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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

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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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Complete Thailand Travel Blog: How to Plan Your Trip

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

With its breathtaking beauty, majestic temples, bustling streets, and untainted history, Thailand stands atop the list of most visited tourist locations in Southeast Asia.

The sparkling waters and white beaches call travel enthusiasts from all over the world, and rightfully so. 

There’s so much to explore in this Eden of Southeast Asia that a few days won’t be enough to capture its magnificence.

Therefore, to help you out, we have curated a guide to make your journey easier and hassle-free.

Thailand might just be our favorite Asian country to visit . It is a great destination for couples, friends, or families.

Best Time To Travel To Thailand

The grandeur of this tropical paradise, Thailand, is worth exploring all year round. But if you can’t handle the weather fluctuations, especially the intense summer heat, then knowing the best time to travel to Thailand will help you in more ways than one.

Planning an itinerary is essential to ensure you don’t sweat buckets while shopping in crowded Bangkok streets or get washed away while island hopping on the Thai Gulf.

The months from November to early April are best for travelers to tour Thailand and some of the famous Thai festivals fall during this period. So if you are wondering where to travel in January , we would definitely recommend Thailand!

From the breathtaking Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai to the lively Songkran celebration in Bangkok, you can experience the true beauty of Thailand if you travel during this time.

The weather is cool and dry with a stable temperature (except for the south-eastern islands in the Thai Gulf- Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, which experience high rainfall from October to early December).

But unlike the Thai Gulf, the Andaman coast is a paradise for people who love scuba diving and snorkeling in November.

The weather is perfect for scuba divers to explore the rich marine life.

Best Places To Visit In Thailand For First-Timers 

Thailand is not a large country, but it becomes bigger for travelers who only have limited time on their hands.

Therefore, we have made a list of places you can visit that will satisfy your desire to capture all of Thailand in a few days.

If this is your visit to Thailand, you might enjoy reading our guide on the  best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers .

You can also read all our best posts in the Thailand travel blog section below.

It goes without saying that the capital city, Bangkok, must never be missed when traveling to Thailand.

The city hosts the vibrant culture of Thailand amidst its bustling streets. From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the adventure of the Safari World, Bangkok will keep you occupied with all its wonders.

And when you’re done exploring the wild city life of Bangkok, you can catch a breath at the peaceful Buddhist temples that reflect the country’s true heritage.

The largest island of Thailand should definitely be on your itinerary with its scenic beaches and majestic temples. And let’s not forget the active nightlife and crowded pubs.

From Phang Nga Bay to Kata Noi Beach, from the Simon Cabaret show to the Trickeye Museum, there are many cool things to explore in Phuket. It will get you out of your comfort zone and present a whole new world!

Here is a list of all of our Phuket travel articles.

3. Chiang Mai

Unlike the busy streets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai will captivate you with its serenity and decades-long history. You’ll get to know the uniqueness of Thailand after visiting Chiang Mai, especially its tribal communities at the Tribal Museum.

But that’s not all; many other places like Bua Thong waterfalls, Wat Prasingh, Doi Inthanon, etc., are worth visiting in Phuket.

The wilderness of dense mangroves and milestone cliffs in Krabi will leave you awestruck. It offers the raw beauty of Thailand, which should never be missed.

From Railay Beach to Wat Tham Sua, from Phi Phi islands to Klong Thom hot springs, Krabi is truly a traveler’s paradise!

Find all of our Krabi travel articles here.

5. Koh Lak 

Although destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, Koh Lak has been reconstructed to match its earlier beauty. The white sandy beaches and hot springs of Koh Lak are worth exploring.

You can even try cooking classes or trekking around the two national parks in the city.

6. Koh Samui

The second-largest island of Thailand must not miss a spot on your itinerary. Situated in the Thai Gulf, this island houses breathtaking beaches and sparkling waters, which is a paradise for divers.

The island will offer you peace with its Buddhist temples and sway you with its scenic beauty. So, don’t forget to book a flight to Koh Samui!

You can find all of our Koh Samui travel articles here.

What Do I Need To Know When Traveling To Thailand?

Is it your first time traveling to Thailand? Here are a few things you need to know before booking a flight ticket to the King’s country.

1. Plan Your Itinerary

Planning an itinerary is what a rational traveler must do. From booking early tickets to researching the weather, you must do your homework before setting foot in the Country of Smiles.

If it’s your first time traveling to Thailand, doing some early research will make your journey hassle-free and safe.

2. Currency And Bank Charges

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht, and currently, 1 USD equals about 35 THB. So, when traveling to Thailand, you must exchange your dollars or euros for local currency.

There are ATMs where you can exchange the currency, but Thai banks charge high transaction fees for foreign cards. So, it’s better to take enough cash in one go to save money.

3. Important Travel Tricks

The local rickshaws or cab drivers charge a high amount from tourists. So, check up with locals regarding the travel fare.

Otherwise, cab or tuk-tuk drivers will rip you off. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s better to take public buses as they are cheaper than cabs.

4. Thai Decency And Modesty

Thai people usually don’t wear revealing clothes, especially while visiting religious places. So, if you’re going to a Buddhist temple or place of worship, cover up well to avoid getting side-eyed.

Also, do not wear shoes in temples, authentic restaurants, or places you’re advised not to.

5. Enjoy And Explore

Lastly, enjoy to your heart’s content and enjoy the diverse beauty of Thailand!

Plan Your Trip to Thailand

Here are our recommendations for how to plan your trip to Thailand:

1. Accommodation in Thailand  

We always start our accommodation research with Booking.com .  

This site makes it super easy to compare accommodation across various booking engines so that you can simply pick the best price for the accommodation of your choice.

2. Flights to Thailand

We personally book our flights on  Cheapo Air , we find that they are often the cheapest (even in comparison to Skyscanner).

3. Travel Insurance

We never travel without  travel insurance with Safety Wing . We have claimed on our travel insurance more than once, claims that would have cost us A LOT out of our own pockets.  Don’t skimp out on insurance.

Safety Wing offers incredible plans and is one of the few insurance companies that allow you to grab insurance when you are already traveling.

What Should I Avoid In Thailand?

To avoid getting yourself in awkward (or, at times, dangerous) situations in Thailand, here are the things you should bypass at all costs.

1. Avoid Talking About The Late King

The late Thai King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is highly respected and revered in Thailand. So, you must avoid saying anything bad about him.

2. Avoid Animal Tourism

Avoid riding elephants or taking pictures with animals such as tigers or monkeys, as it promotes the misery of captured animals. Such animals are victims of cruelty, so you must not engage in activities that promote it.

3. Avoid Tap Water

People in Thailand usually prefer bottled water to avoid diseases. So, to be on the safer side and to avoid jeopardizing your week’s trip to Thailand, it’s better to drink bottled water.

4. Avoid Getting Scammed

Many travelers get scammed while traveling to Thailand, especially the “tuk-tuk scam” or “it’s closed” scam. So, don’t believe everything your tuk-tuk driver says. Or, install the Uber of Southeast Asia – The Grab App.

5. Avoid Illegal Drugs

One can get lost in Thailand, especially at the infamous parties. However, you should not get too loose and get caught with illegal drugs.

Although medical marijuana is legal in Thailand, recreational isn’t, and you will be punished if you get caught. So, travel safely and steer clear of trouble.

Thailand Travel Basics

1. WiFi Availability

Whilst you can find free WiFi in Thailand, we found that the speed and connection were often unreliable.

2. eSIM 

Save yourself time at the airport and get yourself a Holafly eSIM before you go. 

We got ourselves an eSIM to Thailand for 60 days with unlimited data and it worked perfectly!

We wandered around Phuket, Coconut Island, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Bangkok, and had continuously good connections. Much recommended! 

Check out your eSIM data plans to travel to Thailand here and use the Discount Code WANDERLUSTSTORYTELLERS.

3. Airports

There are many international airports in Thailand. The busiest of which is probably Bangkok, Krabi, Chang Rai, and Phuket.

To save time on your holiday, make sure you choose to fly in and out of the airport that is located closest to your holiday destinations. You can find a list of all the airports in Thailand here .

4. Visa Required

Most tourists traveling to Thailand will not need a visa, however, the following 21 countries will need to acquire a visa on arrival – Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine & Uzbekistan.

5. International Driver’s License Accepted

It is always a good idea to have an international driver’s license with you, but have never been asked to show one and could even rent a car without having to show proof of one.

6. Is it Safe? 

Thailand is a safe country to visit . But as is typical in Asian countries it is recommended to keep an eye out for scams.

Also important to be aware of drink-spiking in the bars of ‘dodgy’ places in Thailand, such as Bangla Road in Phuket.

Thailand with Kids

A Thailand trip with kids is always a good idea.

Thailand is an easy country to travel to with kids. The Thai people are super welcoming to kids, English is pretty widely spoken and you can find supplies for babies or toddlers in the larger supermarkets.

We visited Thailand for 3 weeks with our 2-year-old, so whipped up a video that you can watch about how to  travel in Thailand with a baby/toddler .

There is a wide range of family hotels in Thailand; plenty of which offer excellent pool facilities and kids club options.

Thailand Travel Guides

You can read our Thailand holiday guides to:

Phuket Travel Guides:

• Best Beaches in Phuket
• James Bond Island Tour Review
• Phuket Adventure Activities
• Phi Phi Island Tour Review
• A One Day Itinerary for Phuket

Bangkok Travel Guides:

• Bangkok Tour to the Floating Markets & River Kwai

Krabi Travel Guides:

• Top 5 Best Beaches in Krabi to Check Out
• Top 10 Things to Do in Krabi
• How to get from Krabi to Railay West, Tonsai & Phranang Cave Beach ( Video )

Khao Lak Travel Guides:

• Best Khao Lak Beaches
• Top Things to Do in Khao Lak

Koh Lanta Travel Guides:

• Best Things to do in Koh Lanta
• Top 5 Beaches in Koh Lanta

Koh Lipe Travel Guides:

• How to get to Koh Lipe
• Top 10 Things to Do in Koh Lipe 

Koh Kradan Travel Guides:

• Koh Kradan Travel Guide
• A Look Around Koh Kradan (Video)

Koh Samui Travel Guides:

• How to get to Koh Samui
• Best time to visit Koh Samui
• 30 Things to do on Koh Samui
• Best 10 beaches on Koh Samui
• Best 5 beach on Koh Samui (Video)
• Pig Island/Koh Madsum (Video)
• Ang Thong Marine National Park Day Trip (Video)

Thailand Transport Guides

For helpful information on how to get around on your Thailand trip, click to read the guide below:

• How to get to Koh Lanta
• How to get from Phuket to Krabi

How to get from Phuket to Khao Lak

• How to get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
• How to get from Phuket to Koh Lipe
• How to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
• How to get from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe
• How to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta
• How to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
• How to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
• How to get from Bangkok to Krabi
• How to get to Koh Phangan

Thailand Hotel Reviews and Accommodation Guides

Read our personal hotel reviews on hotels that we have stayed at, or browse through our helpful Thailand accommodation guides:

• Where to stay in Koh Lanta
• Best Family Resorts in Phuket
• Where to Stay in Phuket
• Best Phuket Accommodation on the Beach
• Best Hotels in Krabi
• Best Koh Lipe Hotels to Stay At
• Best Koh Yao Noi Hotels and Resorts
• Best Hotels in Khao Lak
• Treehouse Villas Review on Koh Yao Noi

Find all of our Thailand Travel Blog Posts Below:

Find all our Thailand travel guides below. If you are planning to visit other countries in Asia in combination with Thailand, you can find heaps of other travel guides on our Asia travel blog here.

Koh Samui vs Koh Tao (Which One Should You Visit?)

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15 Best Hotels In Koh Lipe 2024 Guide [For An Enjoyable Stay]

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Top 12 Best Koh Yao Noi Accommodation (Hotels & Resorts)

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Top 20 Best Hotels in Khao Lak for an Unforgettable Vacation

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Ultimate Guide on How to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi

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Best Beaches In Koh Tao | 7 Sandy Sun-kissed Spots in Thailand

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Koh Samui Vs Koh Phangan: Which Island Is Best For You?

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Top 10 Best Koh Samui Family Resorts For A Fabulous Holiday!

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Best Restaurants In Koh Samui, Thailand | Thai Food & More

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30 Best Things To Do In Koh Samui (Attractions and Tours)

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The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort Review

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How To Get To Koh Phangan: The Quick and No-Fuss Guide!

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10 Best Beaches In Koh Samui, Thailand

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Sunwing Kamala Beach Resort Review | Our Personal Experience

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10 of the Absolute Best Beaches in Phuket that You Should See!

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Best Time to Visit Koh Samui (Season and Month by Month Guide)

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How To Get To Koh Samui [From Bangkok, Phuket & More]

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Best Place to Visit in Thailand for First Timers

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5 Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do With Kids In Bangkok

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Top 10 Phuket Adventure Activities To Add To Your Itinerary

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3-Day Phuket Itinerary: What to do, see and experience

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10 Best Beachfront Hotels In Phuket (Perfect For Relaxation)

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The Best Time to Visit Phuket in Thailand

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How to get from Bangkok to Krabi & Vice Versa

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How to get from Phuket to Krabi & Vice Versa

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How To Get To Koh Lanta (From Bangkok, Phuket & Other Places)

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Top 10 Best Hotels in Krabi Thailand – Guide on Where to Stay in Krabi

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Your Guide to The Best Khao Lak Beaches in Thailand

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Top 10 Things to do in Khao Lak, Thailand [Travel Guide]

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Where to Stay in Phuket – Best Budget and Luxury Accommodation

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10 Best Family Resorts in Phuket Ultimate Guide

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Top 10 Things to do in Koh Lipe, Thailand

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How To Get To Koh Lipe (From 8 Different Places)

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10 Best Things To Do In Krabi, Thailand

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Koh Kradan, Thailand Travel Guide [Everything you Need to Know!]

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Best Things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand

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Best Area To Stay in Koh Lanta (Guide of Hotels and Resorts)

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5 Best Beaches In Koh Lanta That Are Worth a Visit

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How To Get From Phuket to Koh Lanta (& Vice Versa)

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How To Get From Krabi to Koh Lanta (& Vice Versa)

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How To Get From Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe (& Vice Versa)

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How to Get From Krabi to Koh Lipe (& Vice Versa)

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How to Get From Bangkok to Koh Lipe (& Vice Versa)

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How to Get From Phuket to Koh Lipe (& Vice Versa)

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How To Get From Langkawi to Koh Lipe (& Vice Versa)

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40 Best Thailand Travel Blogs and Websites

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2. Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom

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7. Thailand Event Guide

8. Live Less Ordinary | Travel in Thailand

9. Indie Traveller | Thailand

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17. Tieland to Thailand

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19. Roamaroo | Thailand

20. Alex In Wanderland | Thailand

21. Two Wandering Soles | Ethical Travel on a Budget

22. TomYamThailand

23. geeky explore | Travel smart

24. Renegade Travels | Thailand

25. Tim's Thailand | Thai Culture, Food, and Travel.

26. Travels of Adam | Thailand

27. Asia Travel Blog | Thailand

28. TRAVELLING THE WORLD SOLO |Thailand

29. Koh Chang Island Guide For Independent Travellers

30. Stella's Out | Thailand

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32. Paper Planes | Thailand

33. Fin Nomads | Thailand

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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?

TRAVELLING IN THAILAND: AT A GLANCE:

Here are the basics of travel to Thailand.

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 !

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: 

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

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.

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 .

Read Our Thailand Blog Posts

Keemala phuket review – phuket’s best luxury resort, riding the mae hong son loop – motorbike travel guide, how to visit bangkok’s airplane graveyard, how to get a sak yant in chiang mai (hygienically and safely in 2024), how to become a divemaster in thailand, the ultimate guide to the best food in thailand, thailand packing list – what to pack for a perfect holiday, 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 18 best things to do in koh phi phi island (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in bangkok itinerary (2024 guide), the 35 best things to do in thailand, the perfect 1, 2 and 3 week thailand itinerary, the perfect 3 days in chiang mai itinerary, 13 awesome things to do in chiang mai, thailand (2024 guide), doi inthanon day trip – everything you need to know [2024], koh samui tours and day trips – the 5 best in 2024, sustainable tourism in thailand – ecotourism, wildlife and culture guide, 27 amazing places to visit in thailand, 21 best things to do in koh phangan [2024 travel guide], is thailand safe to travel in 2024, 10 best things to do in bangkok, thailand (2024 guide), thailand trip cost – budget tips and prices in 2024, transportation in thailand – ultimate travel guide [2024], 19 awesome things to do in trang, thailand (2024 guide), the 22 best things to do in koh samui, thailand, the perfect 3 days in koh samui itinerary, the perfect 3 days in krabi itinerary (2024 guide), 17 epic things to do in pai, thailand [2024 guide], 10 epic day trips from bangkok (do not miss these in 2024), 11 awesome things to do in kanchanaburi, thailand (2024), 15 amazing things to do in krabi in 2024 (epic guide), thailand travel tips – expert advice from 8 trips (2024), 7 reasons why you need to visit kamphaeng phet (in 2024), 10 best things to do in ao nang, thailand [2024], koh yao noi, thailand – the ultimate travel guide [2024], the 20 best things to do in koh tao, thailand (2024 guide), conservation diving and the ecological monitoring program in koh tao, diving to explore the mysterious world underwater, vipassana meditation course in chiang mai (what it’s like), cape fahn hotel review – the best luxury resort on koh samui, cape kudu hotel review – best place to stay on koh yao noi, exceeding expectations at khao sok lake house, celebrating songkran in bangkok, exploring yaowarat – a walking tour of chinatown bangkok, awesome things to do in tonsai beach, thailand, yoga dreams at the sanctuary in koh phangan, the happy train ride from chumphon to bangkok, thailand/myanmar (burma) border crossing – mae sot to myawaddy, back to thailand – in search of health and happiness, crown lanta – the best luxury hotel in koh lanta, hotel review – peace resort samui, hotel review – ao nang cliff beach resort, detox in thailand – cleansing at atmanjai wellness spa.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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.

North Thailand

13 best things to do in chiang mai, thailand, 10 best things to do in chiang rai, thailand, doi inthanon national park: best things to do on your visit, visiting the elephant nature park in chiang mai, northern thailand: the ultimate 2-week itinerary, south thailand, 17 best things to do in phuket, thailand, koh lipe: a guide to thailand’s paradise island, tour to khao sok national park: thailand’s ultimate hidden gem, khao sok national park and the floating bungalows, 7 best things to do on koh lanta, thailand, great experiences, co van kessel: the best tour of bangkok by bike, how to plan a trip, best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Thailand via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

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 .

Thailand Travel Blogs

These are all of my thailand travel blogs.

From exploring the beautiful islands and relaxing on the most stunning beaches, to the excitement and culture of Bangkok and the delicious cuisine, find out the best places to travel to in Thailand here, in my Thailand travel blogs.

Happy exploring!

REVIEW: 5-Star Luxury At Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, Koh Samui

From chic private villas set dotted throughout pristine grounds, to fine-dining experiences and fun activities for all the family, this is what it’s like staying at the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui in Koh Samui.

18 best hotels in phuket for couples.

From luxurious seaside resorts and romantic boutique hotels hidden in the lush landscapes, to top city getaways, these are the best hotels in Phuket for couples.

Reasons to visit koh lanta: 10 amazing things to do in koh lanta, thailand.

From pristine beaches and delicious Thai food, to stunning sunsets and beautiful hotels, find out the top things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand.

Everything you need to know about visiting khao sok national park.

From what to pack and details about the accommodation, to the amazing activities on offer, read this before visiting Khao Sok National Park, Thailand. 

A little engagement story.

Time for a little personal update as errrr… something pretty massive happened recently!

As you may remember, at the end of March I was getting VERY excited for our holiday to Thailand. We’d spent months planning it and had created our dream trip. Well it turns out Macca was excited to go to Thailand too, but for completely different reasons to me.

The day we left turned into one of those never-ending travel days. We spent 20+ hours travelling from London to Bangkok, then down to the island of Koh Lanta. We went from bus to tube to plane to plane to minibus.

Thailand Travel Blogs

Welcome to my Thailand Travel Blogs Page! Thailand is one of my favorite places in on earth.

Thailand - The land of smiles...

Welcome to my Thailand travel page. There is a reason so many people flock to Thailand every year. As soon as you step off the airplane in Bangkok , you can feel how special this land is. 

If you are planning a trip to Thailand , You cannot go wrong exploring tropical beaches, and the beautiful northern city of old town Chiang Mai . Read more below, and as always enjoy the selection of Thailand travel blogs. Find out more about Traveling to Thailand! 

Destinations

There is no wrong time to visit Thailand. But if you wanted to avoid the rainy season the best time to visit Thailand is between November and April. This is when the weather is at its finest – expect clear skies, sunshine, and balmy temperatures perfect for exploring the diverse wonders of this tropical paradise! Find out about visiting Thailand in the Winter!

What to Expect

The very best thing about Thailand is the people, and the food is a close second. Almost everyone you meet will greet you with a big smile. Thailand has a very laid-back culture. You will never hear locals yelling, it’s very safe, and it doesn’t hurt that most of the country looks like a post card. 

Explore pristine beaches like Phuket, Krabi , and Koh Samui , or dive into the hectic city life in Bangkok and charming Chiang Mai . Immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture through sacred rituals, friendly locals, and lively festivals. Don’t forget to savor world-famous Thai cuisine, bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting Land of Smiles!

Itineraries

Best Places to Stay on Koh Samui Thailand | Beaches & Hotel Guide 2024

Best Mae Sa Waterfall Chiang Mai Thailand Guide 2024

21 Best Villas in Koh Samui to Rent 2024 For All Budgets

Things to know

Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

Cappuccino (regular)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Basic Utilities (Monthly)

Internet (Monthly)

Fitness Club (Monthly)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

$ 1.50 – 3

$ 1.50 – 2

$ 0.25 – 0.50

$ 1 – 2

$ 50 – 100

$ 300 – 700

🚨 Emergency Numbers

💶 Money Handling

🗣 Communication

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ Friendly

🗺 Cultural Tolerance

💃 Nightlife

Police / Ambulance / Fire

Max ATM Withdrawl

Calling Code

Mandatory Vaccinations

Covid Restrictions

Thailand is generally considered the most LGBTQ-friendly country in Asia.

Thailand is known for its warm hospitality and is often referred to as the “Land of Smiles.”

20,000 to 30,000 Thai Baht

Not mandatory, but appreciated.

Indochina Time Zone

Non Drinkable

International Banking

Avoid international fees & sketchy money exchanges.

Ride Share, Food Delivery

This app is dangerously convenient.

Google translate, for when charades does’t work!

Some locals speak or at least understand basic English, especially in tourist hotspots. But a little effort goes a long way. Learn a few basic terms and see why they call Thailand the land of smiles!

สวัสดี (Sawasdee)

สวัสดีตอนเช้า (Sawasdee ton chao)

สวัสดีตอนบ่าย (Sawasdee ton bai)

สวัสดีตอนเย็น/ราตรีสวัสดี (Sawasdee ton yen/Ratri sawasdee)

ลาก่อน (La korn)

ไม่ใช่ (Mai chai)

โปรด (Proht)

ขอบคุณ (Khob khun)

ขอโทษ (Khor thot)

คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม (Khun phoot pha-sa ang-krit dai mai?)

… อยู่ที่ไหน (… yoo tee nai?)

เก็บเงินหน่อย (Gep ngern noi)

อาหาร (A-haan)

เบียร์ (Bia)

กาแฟ (Ga-fae)

Good Morning

Good Afternoon

Good evening/Good Night

You’re welcome

Do you speak English?

Where is …?

The bill, please

For my foodies

17 Best Restaurants in Krabi Thailand! 2023 (Updated)

10 Oceanfront Restaurants in Koh Samui with a View 2024!

13 Best Restaurants in Pattaya with a View You Cannot Miss!

Where to stay in Thailand

The 15 Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand To Stay At!

Koh Larn Hotels on the Beach for Every Budget 2023

Best Beach Hotels in Krabi Thailand 2023 (Updated)

Unbeatable savings for your dream vacation.

Search below for the cheapest stays in Thailand, guaranteed!

Explore my full list of tips, trips, tricks and plan your vacation in Thailand

Are you considering a trip to the mesmerizing land of Thailand? Dive into more blogs below, where I share my unique insights and experiences from living in this incredible country for over 7 months and counting! I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Thailand, and I’m excited to help you navigate its hidden treasures, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply daydreaming about your next adventure, my blog is your go-to source for insider tips, captivating stories, and expert advice that will inspire you to make the most of your Thai journey. Come, let’s explore the enchanting wonders of Thailand together!

Weed in Koh Samui High Guide | 10 Best Cannabis Shops in Samui!

Krabi Travel Itinerary for 3-4 Days in 2023 (Updated)

Cheap Car Rental in Chiang Mai Thailand 2023 + Guide

16 Best Krabi Nightlife 2024 Spots Locals Guide (Updated)

Best High Guide for Weed in Krabi | 2024 (Updated)

The Best Chiang Mai Nightlife 2023 Guide (Updated)

The Best Chiang Mai Restaurant Guide 2023 (Updated)

A 2023 High Guide to Weed in Chiang Mai Shops (Recommended)

The Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai 2023 (Recommended)

Thailand in the Winter | 2023 (Recommended)

Best Time to Visit Krabi Thailand (Recommended) 2023

The Best Cafes in Chiang Mai for Coffee Lovers 2023

15 Best Beaches in Pattaya 2023 (Recommended)

Fulltime Traveller, Blogger, SEO Writer

Work with me.

Big Waves in Nazare Day Trip in 2023 (Updated)

The Olive Gardens of Lun on Pag Island 2023 (Updated)

12 Best Restaurants in Lagos With a View 2023  

Find cheap flights & hotels.

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Thailand Travel Tips

With stunning beaches, lush mountains, delicious food, rich culture and party hot-spots, Thailand should be on every traveler’s bucket list! 

Thailand is a country that appeals to both backpackers on a budget and travelers with luxurious taste. This Southeast Asian gem is popular for short holidays, gap year travels and a place for expats and “Digital Nomads” alike to call home. 

Over the years, we’ve traveled to Thailand time and time again. We’ve spent several months traveling around this country and even called the lovely city of Chiang Mai home for 6 months. We’ve got all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Thailand!

Thailand Travel Guide Contents

Important Info    |    Best Time to Visit    |    Things to Do    |    What to Eat    |    Typical Budget

Travel Tips    |    What to Pack    |    Thailand Articles    |    Book Now

Important Information about Thailand

Thailand at a Glance: You’ll find mountains and lush jungle in the north of the country and beautiful islands in the south. Chiang Mai is the largest city in the north and is a cultural hub, while the capital city, Bangkok, is where most international flights will land.

Most popular places to visit in Thailand:

Bangkok: Thailand’s capital city is a busy metropolis with tons to do!

Chiang Mai: This city in northern Thailand is the country’s cultural hub and is known for having amazing food.

Thai Islands: Take your pick between party islands, yoga getaways, scuba hotspots, built up resorts and laid-back beaches. There really is an island for each type of traveler. Tip: Do some research on the weather at the time you’ll be visiting before picking to visit the Andaman Coast or the Gulf, as they have nearly opposite weather patterns.

Currency in Thailand:  Thai Baht | 2018 Conversion Rate: 100 THB = $3 USD

Tipping in Thailand: Unless you’re somewhere fancy, tipping is not expected. However, it is common to leave loose change or round up at a restaurant, and the gesture is appreciated. Leaving a small tip after a massage is also customary. 

Language & Helpful Phrases: Thai 

Hello = sa-wat-dee ka (female) | sa-wat-dee kap (male)

Thank you = kop-koon ka (female) | kop-koon kap (male)

Not spicy = mai pet | little bit spicy = pet noi | very spicy = pet mak

Delicious = a-roy

Bathroom = hong-num

How much? = nee gee baht?

Too expensive = feng-mak-pie

Don’t want = mai ow

Religion and Culture: Buddhism is the official religion of the country, and you will find temples and shrines all over the country. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and legs above the knees.

Transportation around Thailand: Getting around Thailand is easy and cheap. Domestic fights are actually very inexpensive and the most convenient way to get around the country if you are short on time. Taking ferries is the best way to get between the islands, and mini-buses (or 15-passenger vans) are a good way to travel short distances. 

Transportation Tip:   12go.asia is a great site is you want to book your transportation in advance or look at the time tables!

Best Time To Visit Thailand

The climate varies around the country, but you will typically find the most comfortable temperatures and least amount of rain from November to April.

For an in depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns (which — spoiler alert! — vary wildly throughout the country) and other factors, check out our guide on the best time to visit Thailand . We’ve also listed out some of the basics below to give you a general idea.

Weather in Thailand

Tropical with 3 distinct seasons. Though there is a “rainy season”, precipitation is possible at any time of the year, so it’s best to be prepared.

Hot season: March to May

Cool season: November to February

Rainy season: June to October

Peak season for tourists is typically from November to February, so this will be the busiest and most expensive time to visit. 

Times to avoid traveling in Thailand

Chiang Mai: If possible, avoid visiting from mid-February through early April. This is “burning season” and air quality can be quite bad.

Andaman Sea (Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Lanta) : Rainy season is from May – October

Gulf Islands (Koh Tao, Koh Chang, Phang Nga Samui) : Rainfall is heaviest in October & November

Major Festivals in Thailand

Thailand has many colorful and exciting festivals that are fun for visitors and locals alike.

Songkran, April 13 – 15: Thai New Year festival with lots of water gun fights in the streets of Thailand’s major cities

Loi Krathong & Yi Peng, November*: These 2 festivals happen around the same time, and they are often referred to as the “festivals of lights” for the lanterns released into the sky and the candlelit “boats” released into the river. The best place to celebrate these festivals in in Chiang Mai.

Related: Complete Guide to Yi Peng & Loi Krathong

*These festivals follow the Lunar calendar, so the exact dates vary each year

Top Things to Do in Thailand

With clam and clear waters, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to learn how to Scuba dive . There are plenty of high quality (and inexpensive!) dive schools to choose from. If you are a certified diver, consider doing a liveaboard dive trip for an experience of a lifetime!

Thai Cooking Class

Thai cuisine is often hailed as one of the best in the world (and we can’t disagree!). Learn how to make your favorite Thai dishes in a hands-on cooking class ! You can easily find cooking classes all around the country, but Chiang Mai is home to the most (and best!) cooking schools in all of Thailand.

Elephant Sanctuary (Don’t Ride Them!)

Spending time with these gentle creatures is on most travelers’ bucket lists when they visit Thailand. Be very careful when choosing an elephant encounter and never ever ride them!

Meditation Retreat

Learning how to meditate with monks while surrounded by the beautiful mountains of northern Thailand is an experience that might just change your life, and it will certainly be a highlight of your trip.

Thai Massage

After a long flight or even just a day of exploring, there’s not much that will feel better than indulging in a Thai massage. The best part is you can get pampered without spending a fortune! Prices vary around the country, but expect to pay between $6 – $15 depending on your location. 

Insider Tip: Thai massages are quite intense, and there is a lot of stretching and cracking involved. We loved them, but if you’re sensitive, you might prefer a head, neck and shoulder massage.

Read more: Unique Things to do in Chiang Mai

Did you know Thailand is a great place to teach English? Find out how to get certified to teach English abroad .

Best Food to Eat in Thailand

Thai cuisine varies from the north to the south of the country, and there are so many flavorful and delicious dishes to try. Here are some of our favorites:

Khao Soi: egg noodles and curry broth with chicken and pickled vegetables, typically only found in the north of the country (pictured above)

Curries: green, massaman, red, yellow – try them all!

Pad Thai: a favorite of travelers, try this noodle dish on the street for a super cheap and authentic version of this meal

Tom Kha Gai: coconut lemongrass soup with chicken

Tom Yum Goong: hot and sour seafood soup

Mango sticky rice for dessert

Vegetarian in Thailand: Traditional Thai dishes are often cooked with fish sauce, oyster sauce and lard. Eggs are common in many dishes, and even if it’s not a meat-heavy dish, it’s not uncommon to find small pieces of meat. If you are a vegetarian or vegan traveling in Thailand, don’t worry! There are plenty of veg-friendly restaurants and it’s becoming easier to find food vegetarian and vegan food.

Here are a couple phrases that will help you:

“A-harn mang-sow-ee-rat” = vegetarian food   |   “A-harn Jey” = vegan food

“a harn” translates to food

“mang-sow-ee-rat” means no meat, but can include eggs and dairy

“jey” is a word of Chinese origin and translates to vegan (no meat and no animal products). It also excludes onion, garlic and chili.

Insider Tip: Happy Cow is a great resource for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants all around the country!

Typical Budget for Thailand

Thailand attracts travelers with all budgets. It is a country where backpackers can stretch their money while honeymooners can get pampered in luxury. No matter what type of traveler you are, will find Thailand very affordable.

Good to know: Typically, prices are cheapest in the north of the country, while you will be paying more in the islands.

How much to budget in Thailand per day

Budget traveler: If you are on a tight budget and watch your spending closely, $25 – $30 could be a sufficient budget.

Mid-range traveler: If you want to have a few splurges and stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $40 – $50 per day

Dorm bed = $10

Budget room = $25

Mid-range = $40-60

Luxury hotel = $80+

Street food = $1-$2

Mid-range restaurant = $3-$5

Fancy restaurant = $6-$15

Local beer = $1-$2

Domestic flight = $35-$50 Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Mini-bus = $6 for 3-hour ride

Ferry between islands = $14

Songthaew (shared red truck taxi) = $1 for a ride within the city

Elephant sanctuary = $75

Cooking class = $35

Scuba diving = $90 for 2 dives

Thai massage = $6-$10

Responsible Travel Tips in Thailand

We are passionate about sharing tips anyone can use to travel more responsibly . Here are some easy ways you can travel better in Thailand.

1. Educate yourself

Before your trip, please read this article on how to travel responsibly in Thailand . There are many issues this country is facing, and it is important to be informed so you can be a responsible traveler.

2. Say no to straws

Reduce your use of single-use plastic by asking for no straw in your drinks.

How to say “No straw, please,” in Thai: “Mai ow lord ka” (female) / “Mai ow lord kap” (male) .

And be prepared by carrying your own reusable straw!

3. Do Not Ride Elephants

Many travelers want to see elephants on their visit to Thailand, and there are many places to choose from. Be sure you do your research and choose a reputable sanctuary that does not allow riding. (Riding elephants is very harmful to these gentle animals.) Book your experience in advance, as most of the respected elephant sanctuaries fill up quickly. 

Related Article: Eco-Friendly Packing List for Responsible Travelers

4. Get Local Advice

Asking a local to plan your trip has a couple of advantages. First, you’ll support the local economy. Second, you give locals the space to advocate for how they want visitors to see their home. Third, it’s a great way to get off the beaten path and away from tourist traps. ViaHero , a service that pairs travelers with locals, launched in Thailand in 2019 .

What to Pack for Thailand

When packing for Thailand, less is more. You will be thankful you packed light when walking around with your bag in the tropical heat or getting on and off ferries on the islands. Read about how we pack light and see exactly what we pack in our carryon bags .

Casual, beachy clothing and athletic ware will be your favorite clothing staples in this humid country.

Here are some Thailand-specific items we’d recommend packing:

bug repellant (solids are the way to go)

reef-safe sunscreen

insulated water bottle

reusable straw & reusable bag ( say no to single-use plastic! )

loose, lightweight clothes & layers

rain jacket (it can rain during any season, so you’ll want to be prepared!)

microfiber quick-dry towel

Chaco sandals (we’d recommend these instead of hiking boots as they are less bulky and are good for walking through water

Thailand Articles

45 Absolute Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We’ve rounded up a list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai that will make your trip a memorable one. We have spent more than a year living in Chiang Mai, Thailand so we know this city inside and out! We’re sharing both top Chiang Mai attractions as...

35 Best Things to Do in Bangkok You Can’t Miss! (2024)

We created this list of the best things to do in Bangkok including some super touristy (yet still worthwhile) attractions and some totally hidden gems. In this Bangkok travel guide, we’ll also cover everything you need to know to prepare for your trip.

How to Visit Bua Tong (aka Chiang Mai’s “Sticky Waterfall”)

Bua Tong, more commonly known as "Sticky Waterfall" is a unique waterfall is a bucket list experience for most travelers in Chiang Mai and we're sharing exactly how to get there, plus everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat: Day Trip to Thailand’s Floating Pagodas

The jaw-dropping mountaintop pagodas of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat near Lampang are still a secret to many tourists, so you can enjoy this hidden gem without crowds.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels

One of our favorite cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai makes a great place to visit or base yourself as a digital nomad. If you're planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai, this guide will go over the different neighborhoods and what you can expect in each,...

Koh Tao, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 16 Exciting Things to Do

When it comes to exploring the Thai islands, you’ll find there are some seriously cool things to do in Koh Tao. We put together this ultimate guide to visiting Koh Tao, Thailand with everything you need to know to help you plan your trip.

Koh Lanta, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 19 Adventurous Things to Do

If you're dreaming of a beach vacation with an equal balance of relaxation and adventure, Koh Lanta may just be the perfect place to visit! This Thai island is known for its laidback vibe and stunning beaches, plus we were happy to find that there are a ton of adventurous...

Koh Lipe, Thailand: Ultimate Guide + 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do

If you’re seeking white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid back vibes, look no further than Koh Lipe, Thailand’s southernmost island. We put together this ultimate guide with everything you’ll need to know when planning a visit, including how to get there, things to do, and essential tips.

Best Time to Visit Thailand: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Thailand makes an excellent destination for backpackers, vacationers and digital nomads year-round. However, the seasons vary widely from region to region and coast to coast. We’re going over the seasons of each region to help you determine the best time to visit Thailand for your travel needs!

25 Delicious Thai Dishes You Must Try in Thailand

Famously flavorful, complex, and fiery, Thai dishes delight the senses with unique combinations of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Truly a foodie’s paradise, we’ve rounded up the best Thai food you must try on your next visit. Spicy and fresh, sweet and sour, Thai cuisine is multi-dimensional and utilizes all...

Perfect 2 Week Itinerary for Thailand

Dreaming of turquoise waters and white sand? Only have 10 days? We put together a complete itinerary for Thailand that hits all the highlights, and in only 10 days! We included all the information you'll need to plan your very own Thai getaway!

Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai: The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like floating down a river that carves its way through the jungle while sitting on a rustic raft made from long pieces of bamboo tied together with a cold beer in your hand. You should definitely check out bamboo rafting in Chiang Mai. We’re...

Scuba Diving in Thailand: The Best Liveaboards for Every Budget

With Liveaboard, you can experience scuba diving in Thailand in an entirely unique way. In this article, we will walk you through the basics of participating in a Liveaboard dive trip and suggest some of the best Liveaboard experiences in Thailand for every budget.

Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Travel Guide: Thailand’s Famous Lantern Festival

Releasing a sky lantern during Thailand’s famous Festival of Lights is a bucket list experience for many travelers. We’ve put together a guide of our top tips for enjoying Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai for free! Plus, we're sharing which event you should avoid.

Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide

Chiang Mai is one of the biggest hubs for Digital Nomads in the world, and for good reason. We’re sharing everything you need to know about living in Chiang Mai — from how to find an apartment, how much money to budget, best coworking spaces, and where to meet other...

How to Travel Sustainably in Thailand and Why You Should Care

Tourism has affected Thailand in so many ways, and there are many issues you'll be shocked to learn about. As tourism in Thailand continues to skyrocket, it's more important than ever to support ecotourism and travel sustainably. We've put together out best tips so you can travel more responsibly in...

Beginner Meditation Retreat in Thailand

If you're looking for a beginner meditation retreat, look no further than Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery in Northern Thailand. With the happiest monks and jaw-dropping scenery, this Buddhist monastery is a great place to learn how to meditate for the first time or continue to deepen your mindfulness...

Similan Islands Diving: Our Liveaboard Experience in Thailand

Whether you're a Scuba diving newbie or you've been diving around the world for decades, Similan Islands diving should be at the top of your bucketlist. We loved our experience with Wicked Diving Thailand because they are environmentally conscious, budget friendly, fun and professional! Come with us as we describe...

Khao Sok National Park & Floating Bungalows Travel Guide

The untouched paradise of Khao Sok National Park is perfect for anyone who loves nature and is seeking an off the beaten path adventure. If you’re headed to the south of Thailand, be sure to put Khao Sok on your itinerary. We have everything you need to know about planning...

Is Sky Bar in Bangkok Worthwhile?

Many itineraries of a trip to Bangkok will include a visit to one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Situated 63 stories above Bangkok, Sky Bar is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in the city. But is this posh bar with a view of Bangkok really worth the price?...

How To Choose the Best Dive School in Koh Tao

People travel to this Koh Tao island with one common goal: leave with a PADI open water certification. But how do you choose among hundreds of dive schools? We'll show you how to narrow it down, and which diving school we think is the best on the entire island!

Where to Eat in Koh Tao

My first question when arriving in a new place is: where is the best food?! We put together a list of some of our favorite restaurants we ate at while on the Thailand island of Koh Tao so that you have an idea of where to start!

The Beach: Maya Bay Sleep Aboard Review

If "The Beach" is on your Bucket List, you'll want to read this first! Was staying overnight in this famous bay worth the hefty fee? Read our thoughts on the Maya Bay Sleep Aboard tour.

15 Epic Things to Do in Pai, Thailand

If you love waterfalls, hot springs, mountains, and the occasional (or frequent) cocktail, Pai is likely on your Thailand itinerary. We've put together the best things to do in Pai, Thailand (including some lesser-known gems). You'll also find the best restaurants as well as where to stay during your visit...

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Book Your Trip Now

Here are some helpful links for booking your trip to Thailand…

To find the best airline deals: Skyscanner

Finding tours in Thailand: Get Your Guide

Don’t you dare travel without this!

Nomadic Notes

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Thailand Travel Guide

August 31, 2023 By James Clark

Travel Notes > Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand Thailand islands guide: Every island where you can stay Largest islands in Thailand

Best beaches near Bangkok Ornamental street signs of Thailand

Bangkok View Bangkok from the King Power MahaNakhon Tower The re-emergence of Bangkok Chinatown – get there before the metro does Soi Ngam Dupli – The old backpacker neighbourhood of Bangkok Dusit Thani Bangkok – The iconic modernist hotel that will soon be demolished Visiting the aircraft graveyard of Bangkok Malaysia Hotel – One of the original “Recommended by Lonely Planet” hotels in Bangkok Bangkok vs Ho Chi Minh City – population size and other comparisons Cafes in Bangkok to work from Royal Barge Procession – Bangkok 2012

Chiang Mai Chiang Mai burning season: News and information about air pollution in Northern Thailand Chiang Mai trip report – the provincial powerhouse of Southeast Asia Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train – best train times to see some of the highlights of Thailand Songkran in Chiang Mai – The worlds greatest water fight 52 inspiring Buddhist quotes and sayings on life The joy of Yi Peng, 10000 Lantern Release Festival – Chiang Mai Coffee Journey: A tour to a remote coffee village in Thailand Cafes in Chiang Mai Cost of living Thailand: Living in Chiang Mai for $505 a month

Hat Yai Notes on Hat Yai: Thailand’s laid-back southern city

Koh Kradan Koh Kradan – The tropical island paradise in Thailand you’ve been dreaming of

Koh Lipe Notes on Koh Lipe: The beachiest holiday island in Thailand

Ko Pha Ngan

Koh Samui Samui Airport – the airport that thinks it’s a resort

Ko Phayam Ko Phayam: “like Pai, with a beach”

Ko Samet Notes on Ko Samet – The closest beach-break island from Bangkok Guest House Review: Ban FahSai Guest House, Koh Samet

Mae Hong Son The remote mountain magic of Mae Hong Son

Nakhon Ratchasima The train that will transform Nakhon Ratchasima

Pai Pai – The Shire of Thailand

Pattaya Pattaya – The beach of Bangkok, and thoughts on retirement Notes on Koh Larn: A lovely little island cursed by its location Where to stay in Pattaya : The best hotels and areas for visitors

Surat Thani A day as an extra on the tsunami film, The Impossible

Udon Thani Notes on Udon Thani Hotel Review: Top Hostel Udon Thani

Thailand Train Travel

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal ; A guide to Bangkok main train station (AKA Bang Sue Grand Station).

Getting the train in the troubled deep south of Thailand – Hat Yai to Sungai Kolok by train.

Train 7 Bangkok to Chiang Mai: The day train through historic Thailand

Train 261: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) to Hua Hin by Ordinary Train

Bangkok to Trang by train, and onward connections to the Trang Islands

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train

How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane by train

Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin by train (with a bonus stop at the tallest stupa in the world)

The train that will transform Nakhon Ratchasima

Maeklong market railway, Thailand – The train that goes through a market

Accommodation

Thailand hotels – Search for discount hotels in Thailand with lowest rates guaranteed.

Where to stay in Bangkok Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Thailand islands guide: Every island where you can stay

Travel Guides

TourismThailand.org – The official site of Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Thai Travel Blogs – Thai travel blogs and news by Bangkok-based travel blogger Richard Barrow.

The cost of travel in Thailand – By travelfreak.net.

Teach English

Teach English in Thailand – Learn about the requirements, salaries, and jobs for teaching English in Thailand.

How to extend a 30 day Thailand visa in Bangkok

Eating Thai Food – Thai street food and restaurants by Mark and Dwight, two friends who bonded over Thai food one day and have been photographing and devouring feasts together ever since.

Living in Thailand

Moving to Thailand – expatriatehealthcare.com with information on what you need to know before moving.

Hospitals in Bangkok – An overview of the best private hospitals in Bangkok by renegadetravels.com.

Guide Books

Lonely Planet Thailand (Travel Guide)

Thailand Photo Gallery – My photo gallery of Thailand.

20 killer photos of Thailand – This photo post by Jeremy Scott Foster is an excellent overview of the best of Thailand, from the northern mountains to the southern beaches.

World Nomads covers your health and travel belongings. Find out more about why travel insurance is a good idea .

Thailand Health Insurance – Health insurance geared especially for expatriates living in Thailand.

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand

Thailand Travel Blogs

These are all of my thailand travel blogs at an adventurous world.

I feel like I say this a lot on my travel blog, but Thailand is genuinely one of my favourite countries in the world. It’s where I first went backpacking when I was 20 and I’ve been back countless times since.

From hiking up in Pai to cycling around all the temples to Chaing Mai to exploring the urban metropolis of Bangkok, I love it all.

Then you’ve got all the stunning islands in the south like Koh Tao, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. Honestly, you’ll be hard pushed to find more beautiful islands anywhere else around the world.

They call Thailand “the land of the smiles” and the people are so easy going. Then there’s the food. I’d say Thai cuisine is my favourite to eat – it’s sweet, sour, spicy and salty all together. Basically, it’s just delicious.

If you’re heading to the country for the first time, a good place to start in my 8 amazing adventures in Thailand . These will give you a great introduction to the country.

Take a look at all my Thailand travel blogs and hopefully you’ll be inspired to travel to Thailand!

13 BEST Day Trips from Chiang Mai, Thailand 

From wildlife experiences to white water rafting, these are the best day trips from Chiang Mai to help plan your adventures in Thailand!

13 Coolest Hotels in Phuket, Thailand 

Looking for the coolest hotels in Phuket, Thailand? From rooms with private pools to the beautiful beaches of Cape Panwa, check out these hotels!

Hotel Review: Garrya Tongsai Bay, Koh Samui, Thailand

Looking for one of the most luxurious hotels in Koh Samui? Then look no further than the gorgeous Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui!

13 Coolest Hotels in Chiang Mai, Thailand 

From traditional Lanna-style hotels to luxury villas with full spa services, the coolest hotels in Chiang Mai have something for everyone!

Bangkok Food: 13 Best Foods To Eat In Bangkok

From green papaya salad to mango sticky rice, and from tom yum soup to the famous Thai crepes, this is the very best of Bangkok food!

A Tourist’s Guide to Songkran Water Festival in Bangkok, Thailand

Do you want tick off Songkran water festival from your Thailand bucket list? From where to go and what to bring, this is my guide to Songkran in Bangkok!

8 Thailand Adventures You Really Need To Do

From rock climbing at Railay to the infamous Chiang Mai zipline, these are the best Thailand adventures for your next holiday!

8 BEST Food Tours in Bangkok, Thailand

It’s time for the best food tours in Bangkok! From a delicious street food tour to a Thai cooking course like no other, check out these Bangkok food tours!

10 Coolest Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

Looking for the coolest hotels in Bangkok? From rooftop infinity pools to hipster hotels, these are the best places to stay in Bangkok!

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Thailand start here....

Here I confess to being a Very Bad Tourist

Hello and welcome

I’m Alex, and here I confess to being a Very Bad Tourist on my first Thailand trip. I started this blog in 2003 to atone for my early mistakes. I had an incredible trip but I…

• Packed the wrong things
• Got really sun-burned
• Rode an elephant
• Wore (short!) shorts to a temple

Back then, I didn’t know any better*. But the more I returned to Thailand, the better informed (and reformed) I became.

10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Thailand

How to Avoid Mosquitoes in Thailand

5 Things You Should Never Do in Thailand

So … how to travel to thailand like a pro.

Going to Thailand shouldn’t be complicated – but there are easy mistakes to avoid. To help otherwise clever and well-intentioned people avoid my early mistakes, I decided I should spend more time on my computer (what a healthy hobby!?) and start a Thailand travel blog. In 2008, it came to life with two posts:

• How to pack for Thailand?
• What to wear in Thailand?

Basically, I want you to love Thailand and it to love you back. (And I want to save all the puppies – but that’s another story).

What to Pack for Thailand?

What to Wear in Thailand?

Where to Stay on Koh Samui?

The koh samui guide.

In 2012, as the blog grew, The Koh Samui Guide was born. Today in its 8th edition, it has customers in 97 countries. If your travel plans take you to Koh Samui, the book is an ideal place to start, finish (and fine-tune) your perfect trip.

The Koh Samui Guide: 8th Edition Reveal

Where to Eat on Koh Samui?

The Best of Bophut Beach: Hotel Guide and FAQs

*mistakes of 2003….

In my defence … this was the black-and-white days of dial-up internet. Blogs, Pinterest and social media didn’t exist in 2003. It was 4 years before the iPhone. Did we even know anything?!

As mentioned in my disclaimer , I use affiliates throughout my site to recommended books, services and travel stuff I own, love and use often. My favourite love-it-so-much-I’d-drink-it mosquito repellent is a good example. What does this mean? To you – business-as-usual, not a whole lot. To me – I receive a small commission on any resulting purchases at no cost to the customer. It keeps this site ad-free.

"The most enjoyable vacation of my life"

Find your best beach. Discover unexpected things to do. Solve your worries and instantly relax. Use The Koh Samui Guide to plan your perfect trip.

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Get expert Thailand tips and learn how to plan your perfect trip (whenever that might be).

Thailand Itinerary: The Best Destinations from North to South

Holiday paradise Thailand! Dense jungle, gold shiny temples, tropical beaches and a metropolis that will take your breath away – all that and much more awaits you in Thailand.

We are not going to keep it a secret: Thailand is one of our absolute favourite travel destinations ! We have been countless times – always with different routes and travel destinations in focus. The travel itinerary that we have put together for you is a combination of all the highlights Thailand has to offer.

The practical part: We have also provided route options so that you can easily extend your travel itinerary from 2 to 3 or even 4 weeks. From north to south, from the jungle to the most beautiful beaches – here are our highlights for your trip around Thailand.

1. Our Travel Itinerary through Thailand for 2 to 4 Weeks

2. map: overview of the thailand itinerary, 3. faqs and additional info for the travel route through thailand: transport, booking and more.

If you are taking a flight from Europe, chances are it will land in Bangkok. We personally like to stay in Bangkok at the end of the trip – for many reasons that we will explain later on. Therefore, we usually fly (or drive) straight to Chiang Mai and embark on our travel itinerary from there.

Another note up front: We explain the transport options under each stop along our travel route. Info and tips for booking the individual transport options are provided at the end of this blog article.

Our itinerary begins in beautiful northern Thailand, more precisely in the city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok, although it is comparatively more relaxed and peaceful here.

Chiang Mai is the city of temples! It seems to sparkle and shine on every corner. So you can take a good dive into Thai culture right at the start of your travels. For example, at the gates of the city sits one of the most well-known temples in Thailand, the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep .

Speaking of the gates to the city, there awaits another highlight for you: lovely nature ! Chiang Mai is surrounded by wonderfully beautiful landscapes. In just a short while you can leave behind the city noise and are in the mountains, surrounded by rice fields, or at impressive waterfalls – simply wonderful!

You can find our detailed travel tips in this blog article: Chiang Mai Recommended length of stay: 3-5 nights

Our hotel tip for Chiang Mai: The Tippanet

Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The fastest and most comfortable way to cover this stretch is by aeroplane . There are countless daily flight connections between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which are mostly reasonably cheap. The flight takes about an hour. Important to know: There are two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. So if you are flying from Europe and land in Bangkok (almost always in Suvarnabhumi), then you need to make sure the connecting flight leaves from the same airport.

You can search for cheap flights here: Skyscanner

If you have enough time, then we recommend you travel by train. There is even a night train (around 13 hours) as well as a train during the daytime (around 11 hours). It is also possible to take a bus to Chiang Mai (around 10 hours).

Optional: Pai or Mae Taeng

Many people visit Chiang Mai (and Umland) and then, due to time restraints, rather quickly travel south again to the islands or beaches. But if you’re already up in northern Thailand, then it is of course worthwhile to make your way to another (or more) travel destination. Cooler temperatures await you up here, magnificent untouched nature and a (mainly) authentic insight into the daily Thai life.

Not all too authentic, but very popular, is the small “hippie village” of Pai. The little town is beautifully situated and comes with great day trip destinations, however it has developed into a rather touristy spot over the last few years.

If the trip to Pai is too far, then we can highly recommend a stay in Mae Taeng, which is located just one hour north of Chiang Mai. Here an authentic region awaits you off the beaten track. 

You can find more info in this blog article: Mae Taeng (available soon) Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Our accommodation tip for Mae Taeng: Lisu Lodge

Getting from Chiang Mai to Pai or Mae Taeng

The stretch between Chiang Mai and Pai is primarily serviced by minibus companies. The drive takes around 4 hours. Important: The route has a lot of curves – if you have a woozy stomach, you should take the appropriate precautions. (We always have travel gum with us. You can find more info here: Southeast Asia Packing List.)

You only need around an hour to drive to Mae Taeng . The stretch is a little less frequented, so you will probably need to take private transport. You can find booking info in a later chapter of this blog article. 

Krabi (Railay Peninsula)

Let’s head south! Krabi is the first beach destination on our travel route through Thailand. Krabi is a rather vast province on the west coast. When “Krabi” is the topic of conversation, then travelers are mainly referring to the area around the tourist town of Ao Nang or the very famous Railay Peninsula.

We will be honest: Almost nowhere else in Thailand is as beautiful as here. Turquoise blue sea, fine sandy beaches, rugged rock formations – simply breathtaking. However, Krabi (or better said, Ao Nang and the Railay Peninsula) is also one of the most touristy regions in Thailand.

We have already been here a few times and can reassure you: It is very possible to explore Krabi away from the crowds . We reveal how exactly in our detailed blog article.

You can find our travel tips in this blog article: Krabi Insider Tips Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Our hotel tip for Krabi: Anana Ecological Resort Krabi

Getting from Chiang Mai to Krabi

This stretch is the longest on our travel itinerary through Thailand – here you practically need to travel the entire country from north to south in one go. For this reason, we often fly. There are several direct flights daily. The flight time is around two hours.

For anyone who prefers not to fly (and has enough time), you can also make the journey over land. However, this takes some time! Usually you do the journey in two parts with an overnight stay in Bangkok. 

Optional: Koh Yao

As touristy as Krabi is, just a 45-minute boat ride away is an island away from the mass tourism – or better said, two islands: Koh Yao Noi und Koh Yao Yai.

The northern island (Koh Yao Noi) is better developed for tourists, but both islands have preserved their authenticity. Important note: If you are searching for picturesque beaches, these two islands are not quite the right choice. There are other destinations in Thailand that would be more suitable.

You can find more info in our detailed blog article: Koh Yao Noi & Yai Recommended length of stay: 2-4 nights

Our hotel tip for Koh Yao: Cape Kudu

Getting from Krabi to Koh Yao

Koh Yao is just a stone’s throw away from Krabi – or better said, a short boat ride away. There are two piers in Krabi from which boats make their way to Koh Yao. One of these is the Thalane Pier (around 30 minutes outside of Ao Nang). And the other is the Nopparat Thara Pier directly in Ao Nang. The ride across takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Koh Lanta is one of our favourite islands in Thailand! Why? In our opinion it offers something from everything: pretty (yet not breathtaking) beaches, relaxing island flair, a nice old town, beautiful nature, not too big, not too small. In short: A fantastic destination on your travel route through Thailand.

Koh Lanta is relaxing . You will primarily meet (young) couples and families here. Fortunately, party tourism is nowhere to be found. Thanks to the national parks on Koh Lanta, your desires for discovery will also be fulfilled.

More detailed travel article with all the tips: Koh Lanta Island Guide Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Our hotel tip for Koh Lanta: Alanta Villa

Getting from Krabi to Koh Lanta

You can quite conveniently reach Koh Lanta directly by boat from Ao Nang in Krabi. Both slower boats and faster speedboats operate here. The ride across takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on the boat.  

Koh Phangan

From the west to the east coast of Thailand. The next stop on our travel itinerary is the dreamy island of Koh Phangan. If we needed to spontaneously name a favourite island in Thailand , our choice would land on Koh Phangan. Here you can find, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

But better still: You just have to love Koh Phangan’s flair. Cosy, relaxed – just as you would imagine Thailand. Koh Phangan has now established a rather large yoga scene and with it many hip, vegan eateries.

More detailed island guide: Koh Phangan Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Our hotel tip for Koh Phangan: Mangata Boutique Bungalows

Getting from Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan

This section of the travel route is one of the longer ones, because you need to travel from the west to the east coast. Koh Lanta is located very close to the mainland, therefore you usually cover the first section by minibus (incl. the car ferry). Then you make your way to the pier at Surat Thani. (Be aware, there are two different piers depending on which boat company you choose to travel across with.)

The trip across to Koh Phangan on the speed catamaran takes around 2.5 hours. Altogether you need to allow an entire day for this stretch. The easiest option is to book at combo-ticket for the entire stretch when you are in Koh Lanta. A pickup directly from your hotel is always included with this.

Optional: Koh Samui or Koh Tao

If you are already in Koh Phangan and have more time, then you could of course also pay a visit to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. Unlike Koh Phangan, the mass tourism is much more evident on Koh Samui . In spite of this, Koh Samui is worth traveling to and there are some really great beaches and places to discover.

You can find our more detailed travel report here: Koh Samui

The third island in the running is located the furthest away, the wee little island of Koh Tao . Do you enjoy diving? Then there is actually no avoiding Koh Tao. The island is the ultimate diving paradise. 

Getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui or Koh Tao

Numerous boats travel between the three islands daily (both fast and slow). It’s only a stone’s throw to Koh Samui (around 30 minutes on a speed catamaran). Koh Tao is located a little further away, therefore the trip takes a little longer from Koh Phangan (around 1 hour on a speed catamaran).

Last but not least: The city of all cities in Thailand. Bangkok! Bangkok is a metropolis that you either love or hate. (Spoiler: We love Bangkok – but only for a few days, then the big city chaos is simply too much for us.)

Bangkok is purely overwhelming : deafening tuktuks, glimmering temples, lively markets, food stalls everywhere. And then there is also another side of Bangkok: Rooftop bars, chic shopping malls, luxury hotels. Bangkok is a city of contrasts.

We always quite intentionally leave Bangkok until the end of our travel route, and there are many reasons for this. Bangkok is simply very overwhelming. The city literally rolls over you. We find smaller cities such as Chiang Mai to be much more pleasant for acclimatising when you have just arrived from Europe.

As well as this, we enjoy using our days in Bangkok to pick up one or two souvenirs . The many markets in Bangkok (especially the legendary Chatuchak market) are practically made for it. Last but not least: There is simply nothing better than celebrating with a toast to your trip in one of the numerous rooftop bars above the rooftops of Bangkok. 

You can find even more info here: Overview of all Bangkok articles Searching for the perfect place to stay? This way: Our hotel tips for Bangkok Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Getting from Koh Phangan to Bangkok

Did you include the optional stop in Koh Samui? Then the fastest way back to Bangkok is definitely by aeroplane . There are many direct connections daily from here. The flight time is around one hour.

You cannot fly directly from Koh Phangan, because they do not have an airport there. However, you can travel to Koh Samui (30 minutes on a speed catamaran) and fly to Bangkok from there. Altogether you can complete this stretch in around 3 to 4 hours.

Do you have enough time and would prefer to cover this stretch over land ? Then your path takes you over water to the mainland (either direction north to Chumphon or direction south to Surat Thani). From there you can either travel by bus or train to Bangkok. Often you will travel overnight to get there. Altogether you need to allow around 12 to 15 hours travel time.

We have marked the individual stops on this map so that you can get a better idea of the travel route.

What is the best time to travel to Thailand?

The first important thing to note: You are traveling to the tropics. That means: High humidity or high temperatures (often also at night). It also means that the weather is not always as forecasted. Monsoon rain and thunderstorms could always appear out of nowhere.

Quite generally, Thailand does not have four seasons like in Europe. Instead, it changes between rainy season and dry season or a hot dry season. Now comes the complicated part: The rainy and dry season differ depending on region.

Dry Season = the best travel time: from Nov/Dec to Feb/March

As the name suggests, the climate during the dry season is drier. But as mentioned: It can also rain during this time. However, monsoon-type showers are more of a rarity. Generally speaking, the humidity is lower, which many people find more pleasant.

The dry season usually stretches from November/December from until February/March. In most regions (we will come to the exceptions soon), the weather presents itself as you would expect in Thailand: Lots of sunshine, a calm sea, not too humid . In Northern Thailand it gets cooler in the evening (sweater recommended!), but you would never really freeze.

A small exception is the east coast. It can be fairly rainy between October and December on Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. So if your trip happens to fall within these months, we would look into taking a beach holiday on the west coast.

Hot/humid dry season: March and April/June

The hot dry season follows the end of the classic dry season. At this time the climate slowly becomes more humid and unbearably hot . Anyone who doesn’t handle hot temperatures well, should avoid this season.

Rainy season = shoulder season: from June until October

The rainy season begins in June in most parts of Thailand. But what does that mean? Don’t worry: Days of continuous rain is the exception. However, it is of course possible.

You generally need to be more wary of monsoon-type rainfall during this season. The humidity is also considerably higher. The sea usually rougher. It is not unusual for ferry connections to also be cancelled due to the rough sea.

Also here again, the east coast (with Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) is a bit of an exception: The weather during Europe’s summer is fairly stable here. So anyone planning a beach holiday is in good hands here.

Should you travel to Thailand during the rainy season, you need to consider a little more than in the dry season that an excursion or a beach day could quite literally fall into the water. The advantage of the rainy season: Most places to stay are significantly cheaper and it is less busy.

Conclusion: The best months for a trip around Thailand

You can travel to Thailand all year round. We most highly recommend the months January and February for a round trip because the weather is mostly stable across the country. 

Important: It is very full around Christmas/New Years and shortly after – especially in the tourist hotspots such as Koh Samui or Phuket. If possible, we would definitely skip this time.

Should I book accommodation in advance or spontaneously?

It depends – both come with their advantages and disadvantages . Are you a person who likes to have things fixed in advance and likes to know where you are sleeping the day after tomorrow? Do you perhaps already have specific hotels in mind where you would like to spend the night? Then it could be more relaxing for you to book everything at home in advance.

Anyone who, in contrast, likes to book very spontaneously (one or two days before getting there or even when you arrive), could of course risk that the really great places to stay are booked out or the prices have gone up. The advantages on the other hand: You are much more flexible and can adapt your travel route depending on the weather, what you feel like and your mood.

We personally always choose the middle ground . We almost always book the accommodation for the first one or two stops (and often also the last ones) from home. However, we like to leave room in between for spontaneous decisions.

With a few exceptions, we would definitely recommend you book as early as possible. This applies to special travel periods such as Christmas and New Year , but also Songkran or other important public holidays in Thailand. But even for the full moon party on Koh Phangan, it is better to book your accommodation sooner rather than later.

How do I get from A to B in Thailand?

Thailand is a long stretching country and the distances between each individual stop along the route are not to be underestimated.

Flights in Thailand

We will start with the fastest and most relaxing mode of transport, the airplane. It is of course clear that: Yes, of course the domestic flights are not good for the climate. There is no question that there are more climate-friendly options.

Still: Anyone who has already travelled from the north of Thailand to the south over land knows how much time this takes. In this respect, the airplane is often our transport mode of choice for longer distances.

We personally always feel very safe flying domestically in Thailand, but to be honest we are a bit picky when it comes to choosing an airline . We prefer to fly with Bangkok airways, Thai Airways (Thailand’s national airline company) or their subsidiary Thai Smile (a cheap airline) We have also always had good experiences with Air Asia.

It can be very cheap to fly in Thailand (you often pay less than 30 euros for a flight). It is also just as possible that you need to pay 200 euros for a trip. Such high prices are not the norm, but can, for example, occur between main travel destinations (particularly Koh Samui). The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it usually works out.

Trains in Thailand

Thailand has a very well-developed train network . You can reach many (but of course not all) towns by train. Examples of popular train trips from Bangkok are to Chiang Mai or Surat Thai (depending on where place the boat leaves for the island). Train travel in Thailand tends to be a little more expensive than taking a bus. However we personally find it more comfortable, relaxing and we also feel a little safer in trains.

You can purchase train tickets in a few different ways:

• Firstly, it is possible directly at the train station (ideally a few days in advance). You usually get it the cheapest there.
• The second very simple option is to purchase it at one of the countless tiny travel offices , which you can find in practically every town in Thailand. Sometimes there can be quite a surcharge there, so it’s best to check the prices beforehand.
• Last but not least, you can also book a ticket online . There are various third-party platforms – we can recommend the website 12go.asia . Important to know: There you can find many, but not all, connections. And the prices there are usually a little higher than when you buy your ticket at the train station, for instance. If you want to purchase your ticket in advance though (as we would especially recommend for the Thai holidays), then it is a good option.

You can book your ticket here: 12go.asia

Over land: Bus trips & private drivers in Thailand

Without a doubt, the cheapest mode of transport (and also one of the most popular) to get from A to B in Thailand is the bus. You can get to practically every corner of Thailand by bus and just about every town has its own bus station.

Often they have large travel buses , which the locals also use. But there are also smaller minibuses . These often bring each traveller directly to their destination of choice (e.g. to the hotel). We personally find that minibus trips are sometimes be quite racy, but you usually reach your destination faster with them.

The most expensive and definitely most comfortable option for travelling over land is a private taxi . However, if you travel with a group of 4 people, for example, then the prices for covering longer distances with a private taxi can be quite reasonable.

You have a few a few options for purchasing a bus ticket:

• It is very popular to buy one in the many small travel offices , which you find on every corner in Thailand.
• Alternatively, you can also ask at your accommodation . Many hotels sell bus tickers or will assist in organizing a private driver.
• Should you want to purchase a ticket online in advance, then you can do so via the website 12go.asia . It is practical there that you can search for possible connections – private transport is also displayed in the search results.

Ferries & boats

Anyone who would like to admire one of Thailand’s beautiful islands will need to get on the water sooner or later. Most of the islands (aside from Koh Samui and Phuket) do not have airports.

Many boats and ships operate on the water – everything from small, racy speedboats to large, slow car ferries . 

You can acquire your ticket in the following ways:

• The classic: In one of the small travel offices , which you find on every corner. Most will sell you combo-tickets that also include hotel pick-ups or the trip from your chosen island to your hotel.
• Some boat companies offer an online shop on their website where you can purchase a ticket. There you will need to know of course which companies operate on which routes. We like to use 12go.asia because you can search for possible connections – and then also book your ticket directly online if you wish.
• If you are not going to be traveling right in the main season, then you can also book your ticket directly at the port shortly before departure.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you already been to Thailand? What did your travel itinerary look like? Or are you planning a trip to Thailand and still have some questions about the route? We look forward to your comments!

You might also be interested in this

Thailand Island Guide: The Most Beautiful Islands

Koh Yao Noi: The Most Beautiful Beaches & our Travel Tips

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4 responses.

Thank you for informative info blog that you created.we are a couple aged 60 and my husband is 66 and we are going to travel to Thailand from Australia on Jan24 arrive in phuket and then moving up north then we continue our trip to Vietnam from north. I appreciated any suggestion for us, we are a bit confused between travelling between cities and not sure the trains are really clean and safe for sleeping at night since we are not familiar with Thailand at all. We are trying to educate our self as much as possible and appreciated any input. we are thinking from phuket to Bangkok and to Ching Mai then fly to vietnam. We both are in very good shape and we have motorcycle here at home (fast and furious one lol)and love to see where is the roads that our beautiful for renting motorcycle to discover.

Hello Homeyra & Rick,

Thank you so much for your message. Well, taking the train in Thailand is of course a bit different from taking a train in Europe or in Australia. ;) But if you ask us, you should give it a try. The trains are usually quite comfortable and safe. Flying is of course the most comfortable way of traveling. And there are maaany options from Phuket to Bangkok or to Chiang Mai. (And from Chiang Mai to Vietnam flying is definitely recommended. There are many mountains in the north of Thailand so taking the bus is a little bit of an adventure.) By the way: We personally prefer Thai Airways. Air Asia is also ok.

Have a great trip! All the best from Vienna, Kathi & Romeo

Hello! First of all, thank you for this amazing blog with beautiful pictures and so many practical tips! I’m planning a trip to the South of Thailand for the beginning of next January, and creating a plan mostly to explore islands in Krabi. I was wondering whether you would have any recommendations/contacts for private longtail boats in Krabi?

Thank you so much in advance, Ines

Hi Ines, thank you for your kind words. :) Unfortunately we don’t have a recommendation here, I’m very sorry! Have a great trip, Kathi & Romeo

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Thailand is always welcoming, despite receiving hordes of tourists all year-round. Thailand’s majestic temples pull you in, and you can’t help but be drawn to the history of it all. Thailand’s pristine and turquoise waters are magical, warm and incredibly photogenic which add the perfect touch to a dream holiday.

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• Thailand Scraps More Covid-19 Rules to Welcome Tourists

International travelers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results from October 1st, 2022 onward.

In a new move to attract travelers during peak season, Thailand is doing away with the requirement of needing vaccination certificates or Covid-19 negative results in the case of unvaccinated passengers. Additionally, those infected with Covid-19, but have mild symptoms don’t need to isolate from next month. The same applies to those who test positive but display no symptoms.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced these changes on Thursday after the National Communicable Diseases Committee (NCDC) had a meeting on Wednesday.

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• How many days do you need and how to plan the best itinerary in Thailand?

How long to spend in Thailand may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Thailand? 

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Thailand and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Thailand is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Thailand with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Thailand.

• Andaman Coast
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We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below the detailed information for our different destinations, our plans by travel theme or time frame to learn more before moving forward...

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

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Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

The combination of fun and educational activities

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

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Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

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Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide & suggested Bangkok 3 days itinerary for first-timers

Bangkok is a tourism paradise with all that a Thai self-sufficient tourist. Hundreds of commercial centers, many colorful markets, amusement parks and virtual attractions. So what thing to prepare to travel to Bangkok is perfect? Living Nomads sums up all the tips, travel experience Bangkok from the most connoisseurs for you.

• Bangkok itinerary blog — How to spend one day in Bangkok?
• Explore Rod Fai Night Market — One of the most famous night markets in Bangkok
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• Explore Terminal 21 Bangkok — One of the best places to visit in Bangkok
• Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel review — Experience one of the most luxury 5-star hotels in the heart of Bangkok

So, is Bangkok worth visiting, how to visit Bangkok, what to do in Bangkok and how to plan a budget trip to Bangkok for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Bangkok travel blog (Bangkok blog) with the fullest Bangkok travel guide (guide to Bangkok, Bangkok tourist guide, Bangkok city guide, Bangkok guide) from how to get to Bangkok, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Bangkok to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Bangkok travel blog: How to get to Bangkok?

A cheap flight from Nok Air or Air Asia will take you to Bangkok immediately. The price for a normal two-way flight is about 85 dollars if you depart from Vietnam. And if you hunt for cheap tickets, the cost for a pair of two-way tickets is only about 60 dollars to 78 dollars. The fare will be cheaper if you book 3 to 4 months and avoid the peak tourism summers.

Getting from Bangkok Airport to the city center

Bangkok has two airports, Don Muang (Don Mueang) and Suvarnabhumi, both far from the city center. You need to look carefully at the ticket to find out which airport you are in and choose the right way to move to the center.

Guide to getting from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok

An A1 bus ticket is the most economical way to get to central Bangkok from Don Muang

Bus A1: To get to Mo Chit BTS station, the bus station is located on the ground floor of the airport for about 35 baht. From here you can go to BTS, Siam, Silom, Sathon, or Sukhumvit. Note that the car only runs from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm

Taxi: Taxi from Don Muang Airport to downtown (Siam area) is about 6 – 10 dollars. There are a lot of taxi companies with enough color to choose or you can catch Grab to go to the center.

Please note that you have to pay for high speed (about 3 dollars) and airport entrance fee (1.5 dollars)for the driver. So, to save cost you can take a taxi to Mo Chit station and then BTS to the central station.

Guide to getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok

The Airport Rail Link takes you directly to central Bangkok

Airport Rail Link: From the airport, you follow the signboard to Airport Rail Link. This ARL route takes you to Makasan MRT or Phaya Thai MRT Station. From these two stations, you can go to other places by MRT, BTS. The train runs from 6 am to 12 pm daily, you can buy tickets at the station for about 1.5 dollars.

Taxi: one trip from Suvanarbuhmi to the center is 9 – 10 dollars. To catch a taxi, you go down to the 1st floor, gate No. 4 or 7. Get the ticket on it with the taxi’s number, then come to the right taxi and start to move. Be aware that you also spend airport charges and highways as in Don Muang.

From Suvanarbuhmi Airport, you can also go to Pattaya by bus for 3 – 5 dollars.

To getting from the airport to Bangkok center you can also hire Klook’s private car charter service, which is convenient and saving a alot of time, and the travel cost is not too expensive if you go with a large group. You can refer to and book these services as follow:

• Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
• Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok by Thai Rhythm
• Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya
• Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
• Private Transfers for Bangkok City and Surrounding Attractions

Read more:  Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok — How to get from Bangkok airport to city?

Bangkok travel blog: Where to stay in Bangkok?

Cheap areas: Khao San Road, Chinatown, alleys in Sukhumvit (far subway station), Bangkok suburbs.

Medium areas: Pratunam area, alleys on Sukhumvit, Siam (near the train station), Old Town, Lumpini Park, Chatuchak,…

Luxury areas: The hotel is in the center of Siam, along the Chao Phraya River

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok (Address: 155/1 Soi Mahadlekluang 1 Ratchadamri Road Lumphini Bangkok, 10, 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 690 1888), 4-star hotel with room rates from $91/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Centre Point Hotel Pratunam (Address: 6 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 653 6690), 5-star hotel with room rates from $70/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok (Address: 567 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 625 1234), 4-star hotel with room rates from $64/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 216 3700), 5-star hotel with room rates from $112/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Akara Hotel (Address: 372 Sri Ayutthaya Road, Thanon Phyathai, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 248 5511), 5-star hotel with room rates from $73/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Holiday Inn Bangkok (Address: 971 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 656 1555), 4-star hotel with room rates from $113/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Amari Watergate Bangkok (Address: 847 Petchburi Road, Payathai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 653 9000), 5-star hotel with room rates from $81/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• CityPoint Hotel (Address: 6, 22 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 229 4392), 3-star hotel with room rates from $39/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• On 8 Sukhumvit Nana By Compass Hospitality (Address: 162 ถนน สุขุมวิท 8 Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Sukhumvit Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 254 8866), 3-star hotel with room rates from $46/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Sarnn Sukhumvit 28 (8/4 soi sukhumvit28 Sukhumvit Road Klongton Klong toey Bangkok 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 81 173 3747), 2-star hotel with room rates from $20/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Red Planet Bangkok Asoke (8/4 soi sukhumvit28 Sukhumvit Road Klongton Klong toey Bangkok 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 81 173 3747), 3-star hotel with room rates from $28/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Bangkok hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Bangkok blog — What to do and where to go in Bangkok?

Top sightseeing and activities places in bangkok.

Safari World Bangkok: Asia’s largest open zoo with hundreds of animal species around the world. Suitable for groups, families with young children. Open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. Ticket price is 54 dollars.

Dream World Bangkok: Bangkok’s Disney Land with hundreds of exciting games. Suitable for couples, young families, groups of friends, … Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day.

Siam Park Bangkok: A land of endless fun with the world’s largest artificial beach and adventure water games with cool snowflakes in Snow Town Bangkok

Snow Town Bangkok: Enjoy yourself with snowballs, slide down the smooth white snow or play snow castle in the city center.

SEA Life Aquariums Bangkok: is one of the largest aquariums in South East Asia with 30,000 individuals and magnificent ocean views.

Bangkok travel blog: The famous temples in Bangkok

Wat Pho (Buddhist Temple): where the longest Buddha statue in the world (46m)

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple): famous for the monks of golden gold

Wat Benchamabophit: The most magnificent temple in Bangkok with white marble architecture.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) : The most beautiful temple in Bangkok, located on the shore of the Chao Phraya River.

Read more: Best temples in Bangkok — Top 6 most ancient & famous temples in Bangkok you should visit .

Bangkok travel blog — Bangkok live shows: The must-see Bangkok’s shows when coming to Bangkok

Cookin Nanta Show: The Cookin Nanta Show is one of the most famous and unique culinary shows in the world.

Siam Niramit: Traditional Thai art show with 2,000 seats, more than 150 dancers in more than 500 unique costumes.

Muay Thai Live: Visiting to Thailand, you must see Muay, the traditional martial arts of the Golden Pagoda. The Legend Lives: The show brings you to discover Muay’s origin with live, authentic performances.

Continued reading…

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Drinking Water in Thailand: Can You Drink Tap Water?

If you want to go on holiday in Thailand for the first time, these are the things you should know about the drinking water in Thailand . Many people ask us whether you can safely drink tap water in Thailand or how is the quality of water here so we’ve decided to post a short but useful information on this topic.

How to Get to Chaengwattana Immigration Office Bangkok

Bangkok Immigration Office is located in a large Building B, or formally, the Ratthaprasatphakdi Building, in Chaengwattana neighborhood along with other government offices. As it is relatively far from the city center, learn how to get to Immigration Office Bangkok at Chaengwattana Government Complex .

Bangkok Bus Terminals: Which Bus Station to Choose?

There are 3 Bangkok bus terminals : Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Which bus station in Bangkok  should you choose for your trip? It depends on your next destination as they mainly serve selected Thailand regions. Discover the main routes from Bangkok bus terminals.

Best Hotels to Stay in Bangkok for Songkran Holiday

Songkran is the biggest and most fun festival in Thailand . If you are planning to visit Bangkok for Songkran Festival in April, make sure to book your hotel near one of the best Songkran celebration spots in the city. Find the b est hotels to stay in Bangkok for Songkran Holiday .

Baggage Wrapping Service at Bangkok Airport (BKK)

Baggage wrapping is a service that wraps your luggage or suitcase with a special film to protect it from being broken, loss of stored items or damaged. If you will be flying out from Bangkok, you can wrap your luggage at baggage wrapping in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) before flying out.

Thailand Alcohol Sales Hours, Ban & Legal Drinking Age

If you are planning a trip to Thailand and looking forward to getting a bottle of beer to relax during your holidays, this detailed article about the sale of alcohol in Thailand should be handy. Find detailed information about the legal drinking age, alcohol sale hours, alcohol ban and other regulations.

Thailand Plug Type, Power Socket, Voltage, Power Outlets

What are the power sockets and plugs used in Thailand and will there be enough voltage to charge gadgets? - these questions are asked by many travelers who are going to visit Thailand. In this article, you can find power sockets, plugs, adapters and the voltage used in Thailand and other related information.

Bangkok Bus Routes, Map, Tickets, Fare & How to Take Bus

Bangkok public bus service is still rarely used by tourists. However, even if Taxi in Bangkok is not expensive and very easy to find, using Bangkok public transport is a cheaper and funnier option which let you enjoy much more local traveling experience. Find Bangkok bus routes, tickets, fare, map and how to take bus in Bangkok.

Best Hotels near Don Muang Airport (DMK), Bangkok

The list of the best hotels near Don Muang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok includes the most popular hotels in the airport area. Choose Don Muang accommodation for your stay in the capital of Thailand, especially if you are planning to arrive at DMK Airport late at night or flying out from it early morning.

Bangkok Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Bangkok Visa on Arrival  can be issued at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is the main travel hub of Thailand. In case your journey starts at the main airport of  Bangkok , you can apply for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport as it is one of Immigration Checkpoints providing facilities for  Thai Visa on Arrival .

Thailand Visa on Arrival Form 2024: PDF Download & Tips

Thailand Visa on Arrival form is needed when applying for Thai Visa on Arrival that can be obtained at most of Thailand’s international airports, harbours and land border crossings by citizens of 17 countries. Find Thailand Visa on Arrival form 2024 PDF download and check tips how to fill Thailand Visa on Arrival form correctly.

Thailand E-Visa Online: How to Apply on Thai eVisa Website?

Thailand E-Visa Online application service on the official Thai eVisa Website gives an opportunity to apply for Thailand visa online at certain Thai Embassies and Consulates-General. Together with introduction of stickerless visa for Thailand E-Visa applications, this system simplifies the process of application for Thai visa.

How to Fill Thailand Visa Application Form? Filled Sample

Thailand visa application form is one of the main documents that you need to submit when applying for Thailand tourist visa . To avoid misunderstandings, learn how to fill Thailand visa application form correctly, find Thai visa form PDF to download and Thailand visa application form filled sample for your convenience.

Half Moon Party Koh Phangan Thailand 2024 Dates

The worldwide-famous Thailand Full Moon Party  is taking place on the island of Koh Phangan only once a month but there plenty of other events on the island, including Half Moon Festival that you might consider visiting in case your Thailand trip itinerary doesn't fit Full Moon Party schedule . Discover  Half Moon Party Koh Phangan 2024 dates .

Money Exchange in Chiang Rai - Best Exchange Rate

As cash payments are still preferred in Thailand, getting local currency is almost unavoidable when traveling around Chiang Rai . If you are looking for the money changer offering the best exchange rate in the city, check our review of  money exchange in Chiang Rai - currency exchange at banks, Super Rich and other money changers.

Money Exchange at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the largest airport in Northern Thailand . If you are planning to fly to Chiang Mai and will need Thai Baht (THB) there, find everything you need to know about money exchange at Chiang Mai Airport - what money changers operate there and who is offering the best currency exchange rate at Chiang Mai Airport .

Getting Thai Phone Number: Buying a SIM Card in Thailand

Getting Thai Phone Number and Thailand SIM card is easy as all the main mobile phone service providers in the country offer special plans for tourists. Buying a SIM card in Thailand is not complicated as you only need an unlocked phone, passport and some cash in local currency to get a local SIM card for Thailand.

Bangkok Airport SIM Card - Thailand SIM Card for Tourist

You can buy local SIM card anywhere in Thailand but it is best to buy  SIM Card at Bangkok Airport or any other airport of your arrival to get connected right away. At Bangkok Airport you will easily see the shops of all 3 Thai mobile phone service providers, where you can buy Thailand SIM card for tourist and get help from the staff to set up your phone.

Money Exchange in Chiang Mai – Best Rates & Money Changers

If you are planning to travel to Chiang Mai or already staying there and looking for the  best money exchange in Chiang Mai , you will find this article useful. To ensure that you will be getting a good currency exchange deal, discover Chiang Mai money changers offering the best exchange rate in Chiang Mai and the ones to avoid.

Money Exchange in Hua Hin - Best Rates at Market Village

Market Village Hua Hin is the largest shopping complex in Hua Hin , which is popular between tourists and locals who like comfortable shopping. If you are one of them, you might need some local currency for your expenses here. You can get quite good rates for money exchange at Hua Hin Market Village if only you know where to look for them.

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The 10 Best Bloggers in Thailand

Whether you’re interested in food, travel, parenting, fashion, or something else entirely, there are many awesome Thai bloggers to follow for different perspectives and insights. Here are 10 of the best bloggers from the Land of Smiles.

She simmers.

She Simmers is a great blog for foodies , especially people who adore the diverse tastes of Thai cuisine. Run by Leela Punyaratabandhu, a Thai national based in Bangkok , the blog covers all aspects of Thai food, focusing largely on recipes so you can recreate your favourite dishes yourself. Beef tongue stew, fruit som tam , shrimp satay, and Thai tea cakes are just a few exciting recipes to try. The photography will make your mouth water! Delve into the history of Thai cuisine and learn new skills, such as how to prepare tamarind pulp, how to wrap spring rolls, and how to prepare a jackfruit.

Thai Food Master

Another blog that focuses on delicious Thai cuisine, Thai Food Master may have been started by a long-term expat but there are now several Thai people on the team providing both a local and foreign point of view. From links between food and culture and regional variations in Thai food to cooking techniques, ingredients, and recipes, no stone is left unturned when it comes to mastering the art of cooking (and eating) Thai food . Informative and inspiring, the site is available in both English and Thai, and it has video tutorials too.

Oh Happy Bear

Oh Happy Bear labels itself as a Bangkok-based food and travel blog, though the site does also dip into other areas as well. Aside from covering Thai food and cooking, the website also details cuisine from other parts of Asia and farther afield. There is a section devoted to vegetarian food and restaurant reviews, which is handy for veggie travellers exploring the Land of Smiles . The activities section may provide exciting ideas for a trip, with museums and exhibitions, art events, and spas among the areas covered.

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Sirinya’s Thailand

Sirinya is a luk kreung , a term used in Thai for somebody who is half Thai. In Sirinya’s case, she has a Thai-Chinese father and a German mother. She blogs in English, covering anything and everything related to Thai culture , traditions, and day-to-day life in the Land of Smiles. It offers interesting and educational insights on Thailand through topics ranging from fashion, beauty, food, and festivals , to history, art, religion, and film. It’s an excellent online resource for all things related to being Thai, and you’re sure to spend longer than anticipated perusing the many articles and pictures.

Trip and Teach

Trip and Teach is a Thai lifestyle blog that covers travel, photography, blogging, and teaching . It is the work of Thai lady called Nahm. Her blog began as a way to share her travels around Thailand and beyond, sharing useful tips like where to eat, where to sleep, and what to see and do. As well as handy reviews, it’s especially great for anyone who is looking to travel like a local and be inspired to visit places that are away from the typical tourist trail . Cycling in Nakhon Phanom, visiting Pak Chong’s Secret Art Garden, and exploring the Khanong Phra Community Market in Nakhon Ratchasima province are just a few ways to do something different during your Thailand trip .

I Roam Alone

I Roam Alone is another travel blog from a Thai national, detailing solo female adventures in diverse destinations. Content is in Thai , but with an impressive 600,000-plus followers on social media, it’s fair to say that it may well be worth using translation programs for some juicy insights. As well as blogging about her escapades, the author offers practical information too, such as costs of a trip, reviews, and tips when on the road. It’s among one of the most inspirational and aspirational travel blogs for Thai people , especially females.

Roaming Thai

If you don’t want to do the hard work of translating a Thai travel blog, Roaming Thai is perfect for you. Written in English, it’s a collaboration between several Thai friends that details places both on and off the beaten track to visit around Thailand. There are cultural and historic insights too, adding more depth and greater understanding to articles, and the site is conveniently arranged into the different regions of the country.

One of the most popular parenting, family, and lifestyle blogs to come from Thailand, 2 Madames lets you into the world of a Thai couple and their two young children. You’ll find parenting tips, lifestyle hacks, family travel suggestions (both in Thailand and abroad), beauty advice for busy mothers, leisure activities, fun things to do with the kids, restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews, recommended products for day to day life, household tips, and more. Content is in Thai.

MM Candy is a fashion blog aimed at a male audience. It’s run by a trendy Thai guy called Kai who proudly proclaims that “Vanity is my favourite sin”. Some posts are written in English while others are in Thai, but it’s chock-full of anything a style-conscious man could hope to find on the internet. Fashion events, trending outfits, style guides, and product reviews are just a few reasons to check out this blog.

Moving now to women’s fashion and beauty, Feonalita is one of Thailand’s top beauty influencers. Followed by many fashionistas , the site was established in 2006. Most content is, however, in Thai. There are beauty tutorials and guides, product reviews, tips for taking care of the hair and skin, gadgets and gizmos, clothes, style, accessories, and more. There are also smaller sections on travel, food, and shopping.

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Best Thailand eSIM Guide: 5G data eSIM from $5.98!

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Various Thailand eSIM Options

The majority of eSIM providers in Thailand offer comparable packages in terms of speed, with the main distinction being the number of packages and their prices. This article highlights the top eSIM packages for tourists in Thailand.

🤔 In comparison, Trip.com eSIM is the cheapest and fastest option! 😏

What is an eSIM? Easy Explanation for Beginners

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, differs from the usual physical SIM card you might be used to. It's a digital SIM built right into your device. Unlike the old-school SIM cards that you physically slot into your phone, eSIMs do away with the need for any physical swapping. This groundbreaking tech lets you easily connect to the internet overseas, like in Thailand, by just downloading or removing SIM details directly on your device.

How to set up Thailand eSIM

Do not scan the QR code with any camera or application except on the device intended for eSIM use; it should always be set up directly on the device that will utilise the eSIM.

Precautions : The eSIM is valid for 90 days from the booking date, is single-use only, and cannot be altered or cancelled post-reservation. For assistance, please reach out to customer service.

Note: Before purchasing an eSIM on Trip.com, please check if your mobile phone can use eSIM.

Where to get Thailand eSIM ？

Opting for an online eSIM purchase, however, streamlines your travel preparations, allowing you to bypass queues and enjoy immediate internet access the moment you land.

How Much Does an eSIM Cost in Thailand?

The SUPER FAST and CHEAP eSIM for Thailand from Trip.com, as of Feb 2024, provides 30GB of data for 8 days . 🤤

【User Reviews】

• I was a bit nervous about trying an eSIM for the first time, but after I connected to the airport's free Wi-Fi, it worked just fine. It was great because I had high-speed internet throughout my trip!
• I've always gone for a local SIM, but decided to try an eSIM this time. It offered great value, was easy to set up, and worked smoothly, so I'll definitely use it again.
• I wasn't sure how well the eSIM would work since it was my first time using one. It turned out to be affordable, and during my 7-day stay in Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Bangkok, I didn't face any connectivity issues at all.

Which is Convenient in Thailand? Thailand eSIM, SIM Card, Wi-Fi Router

Detailed Comparison: SIM cards offer the convenience of not having to charge them like you would with a Wi-Fi router. They're lightweight, and there's a wide range of plans to choose from. However, they do have downsides, such as needing an unlocked phone and the initial setup process can be a bit of a bother. A Wi-Fi router is simple to get started with once you arrive and can be used by several people or devices at once. But, you might find the battery life lacking, and dealing with pickup and return can be a nuisance, not to mention it might end up costing more. An eSIM eliminates the need for a physical card, so there's no stress about losing or damaging it. Setting it up is fairly straightforward, although it's only compatible with certain smartphones.

👇Choose the most suitable Internet option for you👇

Based on the features and disadvantages, it is important to choose the most suitable one according to the usage scene and purpose.

➡ If you're going to USA, an eSIM is a must!

➡ If you're going to Vietnam, a Vietnam eSIM is a must!

➡ If you are going to Japan, eSIM is a must!

➡ If you're going to China, choose eSIM!

➡ If you go to Malaysia, eSIM is definitely recommended!

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