frequently overloaded and speed boats are often overloaded and driven erratically or dangerously. Public boats sink frequently, often with insufficient life jackets. If the boat looks overloaded to you, or the weather dangerous, do not get on board . There will be another.

Don’t ride (or drive) stoned or drunk. Drug laws in Thailand are very strong, but enforced haphazardly. Just because the tuk tuk driver who sold you a bag of pot didn’t get arrested doesn’t mean you won’t be.

If you wouldn’t do it in your home country because it is stupid, why do it in Thailand?

Thailand is run by a military junta . It took power in a military coup, kicking out a popularly elected government. Under the junta’s rule many public and press freedoms have been significantly curtailed. Thailand maintains extremely harsh and severe lèse-majesté laws, ostensibly to protect the reputation of the Thai royal family. Thais falling foul of this law have been jailed. Public political discourse is generally not a great idea, especially after drinking 15 large Singha beers.

Popular destinations in

Amphawa Aranyaprathet Ayutthaya Bangkok Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Kanchanaburi Khao Sok National Park Khao Yai National Park Ko Chang Ko Kut Ko Lanta Ko Lipe Ko Mak Ko Pha Ngan Ko Samet Ko Samui Ko Tao Ko Wai Krabi Lopburi Mae Salong Mukdahan Nan Nong Khai Pai Phanom Rung Sangkhlaburi Sangkhom Sukhothai That Phanom Thong Pha Phum Trat Ubon Ratchathani See all destinations in Thailand

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With 16 million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is Asia’s primary travel destination and offers a host of places to visit. Travel to Thailand and you’ll find that despite this vast influx of visitors, it’s cultural integrity remains largely undamaged. Thailand is a country that cleverly avoided colonisation has been able to absorb Western influences while maintaining its own rich heritage.

Thailand travel facts

Where to go in thailand.

• Best time to visit Thailand

How to travel to Thailand

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Though the high-rises and neon lights occupy the foreground of the tourist picture, the typical Thai community is still the farming village, and you need not venture far to encounter a more traditional scene of fishing communities, rubber plantations and Buddhist temples.

Around 40% of Thais earn their living from the land, based around the staple rice, which forms the foundation of the country’s unique and famously sophisticated cuisine.

Tourism has been just one factor in the country’s development which, since the deep-seated uncertainties surrounding the Vietnam War faded, has been free, for the most part, to proceed at death-defying pace – for a time in the 1980s and early 1990s, Thailand boasted the fastest-expanding economy in the world.

Through all the changes of the last sixty years, the much-revered constitutional monarch, King Bhumibol has lent a measure of stability.

Furthermore, some 85 percent of the population are still practising Theravada Buddhists, a unifying faith that colours all aspects of daily life – from the tiered temple rooftops that dominate every skyline, to the omnipresent saffron-robed monks and the packed calendar of festivals.

• Country name: Divided into 77 provinces or changwat, Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 (and again from 1945 to 1949); some academics suggest changing the name back again, to better reflect the country’s Thai and non-Thai diversity.
• Population: 63 million, made up of ethnic Thais (75%) and Chinese (14%), with the rest comprising mainly immigrants from neighbouring countries as well as hill-tribespeople.
• Religion: Buddhism is the national religion, Islam the largest minority religion, but nearly all Thais also practise some form of animism (spirit worship).
• Leadership: The country has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932.
• The world record for nonstop kissing was set by two Thai men in Pattaya on Valentine’s Day, 2012, at a gobsmacking 50 hours, 25 minutes and 1 second.

Deciding where to go in Thailand depends on two things: what you want to do, and when you want to go. The varying areas of the country, from North to South offer visitors a selection of sights, activities and experiences. In this travel guide on the best places to visit in Thailand, we unearth where to enjoy the country’s range of activities, from world-class diving to carousing at lively festivals. Once that’s decided, you’ll need to check the best time to visit .

The clash of tradition and modernity is most intense in Bangkok , which forms the first stop on almost any itinerary. Within its historic core you’ll find resplendent temples, canalside markets and the opulent indulgence of the eighteenth-century Grand Palace . Downtown’s forest of skyscrapers shelters cutting-edge fashion in decor boutiques and some achingly hip bars and clubs.

Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district, where if you’re not careful you could end up watching DVDs all day long and selling your shoes when you run out of money. The district is far from having a monopoly on Bangkok accommodation, but it does have the advantage of being just a short walk from the major sights in the Ratanakosin area: the dazzling ostentation of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, lively and grandiose Wat Pho and National Museum.

Once those cultural essentials have been seen, you can choose from a whole bevy of lesser sights, including Wat Benjamabophit (the “Marble Temple”), especially at festival time, and Jim Thompson’s House, a small, personal museum of Thai design.

If you’re wondering where to visit in the northern uplands, then start with Chiang Mai . It’s both an attractive historic city and a vibrant cultural centre, with a strong tradition of arts, crafts and festivals.

Self-improvement courses are a strong suit – from ascetic meditation to Thai cookery classes – while the overriding enticement of the surrounding region is the prospect of trekking through villages inhabited by a richly mixed population of tribal peoples.

Plenty of outdoor activities and courses, as well as hot springs and massages, can be enjoyed at Pai , a surprisingly cosmopolitan hill station for travellers, four hours northwest of Chiang Mai.

Many colourful festivals attract throngs of visitors here too: Chiang Mai is one of the most popular places in Thailand to see in the Thai New Year – Songkhran – in mid-April, and to celebrate Loy Krathong at the full moon in November, when thousands of candles are floated down the Ping River in lotus-leaf boats.

Beyond the city limits, a number of other day-trips can be made, such as to the ancient temples of Lamphun – and, of course, Chiang Mai is the main centre for hill-tribe trekking, as well as all sorts of other outdoor activities.

Samui archipelago

The pick of the coasts are in the south, where the Samui archipelago off the Gulf coast ranks as one of the best places to go in Thailand. Ko Samui itself has the most sweeping white-sand beaches, and the greatest variety of accommodation and facilities to go with them.

Ko Pha Ngan next door is still largely backpacker territory, where you have a stark choice between desolate coves and Hat Rin , Thailand’s party capital. The remotest island, rocky Ko Tao , is acquiring increasing sophistication as Southeast Asia’s largest dive-training centre.

Tucked away beneath the islands, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the cultural capital of the south, is well worth a short detour from the main routes through the centre of the peninsula – it’s a sophisticated city of grand old temples, delicious cuisine and distinctive handicrafts.

Central plains

With Chiang Mai and the north so firmly planted on the independent tourist trail, the intervening central plains tend to get short shrift. Yet there is rewarding trekking around Umphang , near the Burmese border, and the elegant ruins of former capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai embody a glorious artistic heritage, displaying Thailand’s distinctive ability to absorb influences from quite different cultures.

Even if you’re just passing through, you can’t miss the star attraction of Nakhon Pathom: the enormous stupa Phra Pathom Chedi dominates the skyline.

To get an idea of what shopping in Bangkok used to be like before all the canals were tarmacked over, many people take an early-morning trip to the floating market ( talat khlong ) at Damnoen Saduak. Sixty kilometres south of Nakhon Pathom and just over a hundred kilometres from Bangkok.

The Andaman Coast

Across on the other side of the peninsula, the Andaman coast offers even more exhilarating scenery and the finest coral reefs in the country, in particular around the Ko Similan island chain, which ranks among the best dive sites in the world.

The largest Andaman coast island, Phuket , is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and graced with a dozen fine beaches, though several have been overdeveloped with a glut of high-rises and tacky nightlife.

Beautiful little Ko Phi Phi is a major party hub, surrounded by the turquoise seas and dramatic limestone cliffs that characterize the coastline throughout Krabi province . Large, forested Ko Lanta is, for the moment at least, a calmer alternative for families, but for genuine jungle you’ll need to head inland, to the rainforests of Khao Sok National Park .

Further down the Thai peninsula, in the provinces of the deep south , the teeming sea life and unfrequented sands of the Trang islands and Ko Tarutao National Marine Park make this one of Thailand’s top places to go. There’s now the intriguing possibility of island-hopping your way down through them – in fact, all the way from Phuket to Penang in Malaysia – without setting foot on the mainland.

The greatest interest in the deep south is currently all over on the beautiful west coast, where sheer limestone outcrops, pristine sands and fish-laden coral stretch down to the Malaysian border.

Along Trang’s mainland coast, there’s a 30km stretch of attractive beaches, dotted with mangroves and impressive caves that can be explored by sea canoe, but the real draw down here is the offshore islands, which offer gorgeous panoramas and beaches, great snorkelling and at least a modicum of comfort in their small clusters of resorts.

Khao Yai National Park

Another regular in lists of the best places to go in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park – the country’s first national park – encapsulates the phenomenal diversity of Thailand’s flora and fauna. It’s one of the very few national parks to maintain a network of hiking trails that visitors can explore by themselves, passing dramatic waterfalls, orchids and an abundance of wildlife.

Spanning five distinct forest types and rising to a height of 1,351m, the park sustains over 300 bird and twenty large land-mammal species – hence its UNESCO accreditation as a World Heritage Site.

Rangers discourage visitors from exploring the outer, non-waymarked reaches unguided, partly for environmental reasons, but also because of trigger-happy sandalwood poachers. Sandalwood trees are indigenous to Khao Yai, and though oil collection does not usually kill the tree, it does weaken it. Guides can point out trees that have been cut in this way along the trails.

Few tourists visit Isaan , the poorest and in some ways the most traditionally Thai region. Here, a trip through the gently modulating landscapes of the Mekong River valley, which defines Thailand’s northeastern extremities.

It takes in archetypal agricultural villages and a fascinating array of religious sites, while the southern reaches of Isaan hold some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets – the magnificent stone temple complexes of Phimai , Phanom Rung and Khao Phra Viharn , all built by the Khmers of Cambodia almost ten centuries ago.

We may have already mentioned the Andaman Coast, but Phuket is worth looking at in greater detail. Thailand’s largest island and a province in its own right, Phuket is the wealthiest province in Thailand, with tourism driving the economy.

Some tourist developments have scarred much of the island, however, many of the beaches are still strikingly handsome, resort facilities are second to none, and the offshore snorkelling and diving are exceptional.

If you’re after a peaceful spot, aim for the 17km-long national park beach of Hat Mai Khao, its more developed neighbour Hat Nai Yang, or one of the smaller alternatives at Hat Nai Thon or Hat Kamala.

Despite over a million visitors a year, Ko Samui remains a top places to go in Thailand. Back-packers to bougie fortnighters come to this part of southern Thailand for the beautiful beaches. At 15km across and down, Samui is generally large enough to cope with this diversity and the paradisal sands and clear blue seas have kept their good looks.

The island’s most appealing strand, Chaweng, has seen the heaviest, most crowded development and is now the most expensive place to stay, though it does offer by far the best amenities and nightlife. Its slightly smaller neighbour, Lamai, lags a little behind in terms of looks and top-end development, but retains large pockets of backpacker bungalow resorts.

The other favourite for backpackers is Maenam, which, though less attractive again, is markedly quiet, with plenty of room to breathe between the beach and the round-island road.

Discover more places in Thailand

• Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast Travel Guide
• The east coast Travel Guide
• The north Travel Guide
• Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast Travel Guide

The weather in Thailand is split into three seasons: rainy (roughly May–Oct) cool (Nov–Feb) and hot (March–May).

The rains usually builds momentum between June and August, hitting its peak in September and October. The cool season is when travelling in Thailand is most pleasant, though temperatures can still reach a sticky 30°C. In the hot season, you’re best of hitting the beach.

So, the best time to go to Thailand is the cool seasons: more manageable temperatures and less rain, it offers waterfalls in full spate and the best of the upland flowers in bloom. Bear in mind, however, that it’s also the busiest season.

Thailand currently has seven main international airports: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang), Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket and Ko Samui. The vast majority of people travelling to Thailand fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Air fares to Thailand generally depend on the season, with the highest being approximately mid-November to mid-February, when the weather is best, and in July and August to coincide with school holidays. You will need to book several months in advance to get reasonably priced tickets during these peak periods.

The cheapest way of getting to most regional Thai airports is usually to buy a flight to Bangkok and then a separate domestic ticket. However, there are dozens of potentially useful, mostly seasonal, international routes into Phuket, including direct flights with several airlines from Australia.

Most international flights into Chiang Mai, Krabi, Ko Samui and Don Muang are from Malaysia, Singapore and China (including Hong Kong and Macau). Krabi also handles seasonal, mostly charter flights from Scandinavia, while Korean Airlines from Seoul is a popular route for North American visitors into Chiang Mai Airport, which has links with Myanmar and Laos too.

Travel in Thailand is largely cheap, easy and efficient – though not always speedy. For instance, long-distance journeys on land can be arduous, especially if a tight budget means you’re sat in the unforgiving second-class seats and there’s no air con.

That said, the many transport options available makes getting around Thailand a whole lot easier than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Buses are speedy, inexpensive and frequent, and can be quite luxurious.

Trains are slower, but safer and, there’s more chance to sleep during an overnight trip. It’s also worth nothing that if you’re travelling by day you’re more likely to follow a scenic route by rail than by road.

Songthaews (literally “two rows”) – open-ended vans with as many people squashed into the back as possible – supplement the bus network, especially in rural areas. Slightly more comfortable are share-taxis and air-conditioned mini-buses which connect many of the major towns and cities.

Discover more domestic transport options and how to get around Thailand .

Here is our Thailand travel guide condensed into 15 unmissable Thai destinations:

You could spend a year in Thailand's capital and still not tick off all the boxes. There are a few absolute must-sees though. Start with Wat Pho, a lively and lavish temple, encompassing the awesome Reclining Buddha. Move onto the Grand Palace, which encompasses the country’s holiest and most beautiful temple, Wat Phra Kaeo. Then the markets…

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is the region’s major resort destination for families, package tourists and novice divers. Its dining, shopping and entertainment facilities are second to none. Phuket Town offers handsome Sino-Portuguese architecture and some of the most interesting sleeping, eating and drinking options on the island.

The furthest inhabited island of the Samui archipelago, Ko Tao, has taken off as a scuba-diving centre, but despite a growing nightlife and restaurant scene, still has the feel of a small, rugged and isolated outcrop. A boat-trip round Ko Tao Satisfying exploration and great snorkelling, especially off the unique causeway beaches of Ko Nang Yuan.

Southern Thailand’s gently undulating Gulf coast is famed above all for the Samui archipelago, three small, idyllic islands lying off the most prominent hump of the coastline. A lazy stay in a beachfront bungalow is so seductive a prospect that most people overlook the attractions of the mainland. Added to that you’ll find scenery dominated by forested mountains that rise abruptly behind the coastal strip, and a sprinkling of fascinating historic sights.

Old-town temples, the best of Thai crafts, cookery courses and fine restaurants – the north’s sophisticated capital is a great place to hang out. The capital and transport centre of the north, it's also a great place just to hang out or prepare for a journey into the hills. For many tourists, this means joining a trek to visit one or more of the hill tribes, who comprise one-tenth of the north’s population.

In the last few years Chiang Rai has acquired several genuine sights of interest, notably the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, a beautiful storehouse of Lanna art. There’s now also a good choice of guesthouses and upmarket riverside hotels in which to lay your head, and from here you can set up a wide range of trekking, day-trips and other outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside.

In recent years, backpackers have tended to move over to Ko Samui’s fun-loving little sibling, which still has a comparatively simple atmosphere. The most popular activities on Ko Pha Ngan are round-island boat trips, from Hat Rin and Hat Yao, and trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Other activities include learning to cook Thai food, bicycle tours, yoga, meditation and kiteboarding.

The “island of long beaches”, Ko Lanta has an atmospheric old town, offers an appealing choice of places to stay. There’s good snorkelling and diving nearby, plus caves to explore, kayaking and other water sports. The island is especially popular with families, in part because of the local laws that have so far prevented jet-skis, beachfront parasols and girlie bars from turning it into another Phuket, though resort facilities are expanding fast.

Ko Samui is easily one of the most naturally beautiful Thai islands, with its long white-sand beaches and arching fringes of palm trees. Samui has over a dozen scuba-diving companies, offering trips for divers and snorkellers and courses throughout the year. Also on offer are plenty of spas, as well as meditation retreats, island tours, ziplines, kiteboarding and cooking classes.

The stunning jungle-clad karsts of Khao Sok National Park are well worth heading inland for. Located about halfway between the southern peninsula’s two coasts and easily accessible from Khao Lak, Phuket and Surat Thani, the park has become a popular stop on the travellers’ route, offering a number of easy trails, a bit of amateur spelunking and some scenic rafthouse accommodation on Cheow Lan Lake.

Protected from the ravages of the Andaman Sea by Phuket, Ao Phang Nga has a seascape both bizarre and beautiful. Covering some four hundred square kilometres of coast between Phuket and Krabi, the mangrove-edged bay is spiked with limestone karst formations up to 300m in height, jungle-clad and craggily profiled. This is Thailand’s own version of Vietnam’s world-famous Ha Long Bay, reminiscent too of Guilin’s scenery in China, and much of it is now preserved as national park.

Located in an idyllic spot in Phang Nga bay, almost equidistant from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the island of Ko Yao Noi enjoys magnificent maritime views from almost every angle and makes a refreshingly tranquil getaway. Measuring about 12km at its longest point, it’s home to some four thousand islanders, the vast majority of them Muslim, who earn their living from rubber and coconut plantations, fishing and shrimp-farming.

The fourth-largest island in Thailand, forested Ko Kood (also spelt Ko Kut and Ko Kud) is still a wild and largely uncommercialised island. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise water, particularly along the west coast, Ko Kood is as much a nature-lover’s destination as a beach-bum’s. Swathes of its shoreline are fringed by scrub and mangrove rather than broad sandy beaches, and those parts of the island not still covered in virgin tropical rainforest are filled with palm groves and rubber plantations.

Blessed with the softest, squeakiest sand within weekending distance of Bangkok, the tiny Thai island of Ko Samet, which measures just 6km from top to toe, is a favourite escape for Thais, expats and tourists. Its fourteen small but dazzlingly white beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, lapped by pale blue water and in places still shaded by coconut palms and occasional white-flowered cajeput (samet) trees, which gave the island its name and which are used to build boats.

Ringed by high mountains, the small but prosperous provincial capital of Nan, 225km northeast of Lampang, rests on the grassy west bank of the river. Few Western visitors make it out this far, but it’s a likeable place with a thriving handicrafts tradition, a good museum and some superb temple murals at Wat Phumin, as well as at Wat Nong Bua out in the countryside. The town comes alive for the Lanna boat races, usually held in late October or early November.

We’ve curated a series of itineraries that span Thailand, from running the rapids in the northern mountains to lazy beach stays in the Andaman archipelagos.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Thailand, created by local experts

5 days  / from 1180 USD

Chiang Mai Safari Adventure

The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.

12 days  / from 2750 USD

Thailand's Islands and Highlands

Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

12 days  / from 2450 USD

Thailand Discovery

A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.

So, whether you want to come closer to superlative nature, satisfy your appetite for Thailand’s varied and colourful cuisine, or keep things low-key on a paradise island, this lineup of Thailand travel guides will see you navigate this incredible country with ease.

For the simplest double room while travelling in Thailand, prices start at a bargain B150 in the outlying regions, around B200 in Bangkok, and B400 in the pricier resorts. Tourist centres invariably offer a tempting range of more upmarket choices but in these areas rates fluctuate according to demand.

Most of Thailand’s budget accommodation is in guesthouses and bungalows. These are small, traveller-friendly hotels whose services nearly always include an inexpensive restaurant, wi-fi and safe storage for valuables and left luggage, and often a tour desk.

Thailand travel sales reps and other people travelling for business rather than pleasure rarely use guest-houses, opting instead for budget hotels, which offer rooms for around B150–600. Usually run by Chinese-Thais, these functional three- or four-storey places are found in every sizeable town, often near the bus station or central market.

The rest of the accommodation picture is all about tourist hotels, which, like anywhere in the world, come in all sizes and qualities and are often best booked via online discount accommodation booking services such as local outfit sawadee.com . One way or another, it’s a good idea to reserve ahead in popular tourist areas during peak season.

As guesthouses have become increasingly hotel-like and commercial in their facilities and approach, many tourists looking for old-style local hospitality are choosing homestay accommodation instead. Homestays give an unparalleled insight into typical Thai (usually rural) life and can often be incorporated into a programme that includes experiencing village activities.

Thai food is one of the biggest reasons for the country’s popularity with tourists. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the country’s big culinary centres, offering the cream of gourmet Thai restaurants and the best international cuisines. The rest of the country is by no means a gastronomic wasteland, however, and you can eat well and cheaply in even the smallest provincial towns, many of which offer the additional attraction of regional specialities.

In fact, visit Thailand and you’ll find that you could eat more than adequately without ever entering a restaurant, as itinerant food vendors hawking hot and cold snacks materialise in even the most remote spots, as well as on trains and buses – and night markets often serve customers from dusk till dawn.

Hygiene is a consideration when eating anywhere in Thailand, but being too cautious means you’ll end up spending a lot of money and missing out on some real local treats. Wean your stomach gently by avoiding excessive amounts of chillies and too much fresh fruit in the first few days.

You can be pretty sure that any noodle stall or curry shop that’s permanently packed with customers is a safe bet. Furthermore, because most Thai dishes can be cooked in under five minutes, you’ll rarely have to contend with stuff that’s been left to smoulder and stew.

Many travellers’ itineraries take in a few days’ trekking in the hills and a stint snorkelling or diving off the beaches of the south. Trekking is concentrated in the north, but there are smaller, less touristy trekking operations in Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi and Umphang. There are also plenty of national parks to explore and opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking.

Diving in Thailand

Clear, warm waters (averaging 28°C), prolific marine life and affordable prices make Thailand a very rewarding place for diving and snorkelling.

Most islands and beach resorts have at least one dive centre that organises trips. Thailand’s premier diving destinations are generally considered to be Ko Similan, Ko Surin, Richelieu Rock and Hin Muang and Hin Daeng – all of them off the Andaman coast.

Thailand’s main dive resorts

• Ko Pha Ngan

Snorkeling in Thailand

Boatmen and tour agents on most beaches offer snorkelling trips to nearby reefs and many dive operators welcome snorkelers to tag along for discounts of thirty percent or more; not all diving destinations are rewarding for snorkelers though, so check the relevant account in this book first.

Trekking in Thailand

Trekking in the mountains of north Thailand differs from trekking in most other parts of the world in that the emphasis is not primarily on the scenery but on the region’s inhabitants. While some of the villages are near enough to a main road to be reached on a day-trip from a major town, to get to the other, more traditional villages usually entails joining a guided party for a few days.

For most visitors, however, these hardships are outweighed by the experience of encountering people of such different cultures, travelling through tropical countryside. Here’s our take on some of Thailand’s best trekking routes .

Rock climbing

The limestone karsts that pepper southern Thailand’s Andaman coast make ideal playgrounds for rock-climbers, and the sport has really taken off here in the past fifteen years. Most climbing is centred round East Railay and Ton Sai beaches on Laem Phra Nang in Krabi province, where there are dozens of routes within easy walking distance of tourist bungalows, restaurants and beaches.

Sea kayaking and whitewater rafting

Sea kayaking is also centred around Thailand’s Andaman coast, where the limestone outcrops, sea caves, hongs (hidden lagoons), mangrove swamps and picturesque shorelines of Ao Phang Nga in particular make for rewarding paddling.

Entertainment and sport in Thailand

Bangkok is the best place to catch authentic performances of classical Thai dance, though more easily digestible tourist-oriented shows are staged in some of the big tourist centres as well as in Bangkok. The country’s two main Thai boxing stadia are also in the capital, but you’ll come across local matches in the provinces too.

Spas and traditional massage in Thailand

With their focus on indulgent self-pampering, spas are usually associated with high-spending tourists, but the treatments on offer at Thailand’s five-star hotels are often little different from those used by traditional medical practitioners, who have long held that massage and herbs are the best way to restore physical and mental well-being.

Thai massage ( nuad boran ) is based on the principle that many physical and emotional problems are caused by the blocking of vital energy channels within the body.

Spectacular archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, generally visited on a day-trip from Ko Samui or Ko Pha Ngan.

Waterfalls, hill tribes, orchids, around four hundred bird species and the country’s highest peak.

An exceptionally pretty, seven-tiered waterfall that extends deep into the forest. Hugely popular as a day-trip from Kanchanaburi.

Coastal flats on the Gulf coast known for their rich birdlife plus an extensive stalactite-filled cave system.

Southern Thailand’s most visited park has rainforest trails and caves plus a flooded river system with eerie outcrops and raft-house accommodation.

Thailand’s most popular national park, three hours from Bangkok, features half a dozen upland trails plus organized treks and night safaris.

Remote group of Andaman Sea islands with famously fabulous reefs and fine above-water scenery. Mostly visited by dive boat but limited national park accommodation is provided.

National marine park archipelago of beautiful coastal waters in the Andaman Sea, though much of its coral became severely bleached in 2010. Good snorkelling and national park campsites.

Beautiful and wildly varied land- and seascapes on the main 26km-long island and fifty other smaller islands on its western side.

Dramatic and strange 1300m-high plateau, probably best avoided at weekends.

Nearly all Thai festivals have a religious aspect. The most theatrical are generally Brahmin (Hindu) in origin, honouring elemental spirits and deities with ancient rites and ceremonial costumed parades.

Buddhist celebrations usually revolve round the local temple, and while merit-making is a significant feature, a light-hearted atmosphere prevails, as the wat grounds are swamped with food and trinket vendors and makeshift stages are set up to show likay folk theatre, singing stars and beauty contests.

Many of the secular festivals (like the elephant roundups and the Bridge over the River Kwai spectacle) are outdoor local culture shows, geared specifically towards Thai and farang tourists. Here’s what you need to know on when to go .

Travel advice for Thailand

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Thailand

• Getting around Thailand: Transportation Tips
• Khao Sok National Park
• Eating and drinking in Thailand
• How to get to Thailand
• Travel Tips Thailand for planning and on the go

From costs and climate to tipping to taxes, this Thailand travel guide has all the advice you’ll need to stay safe and happy.

Visiting Thailand for most Western passport holders (that includes citizens of the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) is simple as they’re allowed to enter the country for short stays without having to apply for a visa.

Visa requirements for extended trips in Thailand are subject to frequent change, so you should always consult before departure a Thai embassy or consulate, a reliable travel agent, or the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at wmfa.go.th .

Top image: Thai khon dancers © saravutpics/Shutterstock

There’s no standard system of transliterating Thai script into Roman, so you’re sure to find that the Thai words in this book don’t always match the versions you’ll see elsewhere. Maps and street signs are the biggest sources of confusion, so we’ve generally gone for the transliteration that’s most common on the spot; where it’s a toss-up between two equally popular versions, we’ve used the one that helps best with pronunciation. However, sometimes you’ll need to do a bit of lateral thinking, bearing in mind that a classic variant for the town of Ayutthaya is Ayudhia, while among street names, Thanon Rajavithi could come out as Thanon Ratwithi – and it’s not unheard of to find one spelling posted at one end of a road, with another at the opposite end.

Although the vast majority of Thais are Buddhist, nearly everyone also believes that the physical world is inhabited by spirits . These spirits can cause trouble if not given enough care and attention, and are apt to wreak havoc when made homeless. Therefore, whenever a new building is constructed – be it a traditional village house or a multistorey office block – the owners will also construct a home for the spirits who previously occupied that land. Crucially, these spirit houses must be given the best spot on the site – which in Bangkok often means on the roof – and must also reflect the status of the building in question, so their architecture can range from the simplest wooden structure to an elaborate scale model of a particularly ornate temple or even a sleek little icon of modernism. Daily offerings of flowers, incense and candles are set inside the spirit house, sometimes with morsels of food.

Such is the national obsession with muay thai , or Thai boxing, that when Wijan Ponlid returned home from the Sydney 2000 Olympics with the country’s only gold medal (for international flyweight boxing), he was paraded through town at the head of a procession of 49 elephants, given a new house and over 20 million baht, and offered a promotion in the police force. Belatedly perhaps, muay thai has recently entered the canon of martial-arts cinema: Ong Bak (2003), Tom Yum Goong (2005) and their various sequels were global box-office hits, and their all-punching, all-kicking star, Tony Jaa, who performed all his own stunts, has been appointed Cultural Ambassador for Thailand.

Though there are boxing venues all around the country, the very best fights are staged at Bangkok’s two biggest stadiums, Rajdamnoen and Lumphini, and are well worth attending as a cultural experience even if you have no interest in the sport itself (see The media & Thai boxing).

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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Thailand Travel Guide

From tropical islands and flavourful cuisine to stunning temples and famed martial arts — Thailand is a traveler's paradise!

Best time to visit Thailand

Best places to visit in thailand, 8 best things to do in krabi, thailand, phu langka: thailand’s best sunrise viewpoint in phayao national park, 10 best things to do in pai (2024 travel guide), 13 best things to do in bangkok, map of thailand, weather in thailand.

Thailand has warm, tropical weather for most of the year but is generally split into three main seasons: hot, cool, and wet. The cool season, running from November to February, is the best time to visit Thailand, when temperatures drop to a nice 25 - 28 °C.

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Why is Thailand worth visiting?

Thailand, nicknamed ‘the land of smiles’, is a tropical nation home to friendly locals, powdery-white sand beaches, lush jungles, serene temples, and sprawling cities. Home to diverse landscapes that span from north to south, travelers can do everything from rafting among deep canyons to diving among colorful marine life on paradise islands.

Is Thailand cheap to visit?

Thailand remains one of the most affordable destinations in Asia, offering visitors the chance to stay in fantastic accommodations for a fraction of the price you’d find in Europe. It’s also a country famous for street food, meaning you can find cheap and delicious eats for $2-3!

Can I drink tap water in Thailand?

Although drinking tap water in Bangkok is considered safe, it is not recommended for other destinations in Thailand. However, there are plenty of other great options to stay hydrated! Choose an eco-friendly option, using a reusable water bottle with an in-built filter system or refilling at restaurants with filtered water.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Thailand?

Great news! Most travelers can explore Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days — for free! If your stay is more than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a Tourist Visa online.

Tip: Check your country’s entry requirements well in advance, as some places are subject to stricter visa rules.

What language do they speak in Thailand?

In Thailand, people speak Thai, a tonal language with a distinct alphabet. Because it is very different from most Western languages, it can be hard to pronounce, but it’s worth learning a few phrases to connect with the warm local people as you travel.

Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

Travel insurance is an absolute must in Thailand! It protects you against unexpected events, whether that’s a flight cancellation, lost luggage, or medical care. Jump on that scooter, cliff-jump at the beach, or white water raft without care!

Is Thailand safe?

While Thailand is generally very safe, some petty crime does occur, especially in bigger cities like Bangkok. It’s always good to exercise caution by leaving any valuables at home and keeping an eye on your belongings. However, in general, Thailand’s warm hospitality means you can explore worry-free!

What power plug type does Thailand have?

Thailand uses plug types A and B (also used in the USA) and C (standard for Europe), which means there’s a high chance you won’t need an adaptor. If you need an adaptor, you can easily buy one at the airport or stores throughout Thailand.

Why do people love Thailand?

Thailand is loved worldwide for its diverse landscapes, fantastic island-hopping, friendly locals, and excellent food. Whether you’re looking for buzzing night markets in Chiang Mai, motorbike mountain adventures in Pai, or marine adventures off the coast of Krabi, Thailand will delight every traveler.

Travel to Thailand

Thailand is world-famous for its warm culture, delicious food, nightlife, and scenic landscapes. Travelers who choose to vacation in Thailand have a world of choice at their feet, from world-famous temples and island retreats to impressive waterfalls and dramatic gorges.

How to Plan Your Trip to Thailand

Follow our Thailand travel guides to plan the trip of a lifetime! The country is great for backpacking because of its affordable and lively destinations, but it’s also perfect for those looking for island resorts and luxury vacations. Whatever you’re after, we’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking to discover the best places in Thailand or want to follow a 7-day Thailand itinerary in the south of the country.

Staying for longer? 2 Weeks in Thailand (from Bangkok to the north) provides the ultimate mix of culture, adventure, and stunning nature.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Planning the perfect vacation in Thailand? Find out about the climate in Thailand to choose the best time to explore the Land of Smiles!

Hot Season (April-October): Instead of dry, Thailand sees a hot season when temperatures surge to over 30 degrees. April is known as the hottest month in Thailand, and these temperatures are most noticeable in the north, with locations such as Chiang Mai being the hottest (up to 37 °C).

Wet Season (November-March) : Thailand thanks its lush tropical scenery to the rainy (monsoon) season, with the heaviest rainfall in September/October. For most of these months, it doesn’t rain the entire day (just a few hours in the afternoon). The rest of the day is sunny, leaving plenty of room to relax on the beautiful beaches. It’s also a good time for backpacking in Thailand as it’s more affordable with fewer crowds.

Cool Season: The temperatures in Thailand drop to a nice 25 – 28 °C across the country from November to February, with fresh air and less humidity. This period is the best time to visit Thailand. However, this is also the high season, bringing more crowds and slightly higher prices.

Tip: Avoid visiting Chiang Mai and Pai between January – March, as they experience the so-called ‘burning season’. During this time, there’s a lot of pollution in the air from fires burned on neighboring farmland.

Coastlines and Beaches in Thailand

Thailand is rightly famous for its fantastic beaches, most of which are located on the southern tip of the country. These are some of the best places to visit in Thailand, home to golden sand beaches bordered by cliffs in buzzing towns like Krabi and Phuket . Whether you want to enjoy the coastal nightlife, go rock climbing, or simply relax, there’s a beach for every type of traveler.

For true paradise, head to the hundreds of stunning islands off the mainland, where you’ll find white sand, coconut palms, and turquoise water. Choose places like Koh Lipe , which is almost car-free, and spend your days walking around the island or snorkeling off the shore. A truly memorable spot on your vacation in Thailand is the iconic Koh Phi Phi, used as the setting for the Hollywood film ‘The Beach’.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Thailand

Nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles’ because of its warm and friendly locals, Thailand travel is simply bliss.

Religion: Part of its friendly nature is down to the religion practiced in Thailand; the country has a predominantly Buddhist population. The philosophy of Buddhism is centered on enlightenment and morality, a good explanation for the kind and courteous manner of Thai people. Not only this, but you’ll find tens of thousands of intricately decorated Buddhist temples and shrines around the country, from the exquisite white temples of Chiang Rai to the giant Big Buddha statue that towers over Phuket.

Food: Thai cuisine is one of the most loved in the world, offering delicious noodle dishes such as the famous Pad Thai and spicy red and green curry delights. The street food scene is huge in Thailand, and wandering the night markets sampling barbecued pork skewers, coconut curry soups, and papaya salads is one of the best things to do in Thailand .

Culture: The culture in Thailand is expressed in a myriad of ways — through dance, colorful clothing, flowers, festivals, and even tattoos. The Buddhist culture means that friendly locals conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times, so you’ll never see them expressing extreme emotions. Senior people and elders are highly respected, and you’ll often see people with palms together and bowed heads as a sign of admiration.

Why You Should Travel to Thailand

With such beautiful culture, people, and landscapes, a vacation in Thailand is hard to beat. The nation and its people’s smiles are infectious, and with so much to explore, it’s easy to return again and again.

Thailand’s coastline and paradise islands are the real drawcard for travelers, with people whiling away weeks on end lounging under the palms, drinking coconuts, and drifting on traditional Thai longtail boats between picture-perfect islands. These southern islands are some of the best places to visit in Thailand . However, if you prefer luscious nature and cultural delights, head for the verdant rice paddies, powerful waterfalls, and golden temple complexes of northern Thailand.

Whatever you’re looking for on your Thailand holiday, you’ll find it among the diverse regions, whether that’s enjoying a relaxing Thai massage, canyoning among deep gorges, or hiking to epic viewpoints for sunset.

Safety and Travel Advice in Thailand

Travelers who want to vacation in Thailand, the Land of Smiles in Southeast Asia, should take the necessary precautions to enjoy a safe trip. The following information helps visitors get the most out of their journey.

*Please note that certain provinces are not recommended to travel because of terrorist risk. Please check your government website before travel for up-to-date information.

Natural Disasters: Although natural disasters happen infrequently in Thailand, the country is prone to earthquakes and heavy flooding. Especially in the wet season, stay informed by registering with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip.

Crime and safety in Thailand: While Thailand is generally safe, petty theft can happen. Exercise caution by keeping valuables secure and leaving any important belongings at home. Like any destination, we recommend avoiding isolated areas at night and sticking to well-lit spots with more people.

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic in Thailand: Traffic in Thailand can be chaotic, and the country does have a high rate of motorbike and scooter accidents. Although it’s very normal to rent transport like this for your trip, always wear a helmet and protective clothing, and ensure you have travel insurance. During the rainy season, be aware of road conditions, as the tarmac can be slippery.

Cultural Sensitivity: Thailand has a very respectful and polite culture, so please always follow local customs, be that wearing appropriate clothing or asking permission to take photos of locals.

Drugs and Drinking: Thailand has very strict drug laws, some of which can see you imprisoned for possession of small amounts of substances. Even more severe, possession of Class A drugs can lead to a punishment of the death penalty.

Spiking of drinks is known to occur in party towns and very touristy places. Always be aware of your glass and consider purchasing a drink cover to protect yourself at larger parties like the Full Moon in Koh Pha Ngan.

Travel Insurance: One of the most important things you need to do before your Thailand holiday is purchase travel insurance. Although Thailand is generally safe, there is potential for accidents – for example, an injury, canceled flight, or lost baggage. Check out these best travel insurances .

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20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

EPasqualli/Getty Images

Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

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Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

"I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

Koh Phi Phi

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

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While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

"I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

Koh Yao Noi

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My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

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Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

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Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

Mae Hong Son Loop

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Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

Khao Yai National Park

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Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

"Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

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Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

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Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

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No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

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Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

"It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

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The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kanchanaburi

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Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

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Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

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Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

"I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

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Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

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This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

The best time to visit Chiang Mai

Apr 26, 2024 • 7 min read

Our seasonal guide to Chiang Mai can help you narrow down the best time for your visit © Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

Often packed with as many visitors as there are roadside hawkers, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand ’s most-loved destinations, offering a cool respite from the beaches and busy cities further south.

While there’s a lot to do in town, the best experiences in Chiang Mai are often found in the province’s natural surroundings . And as with the rest of Thailand , the weather remains warm and pleasant year-round, rain and smoke can make or break even the best-planned vacation up north. 

Scaling rugged mountains, braving the thrill of white water rapids, enjoying nature’s larder or forging connections with the local wildlife – these are the experiences that define Chiang Mai, whatever the weather. However, there's one specific time of the year when it might be wise to postpone your travel plans entirely. Here's our seasonal guide to help you make the right decision for you.

Temperatures are coolest in November to January

Thailand never gets cold, but by November, the rain stops and cold fronts bring the temperatures down a notch (at night at least). This ushers in the “cool” season and officially marks the start of Thailand's high season when it comes to travel. And while the city is at its busiest over the Christmas and New Year weeks, there’s a lot more on offer in the way of tours, trips and cultural festivals that do a good job at dispersing crowds.

Visit Chiang Mai at this time and you’ll see locals wearing sweaters as nighttime temperatures drop to 12–15°C (53–60°F) while sunseekers from cooler climes opt for shorts and loose tees. Yet wherever your bar sits, the cooler weather guarantees to make outdoor activities more bearable. During this time, parks and rivers that shut during the rainy season reopen, while the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon , is even prone to a touch of morning frost.

While there are plenty of peaks in Thailand where you can enjoy a sea of clouds – think Phu Chee Fah, Doi Pha Hom Pok or Doi Angkhang – there’s no place better than atop the towering pinnacle of Doi Luang Chiang Dao . Open for just November, December and January and limited to 150 people a day, it does take some planning, but the 360 views at sunset and sunrise are entirely worth it. The booking website is mainly in Thai, so try sending a  message through the Facebook group to secure your space.

Cautious thrill seekers will also enjoy the cool season as rivers continue to flow but without the risk of violent jungle river swells that come with monsoon downpours. While the Nam Wa River in nearby Nan Province offers the best long-distance rapids in the country, Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng River is just as good for those new to the sport despite being a little busy at times.

Back in the city, the cool season also brings with it a slew of culturally significant events that are well worth planning into your itinerary. November’s full moon is of greatest importance in the lunar calendar and is when the country celebrates Loi Krathong festival. Marking the end of the rainy season, people thank the waters for a prosperous year by floating makeshift candlelit rafts decorated with flowers and incense. Some write prayers on paper and add them to the raft, others say prayers as they push the raft off, and some include pieces of their hair or nails as a way to rid themselves of bad luck.

In Chiang Mai specifically, this celebration aligns with the northern Yee Peng festival of lanterns. Most years, a huge lantern release event takes place at Maejo University, while other smaller lantern launches happen at Three Kings Monument and Thapae Gate. December and January are also the months where more contemporary festivals take place, from music and art events to the up-and-coming Chiang Mai Festival City – a cultural, craft and music event – held every November and December.

Ready to go? Here are Chiang Mai's unmissable experiences

Head to Chiang Mai in April for Songkran

By March and April, the Thai weather hits the height of summer with the mercury reaching a scorching 30–40°C (86–104°F). While schools are out, most prefer to seek refuge in air-conditioned homes and malls with the exception of Songkran – Thailand’s three-day, water throwing new year celebration. It officially takes place April 13 to 15, but in Chiang Mai, it tends to span April 12 to 16 to allow a couple of extra days of fun.

Across the country, families and friends seek blessings from elders before seeking out the best water fights on every street corner. Chiang Mai is well known to be one of the top places to experience this festival, with the entire Old City Moat transforming into an endless circuit of water spraying mayhem, roadside concerts and free flowing revelry. If you prefer to stay dry or are traveling with young kids, opting for a hotel outside of the old city is strongly recommended at this time, allowing you to dip in as much or as little as you like. 

April is also the month where Thais celebrate some of the best foods of the season. Succulent mango and mangosteens begin to ooze with sugary sweetness, while locals start to look to the trees in hopeful harvest of protein-rich eggs of red ants, enjoyed in both soups and deep fried in omelets. You’ll find both in their raw forms in Warorot Market , while Han Teung Chiangmai restaurant is the best place to sample summery Northern Thai dishes ready made, located conveniently close to Chiang Mai University and the ancient Wat Umong Temple .

There are cheaper rates in the rainy season of May to October

Thailand’s rainy season tends to be less predictable than other monsoons in the region, yet with it comes a bloom of lush green scenery and moody afternoon skies that are a piece of art in their own right.

In Northern Thailand, rain often arrives as swift, brief showers in the afternoon or evening, while temperatures hover around a high-humid 30°C (86°F). There are moments, though, when the sky wears a cloak of endless rainfall and gray clouds that can last for days – a fair trade for lower temperatures.

During this time, Chiang Mai is a stunning greenscape of jungle forest, shimmering paddy fields and misty mountain peaks. Views from hillsides are nowhere near guaranteed, but a day or two in a bamboo hut homestay in Mae Wang or Chiang Dao offers hot coffee, relaxed vibes and natural local experiences at bargain prices. 

Waterfalls are also their most impressive at this time, with the Nam Tok Bua Tong Waterfall (AKA the Sticky Waterfall) and Mae Sa Waterfall being two popular spots to splash around in. In recent years authorities have taken more steps to monitor flash flooding, resulting in the odd unannounced closure to ensure the safety for visitors. 

For ultimate rainy season vibes, head to Pai in July for the yearly Pai Jazz & Blues Festival that takes over the small mountain town with a heavy schedule of outdoor cafe and bar performances that continue rain or shine.

Traveling on a budget? Here are some things you can do for free in Chiang Mai

The smog in February to April is best avoided

Some say Chiang Mai is too good to be true, which is perhaps why there’s a smoky season to balance it all out. From February (and sometimes as early as January) to April, Northern Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam are blanketed in a thick layer of PM2.5 smog caused primarily by slash-and-burn agricultural practices and human-caused forest fires. 

Despite many efforts to reduce the smog (and the fires), this regional crisis seems to be getting worse not better. Chiang Mai regularly tops the list as the most air-polluted city in the world, dozens of times each year. 

While passing through the region during this time is manageable for tourists as exposure is generally brief, locals who are sick of the smoke choose to hunker down indoors, postpone their activities, or escape to the beaches while the rest of the city suffocates. Consequently, events are canceled or are simply not planned, casting a quiet spell over the city that pairs with the smoke for an almost dystopian atmosphere that sadly can't be ignored.

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Passing Thru Travel

Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024

Posted: March 5, 2024 | Last updated: March 5, 2024

Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality, offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the south and the lush mountains of the north, this guide will take you through the diverse facets of Thailand, ensuring a journey filled with discovery and wonder.

Bangkok, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity, offers an experience like no other. As you navigate its bustling streets, you’ll encounter magnificent temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, standing as serene sanctuaries amidst the urban chaos. The Grand Palace, a former royal residence, highlights the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

For shopping enthusiasts, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market presents a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to local handicrafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Bangkok’s renowned street food, where dishes like Pad Thai and Som Tam are served with authentic flavors.

The city’s vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars to lively street markets, pulsates with energy, offering a glimpse into the contemporary lifestyle of Bangkok’s residents. Navigating Bangkok explores contrasts, where each turn presents a new facet of this dynamic city.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the lesser-known but equally impressive Wat Benchamabophit for a more tranquil temple experience.

How To Get There: Bangkok is accessible by its two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The city has an extensive public transport system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February is ideal, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals.

2. Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s frenetic energy. The city is replete with historic temples, the most famous being Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, each offering a peaceful retreat and a look into the spiritual practices of the locals. The Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market are hubs for artisanal crafts and street food, reflecting the city’s artistic flair and culinary richness.

Just outside the city, the lush landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park await, with trekking trails leading to waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its blend of history, culture, and nature, providing a holistic experience of Thailand’s northern region.

Whether you’re exploring its ancient temples, engaging in a traditional Thai cooking class, or wandering through its vibrant markets, Chiang Mai captivates with its serene beauty and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Take a Thai cooking class to delve deeper into the region’s unique flavors.

How To Get There: Chiang Mai has an international airport and is also accessible by train or bus from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, particularly in November, for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a blend of experiences catering to those seeking relaxation and adventure. The island’s beaches, like Patong, Kata, and Karon, offer a range of atmospheres, from bustling shores with water sports activities to more tranquil retreats. Beyond its stunning beaches, Phuket’s Old Town reveals a different side of the island, with Sino-Portuguese architecture and a burgeoning arts scene.

A visit to the Big Buddha is a must for a panoramic view of the island. The surrounding waters of Phuket, particularly the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, are a paradise for divers and snorkelers, boasting vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Phuket’s nightlife, especially in Patong, pulsates with energy, offering many entertainment options. The island’s diversity, from its natural beauty to cultural richness, makes Phuket a microcosm of Thailand’s allure.

Insider’s Tip: Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands for some of the best snorkeling and diving.

How To Get There: Phuket is accessible by its international airport or by bus and ferry from the mainland.

Best Time To Travel: The best weather is from November to February, with calm seas and sunny skies.

4. Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a journey through Thailand’s storied past. As you wander through the historical park, you’ll encounter the ruins of temples and palaces, each telling a tale of the city’s former glory and subsequent destruction.

The site’s most iconic structures, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, showcase the sophisticated art and architecture of the Ayutthaya period. Exploring Ayutthaya is not just a historical excursion; it’s an immersive experience that transports you back to when the city was a major trading hub of Asia.

The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against a backdrop of modern life underscores the enduring legacy of Ayutthaya’s historical and cultural significance in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

How To Get There: Ayutthaya is a short train or bus ride from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable exploring conditions.

In Krabi Province, you’ll find yourself amidst some of Thailand’s most picturesque landscapes, marked by dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. The province is renowned for destinations like Railay Beach, which is accessible only by boat. It offers world-class rock climbing and stunning beachscapes.

The Phi Phi Islands, with their iconic beaches and vibrant marine life, are perfect for day trips, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. For a more tranquil experience, the lesser-known Koh Lanta provides a laid-back atmosphere with its long, sandy beaches. Krabi’s natural beauty extends beyond its coastline, with inland attractions like the Emerald Pool and the Tiger Cave Temple, each offering unique experiences.

Whether you’re seeking adventure on the cliffs of Railay or tranquility on the beaches of Koh Lanta, Krabi presents a diverse array of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the mangroves and limestone caves by kayak for a unique perspective.

How To Get There: Krabi has an airport, and it’s also accessible by bus and boat from other parts of Thailand.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to March for the best beach weather.

Pai, nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With its relaxed atmosphere, this small town attracts travelers looking to escape the hustle of city life. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Pai is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring hot springs.

The Pai Canyon offers stunning views, especially at sunset, and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The town’s charming cafes, night markets, and art galleries reflect a unique blend of local Thai culture and bohemian influences.

Renting a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside is a popular way to discover the area’s hidden gems, but be cautious on the winding roads. Pai’s natural beauty, laid-back vibe, and cultural richness make it a refreshing stop in your Thailand journey.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside, but be cautious on the winding roads.

How To Get There: Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, particularly from October to February, is ideal for comfortable temperatures.

7. Sukhothai

Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, is where Thai art, architecture, and language began to develop and flourish. The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological delight with well-preserved ruins and majestic Buddha statues set amidst scenic lakes and gardens.

Exploring this ancient city on a bicycle offers a leisurely and intimate experience of the park’s vast grounds. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, with its impressive central stupa, and Wat Si Chum, known for its gigantic seated Buddha.

The historical significance of Sukhothai, coupled with its serene and picturesque setting, provides a profound insight into the origins of Thai culture and the nation’s early history.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the Loy Krathong festival in November, when the park is beautifully lit with lanterns.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season is the best time to visit, especially around the Loy Krathong festival.

Hua Hin, once a quiet fishing village and now a popular beach resort town, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural experiences. Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and the summer palace of the Thai royal family, Hua Hin exudes an air of sophistication and tranquility.

The night markets in Hua Hin, particularly the Cicada Market, are great for experiencing local crafts and cuisine. Nearby natural attractions like Sam Roi Yot National Park, with its limestone mountains and mangrove forests, provide opportunities for nature exploration.

Hua Hin’s combination of beachside leisure, royal heritage, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more laid-back experience in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood at the night market, known for its freshness and variety.

How To Get There: Hua Hin is about a three-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by train.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for the best beach weather and fewer rain showers.

9. Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and its World War II history, offers a poignant reminder of the past, set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery. The Death Railway, war cemeteries, and museums provide a deep understanding of the region’s wartime history.

Beyond its historical significance, Kanchanaburi is also home to beautiful national parks like Erawan and Sai Yok, offering trekking, waterfalls, and river rafting. The province’s blend of history and natural beauty provides a multifaceted experience, making it a destination that appeals to history buffs and nature lovers.

Insider’s Tip: Take a train ride on the Death Railway for a scenic and historical journey.

How To Get There: Kanchanaburi is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool and dry season from November to February is ideal for exploring and outdoor activities.

10. The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, offers a unique cultural and geographical experience. This area, once notorious for its opium production, now provides insights into the region’s history with attractions like the Hall of Opium Museum.

A boat ride on the Mekong River is a serene way to experience the beauty of this area and the confluence of the three countries. The ancient city of Chiang Saen nearby, with its ruins and temples, adds a historical dimension to your visit. The Golden Triangle’s cultural influences and stunning landscapes make it a fascinating destination in Northern Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: For a panoramic view of the three countries, visit the viewpoint at Wat Phra That Pu Khao.

How To Get There: The Golden Triangle is accessible by bus or car from Chiang Rai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable weather for exploring.

11. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea are a pristine archipelago renowned for their exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. These islands, part of a protected national park, boast some of the clearest waters in Thailand, with visibility often extending up to 30 meters.

The underwater landscape of coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and a myriad of colorful fish species. Above water, the islands are equally stunning, with powdery white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. The Similan Islands are perfect for a retreat for anyone seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, the Similans offer a tranquil escape from the world, where nature’s wonders are on full display.

Insider’s Tip: Book a liveaboard diving trip for an immersive experience in the islands’ underwater world.

How To Get There: The Similan Islands are accessible by boat from Khao Lak or Phuket.

Best Time To Travel: The diving season runs from November to April, with the best conditions from February to April.

12. The Isaan Region

The Isaan region, located in northeastern Thailand, is a land steeped in tradition and history, offering a stark contrast to the country’s more tourist-centric areas. This region is the heartland of Thai culture, where ancient customs and lifestyles are preserved. Isaan’s rural landscapes, dotted with rice paddies and traditional villages, provide a glimpse into a simpler way of life.

The region is also home to some of Thailand’s most significant archaeological sites, including the prehistoric Ban Chiang and the Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung. Isaan’s cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spiciness, is a highlight, with dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) being local staples

A journey through Isaan is a journey through the soul of Thailand, where the richness of the country’s heritage and the warmth of its people are palpable in every experience.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) for an authentic taste of Isaan.

How To Get There: Isaan is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok, or by plane to regional airports like Udon Thani.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, from November to February, for comfortable travel conditions.

13. Koh Samui

Koh Samui, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise combining natural beauty, luxury, and relaxation. The island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, such as Chaweng and Lamai, which offer crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. Beyond its stunning coastline, Koh Samui has various attractions, from the majestic Big Buddha statue to the enchanting Na Muang Waterfalls.

The island’s interior is a lush landscape of coconut groves and rainforests, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring. Koh Samui’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Thai flavors and international cuisine, with a plethora of dining options ranging from beachside shacks to upscale restaurants.

The island’s vibrant nightlife, centered around Chaweng Beach, provides entertainment well into the early hours. Koh Samui caters to all types of travelers seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a luxurious retreat.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park for stunning landscapes and snorkeling opportunities.

How To Get There: Koh Samui has an airport with flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and international destinations.

Best Time To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to February, with dry weather and calm seas.

14. Railay Beach

Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a hidden gem offering a serene escape from the more crowded tourist spots. This peninsula, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, is a haven for rock climbers and beachgoers.

The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, while the viewpoints and caves provide opportunities for exploration. Railay maintains a laid-back atmosphere, with a small selection of bars and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for adventure and relaxation in a tranquil setting.

Insider’s Tip: Take a rock climbing course if you’re a beginner to safely enjoy the sport under expert guidance.

How To Get There: Railay Beach is accessible by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the weather is dry, and the seas are calm.

15. Udon Thani and the Red Lotus Sea

Udon Thani, a vibrant city in Thailand’s northeastern region, is the gateway to the mesmerizing Red Lotus Sea (Lake Nong Han). It’s best visited in the cool season, as it transforms into a breathtaking expanse of pink and red lotuses stretching as far as the eye can see. A boat ride through the serene waters, dotted with these vibrant blooms, offers a truly unique and tranquil experience.

Beyond the lake, Udon Thani boasts a rich cultural heritage, with various temples, museums, and markets reflecting the local Isan culture. The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Udon Thani, provides fascinating insights into the region’s ancient history.

This area’s blend of natural beauty and cultural depth makes it a compelling destination for those exploring beyond Thailand’s typical tourist paths.

Insider’s Tip: Visit early in the morning when the lotuses are fully bloomed and the lake is less crowded.

How To Get There: Udon Thani is accessible by plane from Bangkok, and the Red Lotus Sea is a short drive from the city.

Best Time To Travel: The lotuses bloom from December to February, making it the ideal time to visit.

16. The Ancient City of Sukhothai

The ancient city of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a journey back in time to the roots of Thai civilization. As the first capital of Thailand, it holds a special place in the nation’s history. The Sukhothai Historical Park, with its well-preserved ruins set amidst lush greenery and tranquil ponds, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the 13th-century Sukhothai Kingdom.

Exploring the park, you’ll encounter majestic Buddha figures, towering stupas, and intricate carvings, all evocative of the city’s past splendor. Cycling through the park’s vast grounds allows for an intimate exploration of its numerous sites, including Wat Mahathat, the park’s largest temple, and Wat Si Chum, famous for its gigantic seated Buddha. A visit to Sukhothai immerses ancient Thailand’s artistic and spiritual legacy.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the extensive grounds of the historical park at your own pace.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok, and the historical park is a short ride from the city center.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February offers pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins.

17. The Floating Markets Near Bangkok

The floating markets near Bangkok, such as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, offer a vibrant and colorful glimpse into traditional Thai life. These bustling waterways, lined with boats laden with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts, present a lively and picturesque scene.

A visit to these markets is a sensory experience, with the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic Thai commerce and cuisine. Damnoen Saduak, the most famous of these markets, provides a more tourist-focused experience, while Amphawa offers a more local atmosphere and is primarily known for its evening seafood vendors.

Exploring these floating markets by boat or along the canalside walkways is a unique way to experience the local culture and indulge in some of Thailand’s most delicious foods and charming souvenirs.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour to fully experience the market and try local snacks from the floating vendors.

How To Get There: The floating markets are accessible by bus or organized tours from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

18. Erawan National Park and Waterfalls

Erawan National Park, located in the Kanchanaburi Province, is a natural oasis known for its stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Each tier of the waterfall offers a different shape and character, with natural pools perfect for swimming and relaxation.

The park’s lush forests are home to plentiful wildlife and provide numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the waterfalls, the park’s caves, such as Tham Phra That and Tham Ta Duang, offer further exploration opportunities.

Visiting Erawan National Park is a chance to witness one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls and connect with the country’s rich natural landscapes.

Insider’s Tip: Bring swimwear and trek to the upper tiers of the waterfall for a more secluded and serene experience.

How To Get There: The park is located in Kanchanaburi Province and is accessible by bus or car from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the water levels are ideal for swimming and the trails are dry.

19. Pattaya

Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village and now a bustling coastal city, is known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and many tourist attractions. While Pattaya’s reputation is often tied to its entertainment and nightlife, the city offers much more. The Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning all-wood structure filled with intricate carvings, highlights traditional Thai craftsmanship.

For nature lovers, Pattaya offers the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, a beautifully landscaped park with themed gardens and cultural shows. The nearby Coral Island (Koh Larn) provides a quick escape to quieter beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and water sports. Pattaya’s diverse offerings make it a destination that caters to various interests, from cultural exploration to beachside relaxation.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Pattaya Floating Market for a cultural experience and to sample local Thai dishes.

How To Get There: Pattaya is a two-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by bus or taxi.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for pleasant weather and to avoid the rainy season.

20. The Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand’s hill tribes offer a unique cultural experience, distinct from the rest of the country. These ethnic groups, including the Karen, Hmong, Akha, and Lisu, each have their own customs, languages, and traditional dress. Visiting these hill tribe villages, often nestled in the picturesque mountains and valleys of the region, provides insight into their traditional ways of life, which remain largely untouched by modernization.

Responsible and respectful tourism is key when visiting these communities. Many villages welcome visitors to learn about their culture, participate in traditional crafts, and even stay overnight for a more immersive experience. Engaging with the hill tribes of Northern Thailand offers a deeper understanding of the country’s ethnic diversity and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a community-based tourism program that benefits the tribes directly and respects their culture.

How To Get There: Hill tribe villages are accessible from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, often as part of guided tours.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, is comfortable for visiting the highland areas.

The Bottom Line

Thailand’s magic lies in its diversity – from bustling cities and ancient ruins to serene beaches and lush jungles. As you explore this enchanting country, embrace its history, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Remember, Thailand offers an experience beyond the ordinary, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

While exploring Thailand, take the time to learn a few phrases in Thai. A simple “hello” (sawasdee) or “thank you” (khob khun) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and enhancing your travel experience.

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The post Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Guide to the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok 2024: A Deep Dive into Thailand’s Agricultural Heritage

Welcome to a journey through one of Thailand’s most cherished festivals—the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. Scheduled for May 2024, this event is a vibrant showcase of the country’s profound agricultural roots and a spectacular cultural experience for locals and travelers alike. As you plan your visit to the Land of Smiles, our guide delves into the heart of this ancient tradition, offering insights into its historical significance, festivities, and tips for the modern traveler.

Understanding the Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known in Thai as Phra Ratcha Phithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan , is a majestic event that marks the commencement of the rice planting season. Steeped in Brahman and Buddhist traditions, the ceremony symbolizes the government’s relationship with agriculture, ensuring prosperity and bounty for the country. The event’s roots can be traced back over a thousand years, making it a profound celebration of Thai culture and spirituality.

The Significance of the Ceremony

Held at Sanam Luang, a vast open field located in front of the grandiose Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, the ceremony is led by the King of Thailand or an appointed royal representative. It merges religious rituals with ancient agrarian practices, offering blessings for fertile lands and abundant harvests. The ceremony’s highlights include the ploughing of sacred plots by oxen, which are then followed by elaborate rituals predicting the year’s agricultural yields.

Experiencing the Festivities

Visitors to the Royal Ploughing Ceremony can expect an immersive experience, filled with the sights and sounds of traditional Thai culture. The event is not just about the rituals; it’s a colorful festival where spectators can witness traditional music and the wearing of vibrant historical attire. Street vendors line the surroundings of Sanam Luang, offering a plethora of Thai cuisines and handicrafts, making it a perfect opportunity for cultural immersion.

Travel Tips for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Planning your trip to Bangkok to experience the Royal Ploughing Ceremony requires some preparation. Here are essential tips to ensure a memorable visit:

• Dress Appropriately : As the ceremony takes place near royal grounds and involves religious elements, modest dress is recommended. Opt for polite attire covering shoulders and knees.
• Arrive Early : The ceremony attracts large crowds, including dignitaries, so arriving early will help secure a good viewing spot.
• Stay Hydrated : May in Bangkok can be hot and humid. Carry water and wear sun protection to stay comfortable throughout the event.
• Respect Local Customs : Remember to be respectful during the ceremony. It’s a significant cultural and religious event for Thais, so observe quietly and follow any local guidelines.

Where to Stay in Bangkok During the Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Whether you’re seeking the lap of luxury or the comfort of a budget-friendly hostel, Bangkok’s diverse accommodation offerings cater to all. The city’s vibrant districts offer various options, each providing unique experiences and amenities. Here’s a closer look at where to stay:

Luxury Accommodations

For those looking to indulge, Bangkok boasts some of the most exquisite luxury hotels in the world. The Pathumwan Princess Hotel and the Okura Prestige Bangkok offer unparalleled service, stunning city views, and world-class amenities. Experience Thai hospitality at its finest while enjoying easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and historic sites.

Budget-Friendly Hostels

Bangkok is renowned for its affordable accommodation options, and the city’s hostels are no exception. Budget travelers can enjoy a comfortable and social environment at places like Here Hostel and BED STATION Hostel , located within walking distance to major attractions and transit points. Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travelers and get local tips on enjoying the city.

Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses

For a more personalized experience, consider staying in one of Bangkok’s charming boutique hotels or guesthouses. Properties like Loy La Long Hotel and Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel provide a cozy atmosphere with unique décor, reflecting the local culture and history. These venues often feature onsite cafés or gardens where guests can unwind after a day of exploration.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range hotels strike the perfect balance between comfort and value, offering well-appointed rooms and convenient services without the high price tag. Hotels such as Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam and ibis Bangkok Riverside are excellent choices for families and couples looking for reliable accommodations close to the city’s attractions.

Culinary Delights in Bangkok

Exploring Bangkok’s culinary landscape is an adventure in itself. Renowned globally for its vibrant street food scene as well as its high-end dining experiences, the city offers flavors and dishes to satisfy every palate. During the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, the streets come alive with special treats and traditional Thai dishes that celebrate the nation’s agricultural bounty.

Traditional Thai Dishes to Try

When visiting Bangkok for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, immerse yourself in the local culture by trying these must-eat Thai dishes:

• Pad Thai : Thailand’s iconic stir-fried noodle dish that offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
• Green Curry : Aromatic and spicy, Thai green curry can be enjoyed with chicken, beef, or tofu, served alongside steamed jasmine rice.
• Mango Sticky Rice : A beloved Thai dessert, made with ripe mangoes, sweet coconut milk, and sticky rice. It’s a seasonal treat, particularly delightful during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony period.
• Som Tam (Papaya Salad): A spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, offering a refreshing crunch.

Street Food and Market Delights

Bangkok’s street food is a key part of its identity. Areas near Sanam Luang and Khao San Road become bustling hubs of culinary activity during the ceremony. Here you can find vendors selling everything from grilled meats and seafood to fresh fruit and local sweets. Be sure to visit:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market : Beyond shopping, this market offers an extensive selection of street food stalls.
• Yaowarat Road (Chinatown): Famous for its nighttime street food, offering dishes like dim sum, noodle soups, and seafood.

Fine Dining Experiences

For those looking to experience Bangkok’s gourmet side, the city’s fine dining restaurants offer innovative Thai cuisine and international dishes, often with breathtaking views of the skyline. Notable mentions include:

• Lebua at State Tower : Home to several world-class restaurants and bars, including the renowned Sky Bar.
• Gaggan Anand : Known for its progressive Indian cuisine, Gaggan Anand has consistently been ranked as one of Asia’s best restaurants.

Whether indulging in the simplicity of street food or the sophistication of gourmet dining, Bangkok’s culinary scene promises an unforgettable experience during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony celebrations.

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Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

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Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

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Prashant Mehra is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. He has more than 20 years of international experience covering financial news, including with Reuters and the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He writes about business, markets, the economy and investing.