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20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

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Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

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Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

"I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

Koh Phi Phi

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

"I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

Koh Yao Noi

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My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

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Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

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Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

Mae Hong Son Loop

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Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

Khao Yai National Park

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Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

"Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

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Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

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Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

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No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

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Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

"It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

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The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kanchanaburi

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Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

Tieu Bao Truong/Getty Images

Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

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Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

"I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

Inigo Arza Azcorra/Getty Images

Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

4FR/Getty Images

This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

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Thailand Travel Restrictions

(Updated on October 10, 2023 Bangkok, Thailand)

UPDATED THAILAND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Thailand continues to welcome all international tourists in 2023.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, said “International travelers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination.”

In addition, foreign tourists are not required to show ATK or RT-PCR test results.

Exercise normal precautions for COVID 19 prevention.

Thailand does recommend COVID insurance for visitors from all countries when visiting Thailand.

After months of strict travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is restored a return to normalcy by easing all travel restrictions and quarantine requirements to allow tourists to enter the country.

Travelers around the world are now keen to find out when and how they can travel to Thailand in 2023. What important things do travelers need to know about Thailand Travel Restrictions if they are planning to fly to the Land of Smiles? Here is some helpful information for you.

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand in 2023

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Latest News as of October 10, 2023

• For up-to-date information and weekly updates regarding current Thailand travel restrictions, please visit the Weekly Updates for Thailand Travel Restrictions .
• As of October 1, 2022, Thailand will no longer have COVID entry requirements. Please exercise normal precautions as necessary when visiting Thailand.
• Buy your COVID Insurance now at AXA Thailand .
• Book your hotel in Thailand at Agoda.com
• Travelers may join our Facebook Group to ask questions, get help, and read the latest developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand

Travel to Thailand

Travelers may enter Thailand with or without vaccination. Vaccination is not required.

No phone app for reporting or tracking is required.

No need to show proof of any vaccination or insurance coverage.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Each country or territory determines its own entry and exit requirements at its borders. If you fail to meet these requirements for your destination, your embassy will not be able to assist you. The following information is provided by Thai authorities and is subject to change without notice.

The entry prerequisites differ based on the passport type you are holding for travel.

Prior to your journey, consult with your travel carrier regarding passport stipulations, as their validity rules might be stricter than those mandated by the destination country.

Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity upon your arrival in Thailand.

Other Entry Requirements

Immigration officers at the Thai border may request to see a ticket for your return or onward journey, as well as evidence of adequate funds to sustain you throughout your visit. Failure to present these documents may result in denial of entry.

Entry Stamp

Obtain your entry stamp directly from an immigration officer when entering Thailand. Avoid acquiring your visa, visa extension, or entry stamp through visa shops or travel agents within the country.

Passports that have been modified or carry fake visas and entry/exit stamps will be considered invalid. Individuals caught with such passports may face imprisonment, fines, and deportation, and might also be barred from future entry into Thailand.

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?

Visitors from countries under the Visa Exemption List are not required to obtain a Thai visa in order to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes. The Thai Immigration Bureau will allow foreigners to stay in Thailand for 30 days. Tourists will be able to apply for a 30 days visa extension at any local immigration office in Thailand.

If you wish to stay longer or are traveling for a purpose other than tourism, please know that the normal 60-day Tourist Visa, Thai Elite Visa , and other non-immigrant visas are available at Thai Embassies or Consulates around the world.

Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? You may consider the Thai Elite Visa program. It is an easy-to-apply and hassle-free visa application for your long-term stay in Thailand. For more information about the Thai Elite Membership and Visa application, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-elite-visa

Thailand Pass is no longer in effect

As of July 1, 2022, Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers entering Thailand.

Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving. Unvaccinated travelers are also under no restrictions and can freely travel to Thailand.

Thailand COVID Insurance for Foreigners

It is recommended for foreigners traveling to Thailand to have a travel insurance policy before departing to Thailand. This is for their protection during the course of their trip to Thailand.

Having a reliable travel insurance policy that covers disruptions beyond Covid protects the investment you’ve made so you can feel secure and covered while enjoying what Thailand has to offer.

Purchasing a protection is affordable than paying the hospital bill out from your pocket. The average travel insurance cost for a trip to Thailand is only around $100 to $150.

Foreigners can get a Thailand travel insurance policy covering COVID-19 easily and conveniently. Visitors can buy the travel insurance online with a credit card and the insurance policy and COVID-19 certificate will be sent to you instantly.

Purchase your COVID Travel Insurance for foreigners HERE .

Flights to Thailand Have Resumed

Regarding flights to Thailand, the normal commercial passenger flights are operating as normal. Before booking flights to Thailand, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel.

Check within your country’s state department for travel advisories during COVID-19.

No Quarantine Required

Traveling to Thailand has no restrictions at this time.

Travel Advisory for Thailand

Tourism is vital to the economy of Thailand. The Thai government has reopened the Kingdom of Thailand to foreign visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic without restriction.

It is important to review news about fast-changing developments within the country before you make travel plans. Information is available on this website, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and on government sites listed below.

Please research your destination of travel and its travel advisory so you have a pleasant experience for your stay in Thailand.

• Bangkok: No restrictions
• Pattaya: No restrictions
• Phuket: No restrictions
• Koh Samui: No restrictions
• Chiang Mai: No restrictions
• Hua Hin: No restrictions

List of Countries that may allow Travel to Thailand (Check with your Embassy for Travel Advisory):

• United States citizens should check with the US Department of State for any travel advisory, news, and emergency situations on their website for Thailand Travel Advisory .
• United Kingdom citizens can check for travel restrictions and news on the FDCO website for Foreign Travel Advice Thailand .
• Australian citizens still must obtain government approval to travel to Thailand. News, emergency assistance, or other important information can be found on their government site COVID-19 and travel Thailand and the Australian Embassy Thailand website for Australians in Thailand.

There are no travel requirements and restrictions in place at this time for foreigners entering Thailand.

We recommend contacting your local Thai embassy or consulate before making any plans or reservations. You may also leave your questions in the comment section.

Top 20 Questions Asked this Week by our Visitors

What is the visa exemption scheme.

Thailand has a Visa Exemption Scheme that allows nationals from certain countries to enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa. Visitors under this scheme will be granted a stay of a specific duration, typically 30 or 45 days, but this may vary based on the traveler’s nationality and the current regulations in place.

Where can I apply for a tourist visa for Thailand?

You can apply for a Thai tourist visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or in a third country.

Below are the general steps involved, but note that processes may vary slightly at different embassies or consulates:

Steps to Apply for a Thai Tourist Visa:

• Find the Nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate: Look for a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or a neighboring country. You can usually find this information on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website or by conducting a simple online search.
• Prepare Required Documents: Typically, you will need your passport (with at least six months’ validity), completed visa application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel arrangements (like flight and hotel bookings), and evidence of financial means.
• Submit Application: You may need to submit your visa application and required documents in person, although some embassies or consulates may offer online submission or postal services. Be sure to check the specific submission guidelines for the embassy or consulate where you’re applying.
• Pay Visa Fee: There will usually be a non-refundable visa application fee, which can vary by location and visa type. Payment methods can also differ, so verify this in advance.
• Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary. Some applications are processed in a few days, while others may take weeks. Check the estimated processing time and plan accordingly.
• Receive Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your visa, which will be stamped or affixed to a page in your passport. Carefully review the visa to confirm that all information is accurate and understand the terms of your stay.

Are there any restrictions on tourists coming to Thailand?

Travel restrictions and requirements for entering Thailand can change frequently due to the ongoing global situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors that might influence travel policies. The information provided here might be outdated, so it is imperative that you check the most current and relevant travel advisories and updates.

Here are some general restrictions and requirements for tourists entering Thailand.

General Entry Requirements:

• Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Thailand. Some nationals can enter under the Visa Exemption Scheme, while others might need to apply for a visa in advance.
• Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months of remaining validity is typically required.
• Proof of Funds: You might need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
• Onward or Return Ticket: Some travelers may need to show a confirmed ticket for return or onward travel.

Additional Restrictions:

• Travel advisories and restrictions can also depend on the ongoing global and local situation, such as public health concerns, security issues, or other emergencies.

How do I buy an ATK test?

You can also purchase an ATK self-test from pharmacies and 7-11’s in Thailand. They cost between 100-150 Thai baht. ATK testing is optional and not required by the Thai government.

Is Thai Airways operating normal flights in and out of Thailand?

Are masks required to be worn in thailand.

No. You will see many Thai people wearing masks for public health protection.

Is COVID 19 treatment and medicine available foreigners?

Yes, you may visit any clinic or hospital in Thailand for treatment of COVID 19. Please exercise normal precautions while traveling to obtain treatment if infected or use telemedicine so you can stay safely in your accommodations.

Visitors insured with AXA Travel Insurance will have full coverage for COVID 19 medical treatment. AXA is the most popular Thailand Travel Insurance for foreign travelers.

What is the best time of year to travel to Thailand?

November to February is the best time of year to visit Thailand as it is during the cool season.

What activities can you to do in Thailand?

• Island hopping
• Scuba diving
• Boat ride in the Andaman sea
• Eat delicious food
• Savory and Tasty Thai foods

What is the best way to find hotels?

You can find listings for hotels in all areas at Agoda .

When is the low season for travel to Thailand?

April to May are the hot season. July to September is a rainy. These months are the low season.

Are there any restrictions for foreign passport holders?

Travel restrictions and requirements for foreign passport holders entering Thailand can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the traveler’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, the duration of the stay, and the current global and local health situation.

General Entry Restrictions:

• Visa Regulations: Visa policies vary, with some passport holders eligible for visa exemption, visa-on-arrival, or e-visas, while others must secure visas in advance.
• Passport Validity: A minimum passport validity, often six months, is a standard requirement.
• Financial Proof: Travelers might need to demonstrate they possess adequate funds for their stay.
• Return or Onward Ticket: A confirmed ticket for onward or return travel may be necessary.
• Travel History: Entry restrictions might apply based on recent travel history, including visits to specific countries or regions.

Specific Passport-Based Restrictions:

• Diplomatic/Official Passports: Holders of diplomatic or official passports may face different entry requirements or procedures.
• Restricted Nationalities: Some countries impose entry limitations or additional requirements on passport holders from specific nations due to diplomatic relations or security concerns.

Additional Checks and Requirements:

• Security and Background Checks: Security considerations can lead to additional screening, requirements, or restrictions for travelers from certain countries.

Can I rent a private car/taxi from the airport to the hotel?

Yes. travelers can find metered taxis available outside of the airport. All request the use of the meter. Private car and car hire is also available at the airport counters.

Does the hotel provide transportation?

Hotels charge an additional fee for transportation to and from the airport. The easiest transportation is the metered taxi.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

If you need money exchanged to use for transportation it is best to do it once outside the Customs area.

The best exchange rates for Thai currency can be found in the tourist areas with popular exchange services such as SuperRich or Dee Money.

What insurance should I get?

The most popular insurance coverage is THB 750,000 coverage for medical expenses due to accidents and illnesses (including COVID-19) and THB 1 million for accidental death and disability. You can find trusted insurance coverage at AXA Thailand .

What happens after I get my AXA Insurance policy?

After applying for your AXA Insurance, you will receive an email with your policy. You can then upload the policy on your phone for easy reference.

City Travel Guide

• How to Travel to Bangkok
• How to Travel to Phuket
• How to Travel to Pattaya
• How to Travel to Chiang Mai
• How to Travel to Samui
• How to Travel to Hua Hin

Other Thai Elite Visa Pages

Related posts.

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

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588 Comments

Just to make totally sure, I’m gonna ask this very simply: I have no vaccination papers. I have no negative Covid test. I have no travel insurance. Am I still allowed to enter Thailand?

Hello, Lars Andersen.

Unless you are from one of the countries with yellow fever, you do not need to provide vaccination papers and are allowed to enter Thailand.

How much cash in gbp can I bring into Thailand (phuket) for spending money etc?

I would like to ask if I am holding an Indian passport with valid Australian tourist visa, do I need a tourist visa? or can I enter Thailand on the basis of my valid Australian visa?

Also if Nepalese passport holder has valid Australian student visa, do they need to apply tourist visa?

Hello, Chandar Parkas Dimri.

You cannot enter Thailand with any Australian visa. You will need to apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa to enter Thailand. If you’re coming to Thailand to study, you will need to apply for an Education Visa.

I have got a question regarding the updated guidelines as of January 9, 2023

>Airline passengers 18 years old or older must provide proof of full vaccination

I have full vaccination, but it was done in October 2021, do I need to get a new vaccine?

Yes, that is acceptable. You do not need to get a new vaccine. Thank you.

Hi there, we are looking at coming to Thailand for over 30 days but in 2 stints. We will be doing Bangkok and the north followed by the south a few month later. What kind of VISA do you recommend for this?

You can use the 45 days Visa Exemption stamp on each visit. There is no need to get a visa. Please check this information on this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-travel-restrictions-for-november-2022

We will travel Thailand this Monday..

What are the needed requirements?

Dear Marfele,

You may find the entry requirements here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-for-october-2022 Thank you.

If you are vaccinated and Travel to Thailand without PCR testing before leaving SA do you still need to do PCR when you arrive in Thailand but you are fully vaccinated?

Dear Deidre,

The latest entry requirements are posted here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-for-october-2022

Hi, is there a restriction to travel to Phuket from Malaysia by train? (Travelling from Malaysia to Padang Besar Train Station to Hat Yai Train Station to Phuket train terminal 2). Thanks a lot

Dear Oscar,

For this month, just prepare your vaccination card and passport. On October 1st, restriction will be removed.

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

Hi, I’ve read in some of your news that all corona rules fall away from 1 October, that we can travel into the country without having to show a test or certificate. is that right ? Vikram

Dear Vikram,

Yes. Official statement will be announce by the Gazette on October 1st.

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-for-october-2022

Hello . It says on some Thai websites that from 1 October no one needs a negative test or to show a corona certificate on arrival in Thailand. Is that right ? We will arrive on 1 October in Phuket. Should I be tested as I am not vaccinated?

Dear Albina,

On October 1st, restriction will be removed.

Hello. Should children aged 2 have a negative test ? Up to what age should children have a test ?

If the parents are unvaccinated, children will require too.

Hello again. Is it okay with an Antigen test taken at the hospital or do we have to take only PCR

Yes, It should be professional RAT.

Yordmanu, I have a current, one year ‘retirement’ visa extension and have just returned to UK after a 90 day Thailand Pass trip. I’ve booked a one-way flight back to Thailand for the 9th. November – Will I have to buy insurance & will I be allowed to travel back to Thailand on this one-way ticket? I have an a Thailand address (30 year lease) and a history of travellng back & forth. Peter

Dear Peter,

Insurance is now an optional. It’s not compulsory but still recommended.

Hello. We will travel to Phuket on 1 October. My husband has a dose of vaccine and has been infected with covid twice. Does he have to prove a negative test or does he have to have proof from the doctor that he has had covid twice and has a vaccine? I am not vaccinated but have undergone covid 2 times the children aged 14 and 11 have not been vaccinated, should they have a test before we arrive? Albina

If fully vaccinated, just vaccination certificate and certificate of recovery since he got infected.

For unvaccinated, you need to have negative RT PCR within 72 hours of your arrival. Same procedure with your kids.

I am a Thailand passport holder and returning to Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur. What requirements do I need to enter Thailand?

Passport and proof of vaccination.

Do you know the phone number of the Thai embassy in Thailand?

hi, i have 1 question. how about unvaccinated kids age 8-year-old and 4++-year-old?do they need to do pcr test?

If you are fully vaccinated , No. If unvaccinated, same procedure with parents.

I’m seeing conflicting info. Some websites say yes or no, regarding that before departing to thailand, one must show a negative pcr test. For the most part, it seems like no, you don’t have to.. but then more reputable sites say yes, people need to.

so which is it? planning to depart in october of 2022

Dear Balrto,

Negative RT PCR is for those unvaccinated.

Is a “supervised RAT travel test” signed and witnessed by a pharmacist in Australia permitted for entry to Thailand?

Dear Nathan,

Yes, it should be a professional RAT.

Me and my friends will fly to Phuket. Me and my husband have international certificate of vaccination without QR-code on Covid-19. Vaccine is comirnaty (we have two dose and booster) . On website: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/06/covid-19-vaccine-guide-for-travellers-to-thailand/ The information is that when vaccine comirnaty, the 2nd dose must be after 3 weeks, but in my and husband’s certificate is after 4 weeks (first – 19.05.2022, second – 16.06.2022 and booster is 22.01.2022). Is this a problem? Do we need to take a test? Thx You in advance.

No, it means 3 weeks after your shot, more than 21 days in valid.

Do I need to purchase health insurance if I’m only staying in Bangkok for 1 day since my destination is the following day when I arrived in Bandkok?

Insurance is optional. Not compulsory but still recommended.

do the vaccine certificates require to have a qr code? or is that up to the discretion of the airline?

Not really, any proof that you are fully vaccinated will be accepted. If so, then maybe it’s the airlines requirements.

i will arrive bangkok 17:00, transit to Taipei, Taiwan 12:55 on next day. do i still need to book hotel + insurance and proceed PCR test. I am unvaccinated.

Insurance is not compulsory but still recommended. If you are unvaccinated, you need a 72 hours negative RT PCR.

I have flight 06.10 I’m arrive g to Thailand 07.10. I’m not vaccined is that mean I have to take test 04.10 then is 72h before my arrival or I shuld take tests 05.10 or 06.10?

You can do it on 5.10 , validity should be 72 hours upon arrival.

Hello, I might be coming to Thailand in the next month or so, coming from China (not a Chinese citizen). I have been vaccinated but my vaccination shows on my phone – is this presentable?

Hi Charles,

Any proof that you are fully vaccinated.

How long is the Vaccine considered before expiring if I am vaccinated with 2 shots?

Last shot should be not more than 12 months.

Traditional herbal medicines are based on the use of natural remedies like Herbs and Roots, no special food, no lifestyle change to permanently cure drug resistance diseases. people who use this methods like me will definitely testify. three years ago I was permanently cured from herpes simplex virus by Dr Okosun, an African herbalist who eradicates diseases and viruses which the world believes has no cure today with the use of herbs Dr Okosun herbs are hundred percent natural, no after effect and is guaranteed method of getting rid of herpes and other drug resistance diseases which the doctors made us believe has no cure, im one of the hundreds of people cured by dr okosun and you can get in touch with this dr and get your healing just as i did via drokosun55@gmail .com his mobile or whatsapp +2348124363791

Is a photo copy or a photo of my covid card ok? I left my original at home so I wouldn’t lose it.

Yes, any proof that you are fully vaccinated.

On your website it says that the test should be done with 72 hours before departure. So is it before departure or arrival? A international flight might take More 30 hours. If there is a delay, 72 hours will easily be passed. If the test is invalid upon arrival, what should be done?

Validity should be within 72 hours of arrival.

I receive my PCR test result by email. Do I need to print it out to show upon arrival? If my result is expired upon arrival, can I do a pcr test I the airport? If so, how much is it?

The result should be valid within 72 hours of your arrival, incase you need to repeat again the test.

I was just reading a site through Japan Airlines for Thailand entry from United States, it says as of August 31 1. no test required 2. No quarantine

Is this correct?

Thank you Jim

Yes you’re right, no test required if fully vaccinated. If unvaccinated, 72 hours negative RT PCR.

If I’m unvaccinated I understand that I need to have RT PCR within 72 hours upon arrival, but do I also HAVE to quarantine upon arrival in addition to the test?

No quarantine upon arrival if you have negative result.

I have 2 doses of pfizer is it considered fully vaccinated? I got my 2nd shot last Oct. 2021 and I will be travelling on Aug.3. Do I need to show RT-PCR negative result ?

Yes, 2 doses is fully vaccinated.

I know that for the moment i can enter with test but what are the chances that the thai government will change the rules and make the vaccination obligatory again for 5 octobre? thanks

i am not vaccinated but i will be travelling to thailand on 5 october.

Do I only need a negative covid test to enter thailand?

And what are the chances that the thai government will change the rules and make the vaccination obligatory again? If so, how long before I should be vaccinated in order to travel safely on the 5th of october?

Yes, you can still enter even unvaccinated. You just need to have RT PCR within 72 hours upon arrival.

Hi there, just wondering if transiting in Bangkok (not leaving the airport) on the way to Malaysia if I still need to provide a RT/PCR test? I am not vaccinated. Thanks in advance

The unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated travellers without a negative test result within 72 hours of travel is required to follow the public health instructions and guidelines as deemed appropriate by the Health Control officer at the point of arrival.

A little urgent!

Hi! I am have 2 doses of pfizer vaccine but it has expired 2 months ago, I have read that i am still able to travel in there as thailand do not request for the booster.

Is that correct? Hope someone replies me fast. Thank you ser/madam!

Yes, 2 doses is fully vaccinated . Your last shot should not be longer than 12 months, otherwise, you need to get booster.

We are arriving in BKK on the 29th and are not vaccinated or recovered.

I would like to know if we can get vaccinated this week. Is the vaccine already valid or is it necessary, for example, to be vaccinated since 20 days minimum for the vaccine to be valid in Thailand?

Have a good day

Hi Grandjean,

14 days of your vaccination.

You do not need to be vaccinated to go to Thailand. Just take an official antigen test 72 hours before departure.

Hi, for the insurance policy how many days should I buy if I will be staying in thailand for 5 days?

You can get the period of your stay or even 1 week.

How long do we have to be vaccinated for the Covid certificate to be valid?

Not more than 12 months with your last shot. If so, you can get booster.

Hi, thank you for your work. So unvaccinated travelers who got Covid recently in a month can submit a recovery certificate instead of a negative test result to enter Thailand. Is that right that I understand? or must submit a negative test result even though got Covid recently? Also, what is the acceptable date for a recent recovery? Is it 30 days or 40days?

If you recovered at covid, you need to get certificate of recovery . You still need to get a 72 hours negative RT PCR if you are unvaccinated, that is the requirements for unvaccinated traveler.

Hi!. I’m travelling from the UK to BKK on 30th Aug., 2022. I’m over 60 and had both my vaccination jabs plus a booster shot back in 2021. Is there anything else I need to enter Thailand?. 😀

Just vaccination certificate and passport.

hi iam travelling to Thailand from Kuwait will transit in Bangkok then internal flight to koh samui for 12 days then to Phuket for another 12 days iam not vaccinated please advise with needed documents and when i travel from koh samui to phuket do i need to do PCR?

and it will be undergo quarantine for unvaccinated travellers?

For unvaccinated traveler, you need to have negative 72 hours RT PCR.

Nice, Now you can visit and travel in Thailand with your pocket money. But how? It is possible due to the Discount code or promo code of Travel Accommodation Services Provider, Like Klook, Trip com and so many in the Thailand. So You can get Klook Thailand Discount code from here ส่วนลด Klook and save some amount.

Yes, most hotel had their own discount and promotion, you can stay in any hotel you want. You can also check here https://www.agoda.com/search?cid=1897011&city=9395

Hi We are travelling to Phuket Airport and on to hotel in Khao Lak on 25 November from UK for 15 nights. We have had 3 Vaccinations, the latest one December 21. Do we need another one given it will be a year since the last one. What is the longest time since last vaccination to be considered fully vaccinated.

It should not last more than 12 months.

Hi i am planning to visit in thailand next year with my family for a week, do we need to get a visa? Or what are the requirements? Thank you

You can check with this site if you are eligible for visa exemption which means that you can enter Thailand without visa for 30 days. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

You can check this site if you are eligible for visa exemption which means that you can enter Thailand without visa for 30 days. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

Hi, i am traveling to Bangkok 29th of august. I got world travel insurance her in Danmark, please let me know if need to buy any extra insurance. I am fully vaccinated. thanks

Hi Maqsood,

Insurance is not compulsory but highly suggested.

Hi, I am unvaccinated and got Covid 2 weeks ago and gonna visit Thailand in 14days. In this case, recovery certificate can be submitted instead of negative results from ATK or PCR test? Because dead covid virus can be left in the body and some people got still positive results after they got covid. I will flight from Korea.

Yes, bring your certificate of recovery.

Thank you. So do you mean that I can submit a recovery certificate in recent instead of the negative test result? Is that right that I understand?

You need to bring the certificate of you recovery so the health representative can check the level status of your infection just incase you get positive result again.

hi is a booster covid19 vaccine mandatory to enter Thailand? I’m vaccinated with 1 J&J last Aug 2021 which only needs 1 shot. would this be an issue?

Hello Vans,

If you’re fully vaccinated, you must show proof of vaccination a booster isn’t required for entry at this stage.

thank you mary for this.

I need to transit from BKK to Mumbai in 5 hours gap .Unfortunately,I can’t get thorough check in because I bought different airlines.So,I need to pass the immigration of Thuwaanabumi Air port and collect my luggage and again I need to entry into Department of that airport.Is it ok for me because I will re entry into BKK after 4 days.My trip is tomorrow.

Hi. If i’m travelling with my family from malaysia to thailand and one of my child 12 yr old is not vaccine can my child enter thailand together with us ( already complete vaccine . do she need to perform atk ?

Hello Saiful,

Children under the age of 18 do not need a certificate of vaccination if they are travelling with fully vaccinated parents. If they travel with parents who are not fully vaccinated, they must present an RT-PCR / Professional ATK COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours before departure.

Im fully vaccinated , do i still need to stay at a SHAplus hotel when i visit thailand?

You can enter in any hotel you want.

I cannot enter into Thailand within 14th days from tested positive. Correct? Thailand Embassy of Japan and Singapore informed me like that.

As long as you are fully recovered and tested negative after your quarantine period, you can able to travel in Thailand.

For those previously infected with COVID-19 are considered fully vaccinated if they have received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine at any time after their recovery.

Please be advised that your proof or medical record of COVID-19 recovery must be shown alongside your single-dose vaccination certificate.

My daughter got covid last Sunday. I have lived in Singapore, and in SIngapore, can go out from 7th day(1st day is positive day) I have a plan to go to Thailand this Sunday. When I called and asked Thailand embassy in Japan today, embassy officer mentaioned she cannot enter Thailand within14days from positive result tested.. Also it is showing in homepage in Thailand embassy of Japan. If she with negative and doctor record , she can go in Thailand before 14days?

Hello Kato,

My daughter got covid last Sunday. I have lived in Singapore, and in SIngapore, can go out from 7th day(1st day is positive day) I have a plan to go to Thailand this Sunday. When I called and asked Thailand embassy in Japan today, embassy officer mentaioned she cannot enter Thailand within14days from positive result tested.. Also it is showing in homepage in Thailand embassy of Japan.

Hello Do i still need a test 72 hrs before departure if I have 1 of the 2 Covid vaccines and just recovered from Covid? Thank you

Hello Tash,

Hi, I’m from Malaysia. Yesterday on 1 August 2022 I tested positive for covid-19 by using the RTK-Nasal swab self-test kit. According to Ministry of Health of Malaysia, I only need to quarantine for 7 days since I have taken the 3 dos of the covid-19 vaccine. However, I am required to attend a regional meeting in Bangkok on 15 August 2022. Can I enter Bangkok on the 14 of August since we will be traveling to Bangkok 1 day earlier?

Sorry to hear that. Yes, you can still travel to Thailand as long as after you have quarantined you tested negative. And just provide your proof or medical record of COVID-19 recovery alongside of your vaccination certificate.

I am travelling to Bangkok on 10th August to visit a bank on the 11th August and departing Bangkok on 12th August for UK. I am fully vaccinated in Cambodia with 3 vaccinations. I am a British citizen. Do I require a PCR test before I enter Thailand?

Hello Robert,

Since you are fully vaccinated you don’t need a negative RT-PCR test result. Just provide your proof of vaccination upon arrival, that would be enough.

hi im planning to visit phuket and bangkok , is there a minimum days i have to spend at phuket before going to bangkok ?

Hello Bell,

There’s no minimum days you can stay on each area in Thailand, as long as your visa are still valid you are free to travel around.

I have one shot of a two-shot vaccine + a booster (in total 2 shots). The reason I only had one shot the first time is because I had been infected with COVID and therefore according to local regulations one shot was enough. Am I considered fully vaccinated for travel to Thailand?

Thank you for your prompt response. To clear out, I have proof that I was tested positive and then subsequently negative test. The report is in Italian (I live in Italy), but the words “positivo” and “negativo” are pretty clear. The tests were conducted by an accredited private hospital in Milan, Italy. I assume I would be able to use this?

If you can provide the English translation that would be better, but if you only have written in Italian you can still use that.

Hi there, I am from UK. I plan to visit Thailand in mid of August 2022 with my 12 years old son. I had 3 Covid Vaccines but my son hasn’t receive them yet. Does my son need to do Fit to Fly Pro-Antigen Covid test or he doesn’t need to do it? Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

Hello Tidaratt,

Will I be able to enter Thailand with the negative result of PCR Test 72 hrs? The lab has the PCR Test. They said the PCR Test and the RT-PCR Test is the same thing.

Hello Usanee,

The RT-PCR test and PCR test are different, however, any of those are accepted as long as it was issued by a certified Clinic or Hospital, containing personal information of the travelers and information of the vaccine (name, batch number, dates).

I have an appointment with Medical facility in Bangkok, for yearly medical checkups at the end of August 2020. I have already took COVID 19 full vaccination (1st, 2nd and booster). My visa will stamped on arrival at the air port since my country is not in the list Thai visa except countries. So what else required from?

Hello Assefa,

The entry measures for Thai and Foreign Nationals are only proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. These can be in a print or digital format.

I am from Kuwait, I am a two-dose restaurant and I have health insurance. Do I need anything else to enter Thailand?

Hello Nael,

Hi, may I know what’s the procedure if foreigners get COVID during their stay in Thailand?

Anyone who tests positive, regardless of whether they have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days, are required to quarantine at their own expense for 10-14 days or possibly longer depending on their situation and under the direction of public health officials.

Hi, do you need to be vaccinated to enter Thailand? Or is a PCR test acceptable when taken 3 days before arriving?

Hello Eliana,

Full vaccination is not mandatory to enter Thailand, however, if you provide your proof of vaccination, you won’t need to present a negative PCR test.

A negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result must be issued within 72 hours before departure.

I need to make a trip to Thailand in early October for business meetings with our local office as well as clients in Bangkok. Since the trip is not for tourism purposes, do I need to get a visa (U.S. passport holder traveling from the U.S.)

Hello Dawn,

If you’ll stay less than 30 days in Thailand, you don’t need to apply for a visa since U.S Passport holders are entitled for 30 days visa exemption.

Hi. I m planning to travel to Thailand in September/October. I have 2 sinovac shots that are confirmed in a local covid19 vaccination card in English incl. Batch numbers etc but I don’t have the yellow WHO vaccination certificate booklet. Is my local certificate valid or do I need the yellow WHO booklet? Thanks a lot and kind regards Thomas

Hello Thomas,

You don’t need a yellow booklet, just provide the proof of your vaccination given by your country.

Hi , I am planning to travel to Thailand in October for 1 week . I have received the Johnson and Johnson single dose covid vaccine. Do I have to get a booster shot to or am I considered vaccinated

Hello Naomi,

Travelers to Thailand, foreign and Thai, are considered fully vaccinated if they get their second dose of a 2-dose vaccine no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand also if they get a single-dose vaccine no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand.

Hi I am a U.K. citizen I am fully vaccinated plus had a 3 rd booster jab in December 2021 , I am planing to go to thailand in October 2022 , for 2 weeks am I considered fully vaccinated or would I need a 4 th booster vaccination Thanks in advance

Hello Eddie,

Travelers to Thailand are considered fully vaccinated if they have already a 2-dose of vaccine.

May I ask Children under 18 without vaccinated who are traveling with vaccinated parents can enter to Thailand?

Yes they can. Thailand has no COVID restrictions anymore.

Dear, I am French citizen, I plan to come from 08/08 to Thailand: – Do I need visa or there is a 30 days exemption for French citizen ? – In case there is a Visa exemption, do I need to register somewhere or I just need to show up at the customs ? Thank you

Hello Quentin,

France Passport holders not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. The visa will be stamp by the Immigration officer on the day you have arrived in Thailand.

Hi Quentin,

Check here if you are eligible for visa exemption, https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

Do you have to book a SHA hotel on first night if your already vaccinated?

Hello Timmy,

If you are fully vaccinated, you don’t need a hotel booking confirmation just provide a proof of your vaccination.

You can stay in any hotel of you choice.

Hi I am fully vaccinated 2 dose with moderna But it is 1 year ago already since I got my second dose. I do not have booster. Do I need booster to enter Thailand now?

Yes, last shot should not more than 12 months.

I am considering booking an airbnb in Phuket but have concerns about legality. I am seeing mix reviews online stating that it is illegal to book villas in Thailand for less than 30 days. Can you please clarify if it will be legal to book a villa in Phuket for 5 days or less. The villa is listed on Airbnb website.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43272871?adults=6&children=0&infants=0&check_in=2023-05-20&check_out=2023-05-23&source_impression_id=p3_1658235414_A4%2B4qyfIvFCIfYDo

Dear Rochelle,

When you come to Thailand, you are allowed to stay in a hotel, hostel, villa or private residence such as house or condo. Thank you.

I live in HK and will have a flight to Australia and transit in Thailand. I am not vaccinated. Do i have to do test? Thank you

Yes, for unvaccinated you need 72 hours RT PCR .

Hi, Do I still have to fill up and get the Thai Pass and purchase USD10,000 covid coverage as of today 19 July 2022? Fyi, I am from Malaysia.

Thailand Pass was no longer required, no need to apply. Insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended, better to get for security.

Is 2time vaccination sinovac aprroved in Thailand ？

8 of the best places to visit in Thailand

Dec 16, 2023 • 9 min read

Here are the best places to visit in Thailand © Westend61 / Getty Images

When people think of Thailand , they often think of relaxing on a  pristine beach  with a refreshing cold drink in their hand.

Although Thailand is indeed blessed when it comes to diversions of the sandy persuasion, this country of more than 513 sq km (198 sq miles) also boasts virgin forestland, picturesque mountains, lively nightlife, raucous markets and of course, cities with their own unique histories and cultures. Unlike what many would believe, Thailand is a multifaceted destination, appealing to everyone from the hedonistic foodie to the ascetic seeking enlightenment (and everyone in between).

Fly-and-flop aficionados will of course head to a tropical island , as do most first-timers to the country , dazzled by the variety of destinations peppering Thailand’s waters. Likewise, culture vultures are most suited to big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai , while nature enthusiasts will be best served by combing through the emerald-green mountains of the kingdom’s north and northeast or the jungles along Myanmar’s border. With decent railway infrastructure, buses, ferries, cars for hire and many airports, it's easy to get around : you just need to choose the places to visit in Thailand that best match your interests.

Best city for food and nightlife

Many travelers to Thailand land in Bangkok only to immediately transfer to another destination. Although that is all well and good, they may be missing out on a city that, in spite of welcoming more tourists than any other city in the world in 2023, remains strangely underrated. After all, Bangkok is the perfect launching pad for day trips to the surrounding region , with floating markets and beaches to the south and popular national parks to the north. That makes it a great place to stay for a couple of days at least before heading to another part of Thailand.

With over 10 million residents, Bangkok is a sprawling megacity. But all it really takes to navigate Bangkok is a little advance preparation. The city’s more than 320,000 restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines from Thai to Ethiopian to Latvian, and its more than 500,000 street food vendors ensure that food is available anywhere in Bangkok 24 hours a day. In Bangkok, or Krung Thep Mahanakorn (the “City of Angels”), the world is your oyster … or chicken satay skewer, or bowl of soup noodles.

Bangkok's bars and clubs offer a surprisingly wide range of styles and drinks. Of the establishments on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list , four are in Bangkok. The city also has a penchant for speakeasy-type places, as well as Japanese-style bars (Japanese being one of Bangkok’s biggest expat communities). If a drink is what you’re after, you will not go thirsty – spring for Q&A Bar’s  Pinkish, a twist on the Negroni with rhubarb and grapefruit gin, the potent Old Fashioned jazzed up with turmeric at Vesper , or go classic with a good, crisp martini at Bamboo Bar .

Planning tip:  Bangkok’s bars and clubs are not permitted to be open all night – in fact, most close at the relatively early time of 1am.

2. Chiang Mai

Best City for Temples

The former capital of the Northern Lanna empire, the Chiang Mai area boasts more than 300 temples. Some, like Doi Suthep , are famous for their stunning viewpoints; others, like Wat Suan Dok , serve as the burial grounds for the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The charmingly weatherbeaten Wat Chedi Luang , founded in 1385, enjoys a convenient location smack dab in the middle of the Old Town, while Wat Phra Singh , home of the Lion Buddha, dazzles in the sunlight with its golden stupas. 

But there is plenty to see besides temples. Northern Thai cuisine is unlike any other in Thailand, inspired as it is by Chinese elements and nearly 200 years under Burmese rule. Northern Thais also dress and dance in a distinctive manner, as well as speak their own dialect, called kum mueang. Its many outdoor markets, such as Talat Warorot and Talat Jing Jai, sell food, clothing and knick-knacks that make perfect souvenirs.

Planning tip: Chiang Mai is a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, caves and waterfalls, all of which could take at least three days of your trip. From late February to early April, Chiang Mai is usually inundated with smoke from farmers burning land in the mountains to plant their crops. Opt for the Thai “winter” of November to January or the rainy season .

Best island for a blend of cultures

Although it is the biggest island in Thailand,  Phuket hosts an entirely different culture from the rest of the country: a mix of Hokkien Chinese, Thai and Malaysian elements. Hokkien-style fried noodles, o-aew (a jelly made from plant seeds), o-tao (an oyster omelet topped with pork rinds) and moo hong (braised pork belly stew) are all dishes that originated in Phuket and are difficult to find even in the rest of Thailand. Little wonder, then, why Phuket is one of Thailand’s most-visited destinations.

Phuket’s architecture is also unique – evidence of its past when it was ruled by the Portuguese. Sino-Portuguese shophouses, with their distinctive colors, tiles and fusion of both Western and Eastern styles, line the streets of the Old Town and are reminiscent of the shophouses in Penang and Singapore. With its top-tier beaches and Old Town culture, Phuket is perfect for both first-timers and couples and can easily take up a week of your visit.

Planning tip: September to October is Phuket’s rainy season, so try to avoid the island during this time. There are plenty of other great destinations beyond Phuket to consider visiting too.

4. The far north

Best region for hiking

Known as the Golden Triangle, the apex of Thailand’s far north – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet – has served as a destination for die-hard nature lovers for decades. Be it via motorcycle, mountain bike or simply walking, exploring this area yields not only striking natural beauty but also the chance to visit both Laos and Myanmar (if only, typically, for a short period of time). Once known as a major production spot for opium, the Golden Triangle is now where visitors come to cruise along the Mekong against a spectacular background, camp in moderate (for Thailand) weather, or visit an elephant camp (or all three!)

Sleepy Chiang Rai , the former capital of the Lanna dynasty, is only 9km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal spot from which to trawl through the surrounding area. This city holds its own attractions as well, including the world-famous  Wat Rong Khun , or White Temple, and is worth exploring for a day in itself.

Planning tip: It's a 1.5-hour trip from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. Aside from renting a car, you can hire a taxi or take a bus, which should cost around 950 or 400 baht, respectively.

5. The Upper Gulf

Best region for floating markets

The region south of Bangkok is easily reached from the capital, taking up a mere hour or so of driving (depending on traffic). Here is where you will find Thailand’s most famous floating markets, including Damnoen Saduak (at its busiest in the early morning) and Amphawa (more popular with locals and with a more nightlife-y vibe).

The famous Maeklong Railway Market can also be found here, where vendors pull up part of their stalls to allow a train to (slowly) pass six times a day. In Bang Kachao , called "the green lung of Bangkok" for its proximity to the capital, you can hire a bicycle to roll through the wilderness on concrete passageways, passing over canals hiding monitor lizards and reaching the island’s own floating market, Talat Nam Bang Nam Phueng. You can even take a day trip from Bangkok to the beach for sea breezes and fresh seafood ( Pattaya is only 2 hours away by car or bus, after all).

Planning tip: Besides driving, you can take a taxi, bus and train to sites such as Damnoen Saduak and Ampawa, where you can also stay overnight along the water.

6. Khao Yai National Park

Best for wildlife

A 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has been a popular weekend retreat for nature-loving Bangkokians for decades. As a result, the area around the national park – Thailand’s third largest – is generously studded with houses, hotels, restaurants, shops and even amusement parks. Not surprisingly, it is an ideal place to bring the whole family.

The top attraction, of course, is the 2166 sq km (836 sq miles) that comprise Thailand’s most-visited national park. Blessed with a wealth of hiking trails for everyone from a beginner to an experienced trekker, cooling waterfalls and an impressive range of wildlife, including monkeys, leopards, bears and elephants, Khao Yai can provide hours of entertainment for people of any age. Park rangers can be hired to help spot animals by guiding visitors to the places where you're most likely to see them, or to direct them to the best viewpoints or waterfalls nearby.

Planning tip: You should hire a guide ahead of time if you are going wildlife spotting. A park ranger can be found through the park’s website .

7. Ko Samui

Best island for water sports

If you were to picture the ideal tropical island with soft beaches and turquoise water, chances are you would be picturing Ko Samui . Although not as popular as Phuket, Thailand’s second-largest island still lures more than 2 million visitors a year, making it one of the most-visited islands in the country.

Besides its many charming beaches, Samui also hosts Ang Thong National Park , an archipelago of islands perfect for snorkeling and sea kayaking, Na Muang waterfalls for casual swimming, snorkelers' favorite Silver Beach, and countless spots for scuba diving. On-land attractions are also abundant, including fishing villages, golf courses and a surprising number of wellness retreats.

Planning tip: Samui has a surprisingly long “dry” season from December to August when chances of rain are minimal.

8. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

Best destinations for history buffs

The historic city of Ayutthaya  served as Siam’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries before it was ransacked by the Burmese. The remnants of that city have since been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect fodder for scrambling and exploring. Bike rentals on the edge of the historical park turn Ayutthaya into an even easier place to navigate, making for a pleasant morning of culture/exercise under a canopy of green leaves.

Sukhothai , Siam’s first capital, was built on a smaller scale and also allows bike rentals, making it an ideal hands-on history lesson for families with smaller children. Also a World Heritage site, Sukhothai’s towers and Buddha statues are less visited than its younger sister down south, making it more pleasant for people who prefer to avoid large crowds.

Planning tip: Ayutthaya can be accessed by river boat, which takes up to an hour from Bangkok (less time than driving there). Get to Sukhothai by plane, train and bus or car. 

This article was first published September 2021 and updated December 2023

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 22, 2024

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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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

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Geography
• 4.3 Politics
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.5.1 Ethnic groups
• 4.5.2 Religion
• 4.6 Culture
• 4.7 Calendar
• 4.8 Holidays
• 4.9 Tourist information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By road
• 6.4 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 7.1.1 Thai airlines
• 7.2 By train
• 7.3.1 Rental cars
• 7.3.3 Minivan
• 7.3.4 Songthaew
• 7.3.5 Tuk-tuk
• 7.3.7 Ride-hailing
• 7.3.8 Motorbike
• 7.3.9 Rental car
• 7.4 By boat
• 7.5 By thumb
• 8.1 Historical and cultural attractions
• 8.2 Beaches and islands
• 8.3 Natural scenery
• 8.4 Itineraries
• 9.2 Outdoors
• 9.3 Pampering
• 9.4 Traditional games
• 10.1.1 Cash advance
• 10.1.2 Money exchange
• 10.1.3 Credit cards
• 10.1.4 ATMs
• 10.2 Tax refund and VAT
• 10.3 Tipping
• 10.5 Shopping
• 11.1 Universities
• 11.2 Thai language schools
• 12.1 Volunteering
• 13.1 Etiquette
• 13.2 Thai cuisine
• 13.3 Dietary restrictions
• 13.4 Restaurant chains
• 14.1.1 Beer
• 14.1.2 Imported drinks
• 14.1.3 Rice wine
• 14.1.4 Whisky/rum
• 14.2 Iced drinks
• 14.3 Tea and coffee
• 14.4 Energy drinks
• 16.1 Political unrest
• 16.2 Lèse-majesté
• 16.3 Corruption
• 16.5 Fake monks
• 16.6 Robbery on overnight buses
• 16.7 Prostitution
• 16.8 Vaping
• 16.10 Civil conflict and terrorism
• 16.11 Identification
• 16.12 Security
• 16.13 Wildlife
• 16.14 Racism
• 16.15 Fights
• 16.16 Earthquakes & tsunami
• 16.17 LGBT travellers
• 16.18 Landmines
• 17.2 Pharmacy
• 17.3 Healthcare
• 17.4 Air quality
• 18.1 General
• 18.2 What to do
• 18.3 What to not do
• 18.4 The wai
• 18.6 Religious etiquette
• 18.7 Animal abuse
• 19.1 Electricity
• 19.2 Newspapers
• 20.1 Internet
• 20.2 Telephone

Thailand ( Thai : ประเทศไทย, Prathet Thai ) is the most visited country in Southeast Asia , and for good reason. You can find thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue waters that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean, and food that can curl your nose hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Exotic, yet safe; cheap, yet equipped with every modern amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beachfront backpacker hostels to some of the best luxury hotels in the world.

Despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential identity, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking sanuk lifestyle. Many travellers come to Thailand and extend their stay well beyond their original plans, and others never find a reason to leave.

Regions edit

Thailand can be divided into five geographic and cultural regions:

Cities edit

• 13.75 100.466667 1 Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร) — Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital, known among the Thai as Krung Thep
• 14.347778 100.560556 2 Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา) — a historical city, UNESCO World Heritage Site and old capital of Siam (full name is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
• 18.795278 98.998611 3 Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) — de facto capital of Northern Thailand and the heart of Lanna culture
• 19.909444 99.8275 4 Chiang Rai (เมืองเชียงราย) — gateway to the Golden Triangle, ethnic minorities and mountain treks
• 7.016667 100.466667 5 Hat Yai (หาดใหญ่) — the largest city in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border, and home to an eclectic mix of Southern Thais, Thai-Chinese and Malay Muslims
• 14.019444 99.531111 6 Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี) — home of the Bridge over the River Kwai and numerous World War II museums
• 14.975 102.1 7 Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา) — largest city of the Isaan region, also known as Khorat.
• 12.9275 100.875278 8 Pattaya (พัทยา) — one of the main tourist destinations, known for its wild nightlife
• 17 99.816667 9 Sukhothai (สุโขทัย) — Thailand's first capital, still with amazing ruins

Other destinations edit

• 8.936667 98.530278 1 Khao Sok National Park (Thai: เขาสก) — one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand
• 14.441389 101.369722 2 Khao Yai National Park (Thai: เขาใหญ่) — take a night time Jeep safari spotting deer or visit the spectacular waterfalls
• 12.103611 102.351944 3 Ko Chang (Thai: เกาะช้าง) — once a quiet island, now undergoing major tourism development
• 6.49 99.3 4 Ko Lipe (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) — small island in the middle of Tarutao National Park, with great reefs and beaches
• 9.75 100.033333 5 Ko Pha Ngan (Thai: เกาะพะงัน) — site of the famous Full Moon Party with miles of quiet coastline
• 12.567778 101.454722 6 Ko Samet (Thai: เกาะเสม็ด) — the nearest island beach escape from Bangkok
• 9.5 100 7 Ko Samui (Thai: เกาะสมุย) — comfortable, nature, and entertainment hippie mecca gone upmarket
• 8.057778 98.916944 8 Krabi Province (Thai: กระบี่) — beach and water sports mecca in the south, includes Ao Nang, Rai Leh, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Lanta
• 7.89 98.398333 9 Phuket (Thai: ภูเก็ต) — the original Thai paradise island, now very developed but with some still beautiful beaches

Understand edit

Called the "Land of Smiles", Thailand is the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland. It has relatively good infrastructure, with Bangkok being an intercontinental flight hub, and the country is the gateway to the region for most foreign visitors. The country is extremely well developed for tourism, and yet outside the backpacker hubs and expat hangouts, you'll find an underlying soul, culture and kindness that will leave you with a lifelong and perhaps life-changing impression. Whatever your cup of tea is, they know how to make it in Thailand.

This is not to say that Thailand doesn't have its downsides, including the considerable growing pains of an economy where an agricultural labourer is lucky to earn 100 baht per day while the nouveaux riches cruise past in their BMWs. Bangkok , the capital, is notorious for its traffic jams and rampant development has wrecked much of once-beautiful Pattaya and Phuket . In heavily touristed areas, some lowlifes, both Thai and farang, have made scamming tourists into an art form.

Finally, despite being relatively economically developed, Thailand still suffers from problems that afflict most Southeast Asian countries, such as new towns and neighbourhoods built haphazardly and with no concern for architectural beauty, the lack of accessibility and pedestrian-friendliness in large cities, and often, presence of trash and litter in both cities and rural areas.

History edit

The earliest identifiable Thai kingdom was founded in Sukhothai in 1238, reaching its zenith under King Ramkhamhaeng in the 14th century before falling under the control of the kingdom of Ayutthaya , which ruled most of present-day Thailand and much of today's Laos and Cambodia as well, eventually also absorbing the northern kingdom of Lanna . Ayutthaya was sacked in 1767 by the Burmese, but King Taksin regrouped and founded a new capital at Thonburi . His successor, General Chakri, moved across the river to Bangkok and became King Rama I, the founding father of the Chakri Dynasty that still rules as a constitutional monarchy.

Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is Southeast Asia's oldest independent country and the only one never to have been colonised by a foreign power, and the country's inhabitants are fiercely proud of that fact. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. During World War II, while Japan conquered the rest of Southeast Asia (see Pacific War ), only Thailand was not conquered by the Japanese due to smart political moves. Allied with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a U.S. ally following the conflict. Thailand was a base of U.S. air operations during the Vietnam War , and was also a popular place for American soldiers fighting in Vietnam to have their R&R, thus kickstarting Thailand's world famous tourism industry. There was a communist insurgency, with little success, that only ended in 1983. After a string of military dictatorships and quickly toppled civilian prime ministers, Thailand stabilized into a fair approximation of a democracy and the economy boomed through tourism and industry.

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a tsunami to hit Thailand's western coast, causing tremendous damage and killing thousands of people, especially at the seaside resorts.

In September 2006, a swift and bloodless military coup overthrew populist tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra' s democratically-elected but widely criticized government, exposing a fault line between the urban elite that has ruled Thailand traditionally and the rural masses that supported Thaksin. Thaksin went into exile and a series of unstable governments followed, with the successors of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party and the royalist-conservative People's Alliance for Democracy duking it out both behind the scenes and, occasionally, out in the streets, culminating in Bangkok's airports being seized and shut down for a week in Nov 2008.

A new party led by Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, won the 2011 elections, but while like Thaksin, she maintained popularity in the Central Thai countryside, the North and Isaan, and among Muslims in the South, powerful people in the Thai military and the Bangkok establishment never accepted the legitimacy of her government, and on May 7, 2014, Thailand's Constitutional Court ordered her and her cabinet to step down. On May 22, 2014, the Thai army staged a bloodless coup, declared a nationwide curfew, and went about arresting members of Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party. The curfew was lifted on June 13, 2014, but the basic elements that have led to the conflict are still unresolved.

After the death in late 2016 of King Bhumibol Adulyadej ( Rama IX ), the world's longest-reigning monarch and a deeply loved and respected figure of near-mythic proportions, his son King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun ( Rama X ) ascended the throne. King Vajiralongkorn does not have anything close to the popularity that his father had enjoyed, and his reign has been marred by youth-led protests calling for the abolition of the monarchy. A general election was held in March 2019 under a new 2017 Constitution. However, the new constitution gives the military the exclusive right to appoint senators, and also gives senators a vote in selecting the prime minister, thus granting the military substantial influence in Thai politics.

Thailand has grown into the main economic centre of the region, and today attracts many migrant workers from its much poorer neighbours Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia .

Geography edit

Thailand lies north of the equator and comprises an area of 513,120 sq kms. The country features a landscape of varied topography including mountain ranges, fertile river plains and plateaus. The coastline has a total area of 3,219 kms and contains 1,430 offshore islands.

Politics edit

The Kingdom of Thailand (ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha-anachak Thai ) is a constitutional monarchy, with the king as head of state. The Thai parliament is bicameral, consisting of a military-appointed upper house known as the Senate, as well as a popularly-elected lower house known as House of Representatives. The prime minister is the head of government, and is voted in by the members of both houses of parliament.

In practice, the king's role is largely ceremonial, with the prime minister holding the most authority in government. However, the king and the royal family are still protected by strict lèse-majesté laws, which stipulate long jail terms for anybody convicted of insulting the king or any other members of the royal family.

Climate edit

Thailand is largely tropical . It's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F), a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. There are, however, three seasons:

• Cool : From Nov to the end of Feb, it doesn't rain much and temperatures are at their lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year's or at Chinese New Year a few weeks later, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult.
• Hot : From Mar-Apr, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) and heat indices in the 50s°C (122-140°F), with April generally being the hottest month. Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple-tramping in Bangkok.
• Rainy : From May-Oct, although it only really gets underway in Sep, when tropical monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn't mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.

There are local variations to these general patterns. In particular, the Central Gulf Coast of Thailand (including Ko Samui ) has the rains reversed, with the dry peak season being May-Oct and the rainy off-season in Nov-Feb.

Demographics edit

Thailand is among one of the most diverse countries in the world.

Ethnic groups edit

• Native Tais [sic] are the largest ethnic group in the country. Tais speak a set of related languages, including not only Thai but also Lao, a dialect of which is spoken by the Isaan people in Northeast Thailand.
• Khmer people, who make up the majority of the population across the border in Cambodia , are numerous in Thailand, as well.
• Thailand is home to the largest ethnic Chinese population outside Greater China. They are well represented in all levels of Thai society, and many of the country's largest businesses, banks, and conglomerates were founded by them, and quite a number of them have served as prime minister. Most Thai-Chinese people are of Teochew descent. There is a great deal of intermarriage between Chinese and Tai people, facilitated by the traditional commonality of both groups being Buddhists. Thai-Chinese have assimilated into Thai society over the generations.
• Malays are mainly concentrated in Southern Thailand , with a sizeable community in Bangkok as well.
• Thailand is home to a large community of Indians and they are mainly concentrated in Bangkok . Thai Indians own and operate many of the country's textile businesses, have started and set up various factories around the country, and are major players in the jewelry trade. Most Thai Indians are of Punjabi descent.
• Northern Thailand is home to many hill tribes such as the Karen, the Mon, and the Hmong. Each hill tribe adheres to a unique set of customs and values.
• Thailand is home to a sizeable Burmese community. Most Burmese people come to Thailand as refugees, fleeing political instability and violence in their home country. Burmese people in Thailand tend to work in a wide range of menial jobs.
• There's a sizable Pakistani community in Thailand. A lot of Pakistanis in Thailand are Pakistani Christians. Many of them have come to Thailand as asylum seekers seeking a safe haven from religious discrimination and violence in Pakistan.
• Many Jews from Iraq, Iran, Israel and Afghanistan emigrated to Thailand during the 1950s.
• There's a sizable Russian community in Thailand. Many Russians are based in Phuket . Since 2022, many Russians have come to Thailand as refugees seeking a safe place to express themselves.

Religion edit

Thailand is, by law, a secular state. That being said, most Thai people are religious and consider religion to be an important part of their lives.

The following religions are officially recognised by the government: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism.

The overwhelmingly dominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism and is practiced by virtually all Thais.

A significant minority of Thais are Muslim , mainly concentrated in the southern provinces. Most Thai Muslims are Sunni Muslims.

A small number of Thais are Christian . Christianity was introduced to Thailand by European missionaries in the 16th century. Most Thai Christians are Catholic, although there is a sizeable Protestant community.

Culture edit

Mainland Thai culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism . However, unlike the Buddhist countries of East Asia , Thailand's Buddhists follow the Theravada school, which is arguably closer to its Indian roots and places a heavier emphasis on monasticism. Thai temples known as wats — resplendent with gold and easily identifiable with their ornate, multicolored, pointy roofs — are ubiquitous. Becoming an orange-robed monk for a short period, typically the three-month rainy season, is a common rite of passage for young Thai boys and men. That being said, there are also prominent Mahayana Buddhist temples, most of which were built in Chinese architectural styles to serve the ethnic Chinese community.

One pre-Buddhist tradition that still survives is the spirit house (ศาลพระภูมิ saan phraphuum ), usually found at the corner of any house or business, which houses spirits so they don't enter the house and cause trouble. The grander the building, the larger the spirit house, and buildings placed in particularly unlucky spots may have very large ones. Perhaps the most famous spirit house in Thailand is the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok , which protects the Erawan Hotel (now the Grand Hyatt Erawan), built in 1956 on a former execution ground, and is now one of the busiest and most popular shrines in the city. It and several other popular shrines pay homage to Hindu deities. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in Thailand prior to the spread of Buddhism, and many traditional Thai arts continue to draw their inspiration from Hindu mythology.

Some traditional arts popular in Thailand include traditional Thai dancing and music, based on religious rituals and Court entertainment. There is a vibrant popular music scene with morlam and lukthung not at all overshadowed by Western style pop. Famously brutal Thai boxing ( muay Thai ), derived from the military training of Thai warriors, is undoubtedly the country's best known indigenous sport.

In addition to the mainland Thai culture, there are many other cultures in Thailand including those of the "hill tribes" in the northern mountainous regions of Thailand (e.g., Hmong, Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Akha), the southern Muslims, and indigenous island peoples of the Andaman Sea. The ethnic Chinese population has been largely assimilated into Thai culture, though vestiges of their Chinese heritage can still be found in Bangkok's Chinatown. The Chinese have, however, left a huge impact on Thailand's culinary scene, and many dishes of Chinese origin, such as noodles, roast pork and steamed buns, have been widely adopted and are now seen as an integral part of Thai cuisine. The Thai-Chinese can generally be divided into two groups: those that migrated to Thailand as traders and labourers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, who mainly came from Fujian , Guangdong or Hainan and settled in the larger cities like Bangkok , Hat Yai and Phuket ; and some groups of Kuomintang soldiers who fled China in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, who mainly came from Yunnan and settled in remote mountain villages along the Burmese border like Mae Salong and Ban Rak Thai .

Calendar edit

In addition to the Gregorian calendar, Thailand also uses the Thai solar calendar, the Thai version of the Buddhist calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the common era calendar. Thus, Thai year 2567 corresponds to the Western year 2024. Thai dates in English are often written as B.E. , short for "Buddhist Era".

Some Thai holidays are based on the Thai lunar calendar, so their dates change every year in the Western calendar.

Holidays edit

Thailand has many holidays, mostly related to Buddhism and the monarchy. Nobody celebrates all of them, except for banks, which seem to be closed a lot.

• Chinese New Year ( ตรุษจีน ). Starting in January or February (the exact dates vary according to the lunar calendar, see box), it is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year and celebrations can last for about 15 days. Although not a public holiday, it is widely celebrated among the Thai-Chinese, who celebrate by cleaning their houses and offering food to their ancestors. This is mainly a time of abundant feasting. Visit Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown to fully embrace the festivity.  
• Makha Bucha ( มาฆบูชา ). Falls on the full moon of the third lunar month, which usually falls in February or March, and commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 people before the Buddha, which led to their ordination and subsequent enlightenment. At temples in Bangkok and throughout Thailand, Buddhists carry candles and walk around the main shrine three times in a clockwise direction.  
• Songkran ( สงกรานต์ ). Undoubtedly the most fun holiday, is the celebration of the Thai New Year, sometime in April (officially 13-15 Apr, but the date varies in some locations). What started off as polite ritual to wash away the sins of the prior year has evolved into the world's largest water fight , which lasts for three full days. Water pistols and Super Soakers are advised and are on sale everywhere. The best places to participate are Chiang Mai , the Khao San Road area in Bangkok, and holiday resorts like Pattaya , Ko Samui and Phuket . You will get very wet, this is not a spectator sport. The water-throwing has been getting more and more unpleasant as people have started splashing iced water onto each other. It is advisable to wear dark clothing, as light colours may become transparent when wet.  
• Coronation Day . 5 May, commemorates the crowning of King Rama IX in 1950 (although his reign actually began on 9 Jun 1946 - making him the longest-serving monarch in Thai history)  
• Loy Krathong ( ลอยกระทง ). Falls on the first full moon day in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, usually in November, when people head to rivers, lakes and even hotel swimming pools to float flower and candle-laden banana leaves (or, these days, Styrofoam) floats called krathong (กระทง). The krathong is meant as an offering to thank the river goddess who gives life to the people. Thais also believe that this is a good time to float away your bad luck and many will place a few strands of hair or finger nail clippings in the krathong. According to tradition, if you make a wish when you set down your krathong and it floats out of sight before the candle burns out, your wish will come true. Some provinces have their own version of Loy Krathong, such as Sukhothai where a spectacular show takes place. To the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have their own unique tradition of launching kom or hot-air lanterns. This sight can be breath-taking as the sky is suddenly filled with lights, rivalling the full moon.  
• King's Birthday ( Father's Day ). 28 July, the King's birthday is the country's National Day and also celebrated as Father's Day, when Thais pay respect to and show their love for his majesty the king. Buildings and homes are decorated with the King's flag (yellow with his insignia in the middle) and his portrait. Government buildings, as well as commercial buildings, are decorated with lights. In Old Bangkok ( Rattanakosin ) in particular, around the royal palace, you will see lavish light displays on trees, buildings, and the roads. The Queen's Birthday (12 Aug) is Mother's Day, and is celebrated similarly if with a little less pomp.  

Tourist information edit

• [ Tourism Thailand website

The official language of Thailand is Thai (ภาษาไทย phaasǎa Thai ). It is a tonal language, so it can be difficult for native English speakers to learn quickly, but everyone will appreciate any attempt you make. Thai is a language with many dialects, though the Bangkok dialect, also known as Central Thai, is used as the standard and is taught in all schools. Language schools can be found in all larger Thai cities, including Bangkok and Phuket .

In the Muslim-dominated south, dialects of Malay that are largely incomprehensible to speakers of standard Malay/Indonesian but essentially the same as Kelantanese are spoken. Unlike in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, the Roman alphabet is not used to write Malay in Thailand, and Thai-Malays use the Arabic-based Jawi script exclusively.

Various dialects of Chinese are spoken by the ethnic Chinese community, with Teochew being the dominant dialect in Bangkok's Chinatown. Down south in Hat Yai , Hokkien is also widely understood due to the large number of tourists from Penang . Some people in villages near the Burmese border in the North are descended from Kuomintang refugees from Yunnan and hence, speak the Yunnan dialect of Mandarin. The eastern Isaan dialects are closely related to Lao and there are dozens of small language groups in the tribal areas of the north, some so remote that Thai speakers are few and far between.

Public signage is generally bilingual, written in both Thai and English. There is also some prevalence of Japanese and Chinese signs. Where there is English, it will usually be fairly phonetic - for example "Sawatdee" (meaning hello ) is pronounced just as it reads: sa-wat-dee. There is no universal agreement on how to transcribe Thai letters into English ( RTGS however, is a kind of semi-official system), so Khao San Road for example is also commonly spelled Kao Sarn, Kao Sahn, Khao San, Koh Saan, Khaosan, and many other variations. And ถนน can be transcribed as Thanon before the name, or translated as Road or Street after the name. Maps with names in both Thai and English make it easier for locals to try and help you.

Although English is taught in Thai schools, the vast majority of Thais have little to no knowledge of the language. Some may even deny that they know it; Thais are generally self-conscious about their language skills. Try to be patient, understanding, and encouraging.

Most "front desk" people in the travel industry speak at least enough English to communicate, and many are relatively fluent; some also speak one or more other languages popular with their clientèle, such as Chinese, Japanese, German, etc.

Get in edit

Entry requirements edit.

Citizens of the following countries may enter Thailand for tourism visa-free for up to the following number of days:

• 14 days: Cambodia , Myanmar (for entry by air only).
• 30 days: Andorra , Australia , Austria , Bahrain , Belgium , Brunei , Canada , China (mainland) (limited to a total of 90 days in any 180-day period), Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iceland , India (until May 10, 2024), Indonesia , Ireland , Israel , Italy , Japan , Kazakhstan (until 29 February 2024), Kuwait , Laos , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malaysia , Maldives , Mauritius , Macau , Monaco , Mongolia , Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Oman , the Philippines , Poland , Portugal , Qatar , Russia , San Marino , Saudi Arabia , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , South Africa , Sweden , Switzerland , Turkey , Ukraine , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States and Vietnam .
• 90 days: Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Peru and South Korea .

Check the latest information from the web-site of the Thai embassy in Washington, D.C. [dead link] . The visa exemption is only granted up to twice per calendar year if entering by land or sea.

Citizens of the following countries may apply for a visa-on-arrival for a stay of up to 30 days: Bulgaria , Bhutan , Cyprus , Ethiopia , Fiji , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Malta , Mexico , Nauru , Papua New Guinea , Romania , Taiwan , Uzbekistan and Vanuatu

The visa-on-arrival costs 2,000 baht. Travelers using the visa-on-arrival facility need to provide more documentation than visa-free travelers, and are only allowed to use specific entry points (which includes all international airports and the major land border crossings). You will need to present a passport-sized photograph taken within the last 6 months, a confirmed ticket out of Thailand, a confirmed accommodating booking in Thailand, and show evidence of sufficient finances to cover your stay (at least 10,000 baht per individual or 20,000 baht per family).

Those with passports from countries not widely known, including European city-states, or that have problems with document forgery, should obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Thai embassy. This is true even if visa on arrival is permitted. There are reports of tourists being detained using valid passports not commonly presented in Thailand. In addition, ask for a business card from the person or embassy which granted the visa, so they may be contacted on arrival, if necessary. Anyone whose nationality does not have its own embassy in Bangkok, should find out which third country represents your interests there, along with local contact information.

Those arriving via air from most African and South American countries are required to show yellow fever certificates and receive a stamp on their entry forms from the onsite health centre prior to clearing immigration.

Proof of onward travel , long happily ignored by Thai immigration, has been known to be strictly applied in some instances. Airlines, that have to pay for your return flight if immigration doesn't let you in, are more rigorous about checking for it. A print-out of an e-ticket on a budget airline is sufficient to convince the enforcers, but those planning on continuing by land may have to get a little creative. Buying a fully refundable ticket and getting it refunded once in Thailand is also an option. Land crossings, on the other hand, are a very straightforward process and no proof of onward journey required (unless the border officials decide otherwise).

Whether travelers are allowed to enter, pulled aside for questioning, deported or worse depends on the border official. In any case, it’s safer to be apologetic to avoid escalating the situation: your freedom may depend on this . This applies especially if you have spent significant time in Thailand, but in a less likely scenario may happen to an infrequent traveler, particularly at immigration checkpoints of airports in Bangkok. Border officials are known to:

• Refuse entry unless the traveler books an onward travel ticket at the border.
• Disregard visas, work permits, visa or visa-exempt stay extensions in travelers' passports (such as those granted by the Thai government earlier in the COVID pandemic), or any other paperwork that one would assume proves a history of legal stay and legal basis for current entry, by assuming those may be fake.
• From a traveler who upon questioning informs officials about working remotely while being in Thailand, require evidence they don’t work for Thai businesses (such as a freelancing portfolio, supporting documentation listing former customers, and so on).
• Inform travelers that they’ve violated the “maximum of 90 days within the last 6 months” rule (even if the passport issuing country is not listed in the relevant category above).
• Subject travelers to impolite and informal treatment, such as calling them rude names.

Overstaying in Thailand is risky. If you make it to Immigration and are fewer than 10 days over, you'll probably be allowed out with a fine of 500 baht per day. However, if for any reason you're caught overstaying by the police you'll be carted off to the notoriously unpleasant illegal immigrant holding pens and may be blacklisted from Thailand entirely. For most people it's not worth the risk: get a legal extension or do a visa run to the nearest border instead. Now that the number of visa exemptions at land borders is limited it is even more attractive to visit an immigration office to extend your visa or visa exemption with 30 days.

Thai immigration officers at land border with Malaysia are known to ask foreigners for bribes of about RM2/20 baht per person before they stamp your passport. Immigration officers at airports generally do not ask for bribes.

It is controversial whether you must carry your passport with you at all times, but police are known to have tried to extort bribes for this. In some situations it has proven to be enough to carry a photocopy of the passport ID page and the page with the latest entry stamp.

By plane edit

The main international airports in Thailand are at Bangkok ( BKK  IATA ) and Phuket ( HKT  IATA ), which are well-served by intercontinental flights. Practically every airline that flies to Asia also flies into Bangkok, meaning that there is plenty of competition to keep ticket prices down. Bangkok has two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport ( BKK  IATA ) which is the main airport and serves most full-service carriers, and the older and smaller Don Mueang International Airport ( DMK  IATA ) which primarily serves low-cost carriers.

International airports are also located at Hat Yai , Krabi , Ko Samui and Chiang Mai , though these are largely restricted to flights from other Southeast Asian countries. Kuala Lumpur and Singapore make excellent places to catch flights into these smaller Thai cities, meaning you can skip the ever-present touts and queues at Bangkok. During the winter high season, there are also many chartered services directly from European cities to beach destinations like Phuket and Krabi, but they can usually be booked only via travel agencies as part of a packaged tour.

The national carrier is the well-regarded Thai Airways , with Bangkok Airways filling in some gaps in the region. Bangkok Airways offers free Internet access while you wait for boarding to start at your gate. In addition, Malaysian discount carrier AirAsia has also set up a subsidiary in Thailand, and is often the cheapest option for flights into Thailand.

For a full at-a-glance list of all Thai-based carriers, see the Thai airlines section (below).

By road edit

As traffic moves on the left in Thailand, but moves on the right in all the neighbouring countries except Malaysia, you will generally need to change sides of the road when crossing an international border into Thailand.

Cambodia - six international border crossings. The main crossing is the Poipet - Aranyaprathet border crossing on the main road between Siem Reap and Bangkok . However, the queues at Poipet are notoriously long, and the crossing is also a hotbed of scam artists; the other crossings like Koh Kong / Hat Lek on the southern route from Sihanoukville to Trat are much quieter and less stressful. The land borders close for the night.

Laos - the busiest border crossing is at the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong between Nong Khai and the Lao capital Vientiane . It's also possible to cross the Mekong at Chiang Khong / Huay Xai , Nakhon Phanom / Tha Khaek , Mukdahan / Savannakhet , Ban Pangmon / Ban Huak and elsewhere.

• Vientiane / Udon Thani - A bus service runs from the Morning Market bus station in Vientiane to the bus station in Udon Thani . The cost is 80 baht or 22,000 kip and the journey takes two hours. The Udon Thani airport is 30 minutes by tuk-tuk from the bus station and is served by Thai Airways, Nok Air, and Air Asia.

Malaysia and Singapore - driving up is entirely possible, although not with a rented vehicle. The main crossing is the Bukit Kayu Hitam - Sadao border crossing at the northern end of Malaysia's North-South Expressway, connecting to the main road to Hat Yai on the Thai side. Other crossings (with the name of the town on Malaysian side in brackets) are at Wang Prachan ( Wang Kelian ) in Satun Province, Padang Besar ( Padang Besar ) in Songkhla Province, Betong (Pengkalan Hulu) in Yala Province, and Sungai Kolok (Rantau Panjang) in Narathiwat Province. There are regular buses from Singapore to the southern hub of Hat Yai and vice versa. Thai immigration at the Malaysian border has long been known to demand a bribe of 20 baht/RM2 per person to stamp you in or out, though there has been a crackdown on this. Instead, there is now an official fee if you are crossing the border at peak times (05:00-08:30, 12:00-13:00 or 16:30-21:00 on weekdays, and all day on weekends and both Malaysian and Thai public holidays); this is 25 baht for the driver and 5 baht for each passenger if crossing the border by car, and 10 baht for the rider and 3 baht for the pillion if crossing by motorcycle. No fee is payable if you are walking across the border.

Myanmar - Four border crossings with Myanmar open to foreigners are located at Mae Sai / Tachileik , Mae Sot / Myawaddy , the Three Pagodas Pass ( Sangkhlaburi / Payathonzu ) and Ban Phunamron/Htee Kee . Just make sure that both your Thai (if required) and Burmese visas are in order, as no visa-on-arrival is available at the border. Land travel to or from Yangon may or may not be possible depending on the security situation.

By train edit

Malaysia : Overnight trains to Bangkok run from the Malaysian border town of Padang Besar , where you can connect from Malaysian services from Butterworth (for Penang ), Ipoh , Kuala Lumpur , and Singapore . There are two Padang Besar stations, one in Malaysia and one in Thailand; both Malaysian and Thai immigration are located at the Malaysian station, which is also where transfers between Malaysian and Thai trains take place. Tickets are cheap even in first class sleepers, but it can be a slow ride. What is a 2-hour flight from Singapore will take you close to 48 hours by rail, as you have to change trains three times. The luxury option is to take the Eastern & Oriental Express , a refurbished super-luxury train that runs from Singapore to Bangkok once per week, with gourmet dining, personal butler service, and every other colonial perk you can think of. However, at around USD1,000 one-way just from Bangkok to Butterworth, it is approximately 30 times more expensive than an ordinary first-class sleeper!

Laos : A link across the Mekong to Laos opened in March 2009, with twice daily shuttle services between Nong Khai on the Thai side to Thanaleng (near Vientiane ) on the Lao side, and the shuttles timed for connections to and from the Bangkok-Nong Khai train. The Kunming - Vientiane railway line from China, which was completed in 2021, is being extended to Bangkok but completion is still years away.

Cambodia : While you can't get to Cambodia by train, you can get very close, with a railway line from Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk station in Aranyaprathet at the Cambodian border, where you can cross into Poipet on foot.

Myanmar : There are no rail services across the border, but the Thai part of the infamous Burma Death Railway is still operating near Kanchanaburi .

By boat edit

It is possible to travel by ferries in high season (Nov-May) from Phuket and island hop your way down the coast all the way to Indonesia.

This can now be done without ever touching the mainland,

Phuket (Thailand) to Penang (Malaysia), islands en route:

• Ko Lipe — Ko Lipe being the hub on the border between Thailand and Malaysia having a Thai immigration office.
• Langkawi- Malaysian immigration here.

The Thai portion can be done in a day.

Ferries cross from Satun in southern Thailand to the Malaysian island of Langkawi , while over in Narathiwat Province, a vehicular ferry shuttles between Tak Bai and Pengkalan Kubur, near Kota Bharu in Malaysia's Kelantan state.

There are also occasional cruises from Malaysia and Singapore to Phuket and Bangkok , however the main operator Star Cruises collapsed in 2022.

Small wooden longtail boats shuttle between Kawthoung in Myanmar and Ranong . There is no fixed schedule. You negotiate directly with the boat operator, and leave once a price has been agreed upon. Be sure to bargain hard, or you might get ripped off. Boat operators may try to hustle you onto the boat before you find the immigration office but do not let them do so , as you will be departing the country illegally. Ensure you get stamped out before getting on the boat.

Get around edit

Thailand is a large country, but the good news is that there are plenty of affordable and comfortable ways to get around. Domestic flights are a good option for lengthy trips like Bangkok to Phuket or Chiang Mai, with very competitive fares on the main routes if booked in advance, while plush VIP intercity buses ply the highways to every city of any size and there's a reasonable train network as well.

Renting a car or motorbike to drive yourself is a more questionable proposition, since while the road network is quite good, Thailand's traffic safety record has a lot of room for improvement and large cities, especially Bangkok, are snarled in perpetual traffic jams. Nevertheless, rentals for a step-in 125/150cc bike start from about 1000 baht/week including helmet, making this an attractive option to get around and explore nearby areas. Most any hotel or lodging will be more than happy to help you arrange a rental.

If sitting in a bus for 11 hours is not your idea of a fun time, you may well want to consider domestic flights, which can whisk you from Bangkok to anywhere in the country in an hour. Never terribly expensive to begin with (at least by Western standards), the deregulation of the industry has brought in a crop of new operators: with a little research, it's possible to fly pretty much anywhere in the country for less than 2,000 baht. On highly competitive routes like Bangkok to Phuket it is possible to fly for less than a bus ticket if you book in advance. Various taxes and (often hefty) surcharges are invariably added to advertised prices. Don't forget to bring the credit card you used to book the ticket, as these are sometimes required when checking in.

While most flights still lead to Bangkok, popular regional hubs like Chiang Mai and Phuket are well connected to the entire country. The budget airlines are also selling 'flights' that are actually packages combining flights with ferry and bus transfers to extend their reach to destinations without usable airports. Few airlines limit themselves to domestic operations; you are likely to find that some budget airline offers better connections to Myanmar or China . The numerous airlines and changing routes make flight price comparison websites useful as long as you buy tickets directly from the airline; you are not going to get Thai budget airline tickets cheaper through a third party.

Thai airlines edit

Pan-ASEAN low-cost carrier AirAsia has great coverage of international and domestic routes in Thailand and offers steeply discounted tickets if booked well in advance; however, prices rise steadily as planes fill up. It's often the cheapest option, sometimes even cheaper than bus or train, if booked at least a week or two in advance. They fly their A320s from Bangkok to a number of places domestically, and to Cambodia , China , Macau , Hong Kong , Taiwan , Malaysia , Myanmar , Singapore , Vietnam and Indonesia . Their website displays "all-inclusive" prices during booking (which, however, still do not include optional surcharges such as baggage fees). On-line booking is straightforward and can be done even using the mobile phone, but must be done at least 24 hours in advance; ticket sales at the check-in desk close one hour before the departure time.

Bangkok Airways promotes itself as "Asia's Boutique Airline", and has a monopoly on flights to its own airports at Ko Samui (now shared with Thai Airways), Sukhothai , and Trat . Quite an expensive and "posh" option, although the fares are "all-inclusive" with no need to pay extra for baggage, meals and even airport lounge access, which is afforded to all Economy Class passengers.

Nok Air took to the skies in 2004 sporting lurid paint schemes with a bird's beak painted on the nose. Owned mostly by Thai Airways, they compete with Air Asia on price and, with a fairly comprehensive domestic network, are a pretty good choice overall. They ran into some serious turbulence in 2008, cutting their flights by two-thirds, but now seem to have recovered.

Thai Airways International is the most reliable, frequent, and comfortable Thai airline, but usually more expensive than the alternatives (look for their promotions). Travel agents often sell only Thai Airways (and Bangkok Airways) tickets; you can also book on-line. Thai Airways is a member of Star Alliance; all domestic flights, except some promotional fares, give at least 500 Star Alliance miles, which may (partially) compensate the price difference.

Thai Lion Air is a budget airline as an offshoot of the Indonesian Lion Air. It still runs aggressive price promotions on most popular routes but you may have to fly very late or very early with inconvenient airport transfers.

Thai VietJet Air operates flights on behalf of the Vietnamese VietJet Air using Suvarnabhumi as its hub.

State Railway of Thailand [dead link] (SRT) has a 4,000-km network covering most of the country, from Chiang Mai in the north all the way to (and beyond) the Malaysian border in the south. Compared to buses, most trains are relatively slow and prone to delays, but safer. You can pick up fruit, snacks and cooked food from vendors at most stations. With the arrival of new carriages, the railway's premier intercity and sleeper trains are the most comfortable way to travel around Thailand if time is not an issue; First Class accommodation is in high demand at least between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and must be booked well in advance.

Point-to-point fares depend on the type (speed) of the train and the class of the carriage. There are three classes of service:

• First class ( chan neung ) 2-berth sleeping compartments with individually regulated air conditioning are available on some trains, but prices are sometimes matched by budget airfares. On the popular Bangkok to Chiang Mai route, these sleeping compartments sell out as soon as tickets go onsale.
• Second class ( chan song ) is a good compromise, costing about the same as 1st class bus tickets and with a comparable level of comfort. Second class is divided into four different subclasses - non-air-conditioned seating, air-conditioned seating, non-air-conditioned open-section sleeper berths and air-conditioned open sleeper berths, with each subclass having different fares and not all of them being available on every train. Seats are made into beds by your attendant. Purchasing an upper berth ticket is always about 10% cheaper than a lower berth ticket. This is because the upper berth is narrower and does not have a window. Also included in this category are the Express Diesel Railcar services, fully air-conditioned day-trains with reclining seats and airline-style meals included in the fare; unlike all other Thai passenger trains, they can match buses for speed, but cannot carry bicycles.
• Third class ( chan saam ) is the cheapest way to travel in Thailand, with virtually nominal fares, and can be great fun. As a farang (foreigner) you're guaranteed to be the centre of attention, so be prepared. Some 3rd class trains have wooden seats, others are upholstered; some services can be pre-booked, others cannot; refreshments are available from hawkers who roam the aisles. No air-conditioning, but since there are fans in the ceiling and the cars are lined with huge, wide-open windows, so there's plenty of wind. It's only really hot under the midday sun and when the train is stopped.

Tickets may be purchased on-line from the official SRT ticketing site D-Ticket or various resellers such as 12go. Tickets may be purchased from 60 days in advance to two hours before departure. Within Thailand, the 24-hour SRT hotline is 1690 and they have English-speaking operators. Reserved tickets must be paid for at one of the larger train stations in Bangkok by 22:00 the next day. This service is not available outside of Bangkok. The official D-Ticket website is not easy to use: tourists report problems with incomplete translations on the English version of the website, as well as with registering an account and setting up payment methods. If you search for Bangkok on D-Ticket, no trains will be found (January 2023). This is because from 19/01/23, SRT trains leave bangkok from the new Krung Thep Aphiwat station, so use this name to search for Bangkok trains. As a result, some tourists prefer to buy from agents like 12go, that have easy-to-use websites and English-speaking customer service. Agents all charge extra fees for their services.

You can ship your motorbike on the same train on which you travel. All trains do not have baggage cars, so check with the ticket office. Shipping costs for motorbikes are roughly equivalent to the price of a first-class ticket on the same train. You can take your bicycle on any train for a fixed fee of 90 baht. You can change tickets at the station (not less than 1 hour before your original train's departure) for a small fee. Tickets are also refundable: the fee for refunding a ticket more than 3 days prior to departure is 20% of the ticket price; the fee for refunding between 3 days and 1 hour before departure is 50%.

Full information regarding routes, timetables and up-to-date ticket costs along with interesting videos can be found at seat61.com .

Thailand's roads are head and shoulders above those of its neighbors Myanmar , Laos or Cambodia , and they have seen major improvements since the late 2010s. However, driving habits are still quite dangerous. Drunk driving , speeding and reckless passing are common, and bus and taxi drivers (especially for private companies) work inhuman shifts and often take drugs to keep themselves awake, with predictable and tragic results. Lately, road blocks and strict policing are being implemented quite often in an attempt to address the situation but it may still take same time for the results to start bearing fruit. There are an estimated 24,000 fatalities on Thai roads annually. It's common for motorbikes — even police! — to drive close to the curb on the wrong side of the road . Death tolls sky-rocket around major holidays, especially Songkran, when bystanders often throw water on passing cars and bikes. Many drivers forget to switch on headlights at night, multiplying risks, and it is wise to avoid or minimize overnight travel by road.

Unlike in its neighbours (except Malaysia), traffic moves on the left side of the road in Thailand and Thai cars are generally right-hand drive. Most official road directional signs are bilingual and written in both Thai and English.

Renting a car to explore on your own is a cost-effective way of getting off the beaten track if you are with a 4-person group, and will avoid the constant hassle of haggling with local taxi/tuk-tuk drivers. Most major roads are marked in both Thai and English and traffic culture is not as bad as some might lead you to believe. Keep a sharp lookout in both mirrors from passing traffic including 18-wheelers and scooters. If you travel with one companion and have a motorbike license, it's worth it exploring the possibilities of using small automatic gearbox 125/150cc step-on bikes to do shorter local excursions and use other mass means of transport for longer travel distances between cities and towns. It's quite safe to use these bikes and it allows one to appreciate the landscapes, if you stick to moderate speeds and keep to the left hand side of the road, like the local bikers do.

Traffic on major highways moves at 100-120 km/h, while smaller highways are generally 80 km/h. Gas stations are common and most Thai are more than willing to give directions in spite of any language barriers.

Drive very defensively at first and watch what the locals do. Of course, it helps if you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, which in itself could be enough to distract some Western drivers.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous, and driving at night also increased the risk of accidents — even if you're sober, many others aren't.

If you're traveling by public conveyance-bus, train, airplane-you may be shocked at the difference in cost between long distance and local travel. A 119 km journey between Khon Kaen and Udon Thani in a minivan costs 84 baht, or 0.71 baht per kilometre. Traveling the three kilometres from the bus station to a hotel will cost 60-100 baht, or 20-33 baht per kilometre

Rental cars edit

Renting a car usually costs between 1,200-1,500 baht if you want to go for an economical one like a Toyota Vios. Most international companies can be found in Thailand. Also check guides to particular cities for reputable local car rental companies, which are often a little cheaper. You can choose among international companies such as Budget , Avis or you can choose to book with local company like www.thailandcarsrentals.com . Check the documentation and make sure that everything is done according to rules. Perform required checks and notify the car company about any damage before using the vehicle.

Buses travel throughout the country and the government's bus company BKS (บขส Baw Kaw Saw ), known in English simply as the Transport Company , has a terminal in every province of any size.

Generally speaking, BKS buses are a good option for both price and comfort. There are also private buses sanctioned by BKS, which operate on the same routes from the same terminals with the same fares, and these are also fine. The ones to watch out for are the illegal bus companies, which operate from tourist areas (especially Khao San Road ) and subsidize slightly cheaper tickets with worse amenities, schedules and safety. In particular, beware of non-government "VIP" buses, which often turn out to be cramped minivans - and you'll only find this out after paying in advance.

The basic BKS bus types, from the most luxurious to the most basic, are:

• VIP - Blue and white/silver with a pink stripe, 32 seats or less, reclining seats (typically 135 degrees) with good legroom. Generally take the most direct routes and make very few stops. Always air-conditioned, freshly laundered shrink-wrapped blanket, water and a snack provided. On overnight trips, a Thai meal at a long (25-30 minutes) stop in the middle of the night is normally included, a small separate ticket (written entirely in Thai) is often given at the start of the journey for that purpose; if not, just follow the other passengers. Toilet on board for all but the shortest services. Somewhat (25-30%, which amounts to 100-180 baht for a typical overnight route) more expensive than the first class. Available only on more busy routes, like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket.
• First class (ชั้น 1 chan neung ) - Blue and white. As fast and almost as comfortable as VIP buses, with otherwise identical services, but packs in around 40 seats with a little less recline, sometimes up to 60 on double-decker services. Good enough and often the best class available for medium- to long-distance trips.
• Second class (ชั้น 2 chan song ) - Blue and white with a prominent red stripe, usually 45-48 seats per bus, air conditioned (some provide blankets, some do not). Often takes a less direct route than 1st class/VIP and has more stops. Most have no on-board toilet, although the frequent stops mean this isn't a problem. Not much (10-20%) cheaper than the First class, and significantly slower, worth using if there's no better choice available to your destination.
• Express ( rot duan ) - Identifiable by their orange/red colour. Despite the name, these are slower than any of the options above, and only barely faster than local buses. Size varies, with the largest having around 65 seats (five seats per row) as well as an open space across the width of the bus by the back door for you to sling your backpack, bicycle, sack of rice, live chickens, etc. Not air conditioned.
• Local - Very slow, can be cramped when full (nevertheless there's always room for one more), and stop at every village and cowshed along the way. Many are of larger songthaew flavour. Not suitable for long-distance travel, but may be the only cheap way to get around locally.
• BKS bus types

A particular bus always operates on the same route, so the route is often painted onto the bus itself. While signage up front may be only written in Thai, especially on local services, on BKS buses the destinations are always stenciled onto the side in English as well. Some buses may have TVs and sound systems blaring, so earplugs are well worth having, just in case. On long-haul buses, if your ticket allocates you a front seat, you may have to switch seats if a monk boards.

If you are travelling a long distance on a daytime bus, take a minute to figure out the sunny side and the shady side of the bus. For example, going from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on a 09:00 bus (south), seats on the right side will be bathed in sunlight all day (curtains are provided), so the left side is preferred by most.

Tickets for BKS buses can be booked online directly at the official website . For other companies, travel agencies and online ticketing systems such as 12go.asia can be useful. Other reputable tour bus companies include:

• Green Bus Corporation (Chiang Mai-based).
• Nakhonchaiair Co., Ltd.
• Phetprasert
• Sombat Tour Co., Ltd.

A word of warning: travel agencies, particularly those on Bangkok's Khao San Road , are keen to sell you VIP bus tickets. Despite the name, these private buses are often inferior to the public ones: it's not uncommon to end up in some cramped minivan and have to change several times along the way, and theft can be a problem as well. It's better to do as the Thais do and stick to public buses, but if you must, keep your valuables with you and don't put anything you can't afford to lose in the storage under the bus.

Minivan edit

Minivan services are ubiquitous, although under the radar as minivans typically are anonymous grey Toyota vans with no company markings. They serve shorter routes, such as Krabi to Phuket, about 180 km or Bangkok to Hua Hin, about 200 km. The purported advantage of taking a minibus is speed, as they move quickly once they get going. Disadvantages are that they are expensive compared with standard bus travel, they can be uncomfortable as they are usually crammed full, and they offer little room for luggage. Take minivans from bus stations. Do not take minivans that offer to pick you up at your hotel. They will pick you up, but then you will spend the next hour driving to other hotels to pick up more passengers. You will then be driven to an aggregator where all the collected passengers will disembark to wait for the minivan to their respective destinations. Then you will likely be driven to a bus station to change to a third and final minivan. Better just to sleep in, then go to bus station to book your (cheaper) minivan ticket, thus saving 2 hours of pointless discomfort.

Songthaew edit

A songthaew (สองแถว) is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back, one on either side — hence the name, which means "two rows" in Thai. In English tourist literature, they're occasionally called "minibuses". By far the most common type is based on a pick-up truck and has a roof and open sides. Larger types start life as small lorries, and may have windows, and an additional central bench; smaller types are converted micro-vans, with a front bench facing backwards and a rear bench facing forwards.

Songthaews are operated extensively as local buses (generally the most economical way to travel shorter distances) and also as taxis; sometimes the same vehicle will be used for both. Be careful if asking a songthaew to take you to someplace if there is nobody in the back, the driver might charge you the taxi price. In this case, check the price of the ride before embarking.

Tuk-tuk edit

The name tuk-tuk is used to describe a wide variety of small/lightweight vehicles. The vast majority have three wheels; some are entirely purpose-built (e.g., the ubiquitous Bangkok tuk-tuk), others are partially based on motorcycle components (primarily engines, steering, front suspension, fuel tank, drivers seat). A relatively recent development is the four wheeled tuk-tuk (basically a microvan-songthaew) as found in Phuket .

Tuk-tuks are small, noisy, and perhaps dangerous; but possibly the worst thing about them is that, as a passenger, you cannot see a damned thing due to the low roof line. To catch even a glimpse of the passing scene you will find yourself practically supine.

You will often find yourself at the mercy of the tuk-tuk driver when it comes to pricing as you will likely have no clue as to the acceptable raa kaa Thai ("Thai price") and will probably have to cough up a raa kaa farang ("farang price"). Even if you do know the Thai price, the driver may just not bother to accept it on principle. If you pay with a larger denomination bill, it is also probable that the driver will whine that no change is available. If this happens, try to break the note in a nearby shop.

Metered taxis are ubiquitous in Bangkok and starting to become more popular in Chiang Mai , but rare elsewhere in the country. When available, they are an excellent means of transport - insist on the meter. Beware of taxis which idle around touristy areas and wait for people. They are looking for a tourist who will take their taxi without using a meter. Instead, try to flag down a taxi moving down the street, or use a taxi stand where the locals are queueing. Always insist on the meter, and use another taxi if the driver refuses to turn it on. Most drivers do not speak English, so be sure to have your hotel staff write the names of your destinations in Thai to show the driver.

Ride-hailing edit

The main ride hailing app is Grab , which took over Uber's former South-east Asian operations, including that of Thailand. Grab is generally available in larger cities and beach destinations. Grab fares are typically up to 2x as expensive as taxis, but prices are fixed, navigation is easy and you can easily pay by credit card.

Other ride hailing apps include Bolt and inDrive . These are typically cheaper than Grab, but are available in fewer cities, and drivers often refuse fares from them as they can make more money off Grab.

Motorbike edit

As is the case throughout virtually all of Southeast Asia, motorcycles ( motosai ) are the most common form of transport overall; the most popular type are the 100 cc-125 cc step-through models. These are very widely used as taxis, with fares starting from as low as 10 baht. Negotiate the fare with the driver before using the service otherwise you may be charged more than you expect.

Motorcycles can be rented without difficulty in many locations. Rates start at around 125 baht/day for recent 100-125 cc semi-automatic (foot-operated gear change, automatic clutch) step-through models, 150 baht/day for fully automatic scooters; larger capacity models can also easily be found, although the rates reflect the risks: up to around 2,500 baht/day for the very latest model high capacity sport bikes, such as the Honda CBR1000RR. In all cases, lower prices will apply if paying upfront for more than a week or so; in some cases, long-distance travel may be prohibited. Motorcycle rentals do not include insurance, and both motorcycling accidents and motorbike thefts are common.

Many places will rent to you without requiring a license, but legally speaking you must have a valid Thai license or International Driver's Permit. Often a deposit will be required; sometimes a passport photocopy, or even the passport itself will be requested (Don't do this. Bargain to leave some baht instead). An International Driver's Permit may be used for a maximum of 90 days; having one might lead to requesting your passport to see the entrance stamp, another reason not to leave your passport at the renting company. Helmets are normally included, but are usually ultra-basic models with very flimsy chin-strap fasteners. If you're intending to travel by motorcycle and have a good quality helmet at home, then bring it with you. If supplied a helmet with a chin-cup (many cheap rental helmets are), slide the cup up the strap out of the way and securely fasten the bare strap directly under the jaw, as this is much safer.

Insurance is usually not included (or even available), so try to ensure in advance that the insurance you leave home with is going to cover you; alternatively, arrange cover with an insurance broker locally in Thailand. If you rent a vehicle without insurance and it's damaged or stolen (take photos of the bike at the time of rental!), the bottom line is that you will be required to pay in full the cost of repairing or replacing it. Furthermore, some travel insurance policies will only provide medical cover in the event of an accident if you hold a motorcycle license in your home country.

According to the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013 , Thailand in 2010 had 38.1 road fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants. This is the second highest in the world. 74% of those fatalities involved "motorized two or three wheelers". Motorcyclists (including passengers) are required to wear crash helmets and to keep their headlights switched on at all times. Enforcement varies widely, but in tourist areas spot checks for helmets and/or licenses are commonplace. While the fines are light (typically 400 baht) the inconvenience can be considerable as offender's vehicle and/or driver's license is impounded until the fine is paid, and the queue at the police station can be lengthy.

Some border crossings allow motorcycles through. At those which do, documentation including proof of ownership must be produced (with the possible exception of day visits to Payathonzu , Myanmar via Three Pagodas Pass ).

Rental car edit

Driving your own car in Thailand is not for the faint-hearted, and many rental companies can supply drivers at a very reasonable price. Prices without insurance for a self-driven car start from around 800 baht/day for small cars, and from as little as 600 baht/day for open-topped Jeeps. Cars with insurance start at just under 1,000 baht/day, and come down to around 5,600 baht/week or 18,000 baht/month.

Driving is (usually, but not always!) on the left hand side of the road. Fuel at large petrol stations is 37-45 baht/litre. Small kerbside vendors who pump by hand from drums and/or pour from bottles charge a few baht more.

Cars can be rented without difficulty in many locations. It's worth paying a little more than the absolute minimum to use one of the international franchises (e.g. Avis, Budget, and Hertz) to minimize the risk of hassles, and to ensure that any included insurance is actually worth something.

More reputable agencies require that valid licences be produced. Foreigners who do not have a Thai driving licence must carry a valid International Driving Permit . Even if you manage to rent a car without an IDP, not having one will invalidate the insurance and count against you in the event of an accident.

A common rental scam involves the owner taking a deposit, and then later refusing to refund it in full on the basis that the customer is responsible for previous damage; the Tourist Police (dial 1155) may be able to help. Another common scam involves the owner having someone follow the rented vehicle and later "steal" it, using a set of spare keys. Always report thefts: a "stolen" vehicle may mysteriously turn up as soon as the police become involved.

One of the Thais' many names for themselves is jao naam , the Water Lords, and from the river expresses of Bangkok to the fishing trawlers of Phuket , boats remain an indispensable way of getting around many parts of the country.

Perhaps the most identifiably Thai boat is the longtail boat ( reua hang yao ), a long, narrow wooden boat with the propeller at the end of a long "tail" stretching from the boat. This makes them supremely manoeuvrable even in shallow waters, but they're a little underpowered for longer trips and you'll get wet if it's even a little choppy. Longtails usually act as taxis that can be chartered, although prices vary widely. Figure on 300-400 baht for a few hours' rental, or up to 1,500 baht for a full day. In some locations like Krabi , longtails run along set routes and charge fixed prices per passenger.

Modern, air-conditioned speedboat services, sometimes ferries (departure every 30 min) also run from the Surat Thani to popular islands like Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan . Truly long-distance services (e.g., Bangkok to any other major city) have, however, effectively ceased to exist as buses, planes, and even trains are faster. Safety measures are rudimentary and ferries and speedboats do sink occasionally, so avoid overloaded ships in poor weather, and scope out the nearest life jackets when on board. As of November 2018, ferry service is available between Hua Hin and Pattaya, a 2.5-hour journey for 1,250 Thai Baht on a catamaran with a maximum capacity of 340.

Also, the Seahorse Ferry runs between Sattahip and Songkhla, but it has been in "annual conditioning" since July 2023. Supposedly, it will resume service as quickly as possible.

By thumb edit

Thailand is an easy country to hitch-hike in and a great way to experience the non-touristy side of the country. While train is generally quite cheap, compared to other modes of (tourist) transport this can be a good way of travelling on a shoe-string. Sometimes you won't even have to out up you thumb, locals seeing some Westerners walking in the scorching sun the Buddhist attitude will often have them stopping and trying to help.

In general, you should avoid large highways though where it is hard for people to stop. Also, it seems two people (even guys) are more likely to be picked up than one.

Note, it is not unusual for people to invite you to ride on their (sometimes dirty) pickup's load area and you will see many Thais doing the same. If this is an issue for you, it's better not to hitch-hike in Thailand.

Historical and cultural attractions edit

Bangkok is at the start of many visitors' itineraries, and while a modern city, it has a rich cultural heritage. Most visitors at least take in the Grand Palace, a collection of highly decorated buildings and monuments. It is home to Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand that houses the Emerald Buddha. Other cultural attractions include Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Jim Thompson's House, but these are just a fraction of possible sights you could visit.

The former capitals of Siam, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai , make excellent stops for those interested in Thai history. The latter could be combined with a visit to Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet , all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Khmer architecture is mostly found in Isaan, with the historical remains of Phimai and Phanom Rung being the most significant.

In the northern provinces live unique hill-tribe peoples, often visited as part of a trek. The six major hill tribes in Thailand are the Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien and Lisu, each with a distinct language and culture. Chiang Mai makes a good base for arranging these treks, and has some cultural sights of its own, such as Wat Doi Suthep.

Kanchanaburi has a lot of sights related to World War II. The Bridge over the River Kwai, popularised by the film of the same name, is the most famous one, but the museums in its vicinity are a lot more moving. "The Dead Railway" (tang rod fai sai morana) is the railway constructed by captive allied soldiers during World War II. This railway has a nice view all along its route.

Beaches and islands edit

Thailand's beaches and islands attract millions of visitors each year from all over the globe. Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest beach resort, made famous by King Rama VII in the 1920s as an ideal getaway from Bangkok. Things have considerably changed since then. Pattaya , Phuket , and Ko Samui only came to prominence in the 1970s, and these are now by far the most developed beach resorts.

Krabi Province has some beautiful spots, including Ao Nang , Rai Leh and the long golden beaches of Ko Lanta . Ko Phi Phi , renowned as a true island paradise, has been undergoing massive development since the release of the film The Beach in 2000. Ko Pha Ngan offers the best of both worlds, with both well-developed beaches and empty ones a short ride away. It is also where the infamous "Full Moon Party" takes place.

Ko Chang is a bit like Ko Samui used to be. It has a backpacker vibe, but is fairly laid-back and there is accommodation in all price ranges. If you're looking for unspoiled beaches, Ko Kut is very thinly populated, but also difficult to explore. Ko Samet is the closest island beach to Bangkok, but its northern beaches are quite developed and hotels are pretty much sold out on weekends and public holidays.

Natural scenery edit

While not as beautiful as Malaysia or Indonesia, Thailand does have its fair share of tropical forest . Khao Yai National Park , the first national park of Thailand, is the closest to Bangkok. Wild tigers and elephants are increasingly rare, but you can't miss the macaques, gibbons, deer, and species of birds. The stretch of jungle at Khao Sok National Park is probably even more impressive, and you can spend the night in the middle of the jungle.

Waterfalls can be found all over Thailand. The Heo Suwat Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park and the 7-tiered Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi are among the most visited, but the Thee Lor Sue Waterfall in Umphang and the 11-tiered Pa La-u Falls in Kaeng Krachan National Park are equally exciting. Finally, the gravity-defying limestone formations of the Phang Nga Bay shouldn't be missed by anyone who stays in the region.

Itineraries edit

• Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in 3 days — three-day tour through parts of Northern Thailand that are largely undiscovered by tourists.
• Mae Hong Son Loop — A journey through mountainous Mae Hong Son Province.
• Northern Thailand Loop Tour — Explore the heart of rural northern Thailand.
• One day in Bangkok — if you have just one day to spare and want to catch a feel for the city.
• Rattanakosin Tour — a quick tour along Bangkok's famed historic district.
• Samoeng Loop — a 100 km loop popular with bicyclists and motorcyclists through the mountains starting and ending in Chiang Mai.
• Yaowarat and Phahurat Tour — a full-day walking tour through this multicultural district.

Golf arrived in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V one hundred years ago. It was first played by nobles and other high society elites, but since then, things have certainly changed. Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; it is now popular with Thais and visiting tourists and expatriates.

Catering to the needs of an average of 400,000 foreign golfers coming to Thailand annually, golf in Thailand has turned into a huge local industry with new courses constantly being churned out. Golf alone annually brings 8 billion baht into the local economy. Thailand offers over two hundred courses with high standards. Internationally renowned courses can be found in tourist-spots like Bangkok , Pattaya , and Phuket .

There is an abundance of reasons why golf in Thailand has become so popular. First, if you compare the cost to most golfing countries in the world, membership and course fees are exceptionally low. The general low cost of travel in Thailand itself makes the country ideal for cost-efficiency minded tourists. Also, many of the golf courses in Thailand have been designed by top names in the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman.

• Thailand Golf Courses Association , 96 Moo 3, Viphavadi-Rangsit Rd, Bangkok , ☏ +66 2 6625234 .  

Outdoors edit

Thailand's a big enough country, the size of Spain, that you can find a place to practice almost any outdoor sport. Ko Tao is becoming one of Asia's great scuba diving centres, with Ang Thong National Marine Park near Ko Samui and the Similan Islands off Khao Lak also drawing crowds. One of the newest hot spots for diving is Ko Lipe , a small island that is relatively unspoiled with great reefs and stunning beaches. Snorkelling can be done at pretty much every beach, but the coral reefs of the Similan Islands stand out as particularly worthwhile.

While Thailand does not match surf paradises like Bali, surfing does have its place. The waves are generally small, good for longboarding and those wanting to learn to surf. Khao Lak and Phuket 's west coast beaches are among the better ones, but the best waves are to be found at the relatively unknown Ko Kradan on the west coast of Trang Province. Other surf-spots include Rayong and Ko Samui , but the waves of the Gulf Coast are less reliable.

Phang Nga Bay 's gravity-defying limestone formations are usually seen with boat tours, but if you go sea-canoeing , you can get into areas unexplored by the tourist masses. The limestone cliffs of Rai Leh are among the best in the world for rock-climbing .

Pampering edit

Traditional Thai massage has a history of more than 2,500 years. Practitioners of Thai massage operate on the belief that many invisible lines of energy run through the body. The masseur uses his or her hands, elbows, feet, heels and knees to exert pressure on these lines, releasing blockages that may exist, allowing a free flow of energy through the body. Many Thais believe that these massages are beneficial both for treating diseases and aiding general well-being. You're supposed to feel both relaxed and energised after a session.

Although spas weren't introduced here until the early 1990s, Thailand has quickly become one of the highest ranking spa destinations in the world. Besides traditional Thai massage, there is a phenomenal variety of international treatments, including aromatherapy, Swedish massage and many others. There is usually an option for every budget, varying from extravagant wellness centres in luxury hotels to the ubiquitous little massage shops found on many street corners.

Traditional games edit

• Makruk (หมากรุก) - also known as Thai chess . The most popular chess variant in Thailand, where its popularity even eclipses international chess . While it shares the same origin as international chess in the Persian game of shatranj, the rules of makruk are much closer to the original Persian game. You can find people playing the game in the street all over the country, and there are even national tournaments where the best from around the country gather to compete for the title of national champion.

The currency of Thailand is the baht , denoted by the symbol " ฿ " (ISO code: THB), written in Thai as บาท or บ. Wikivoyage uses "baht" in its articles. It is divided into 100 satang (สตางค์). There are six coins and six notes:

• 25 and 50 satang (cent, copper colour) coins - nearly worthless and only readily accepted (and handed out) by buses, supermarkets and 7-Elevens
• 1, 2 (in 2 versions: silver and gold), 5 (silver colour) and 10 baht (silver/gold) coins
• 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (grey-brown) baht notes

There are at least three versions of most bills in circulation, some paper, some polymer, with various portraits of various Thai kings. All retain the same color scheme and all are universally accepted. Be careful accepting 1,000 baht notes, as counterfeits are not uncommon: feel the embossing, look for the watermark and tilt to see colour-changing ink [dead link] to make sure the note is real.

The most useful bills tend to be 20s and 100s, as many small shops and stalls don't carry much change. Taxi drivers also like to pull the "no change" trick; if caught, hop into the nearest convenience store and make a small purchase.

Under no circumstance should you ever mishandle Thai coins and banknotes as they have a portrait of the King. Avoid stepping on them (not even to stop coins from rolling), writing near the king's portrait, throwing them in anger, or folding them improperly. These are considered disrespectful and you may liable under les majeste laws (see Respect section).

Cash advance edit

While carrying a lot of cash (US dollars, euros, etc.) for currency exchange is generally not a great idea, and ATM withdrawals in Thailand are one of the most expensive ones around the world, cash advance (i.e. withdrawing money via the bank counter) seems to be the most economical and reasonable way forward in Thailand, given you have the right credit card. As of Feb 2024, an advantageous German credit card (bank slogan: "Free withdrawals worldwide") allowed cash advance at no extra fee and at interbank exchange rate. Also, N26 does not charge for cash advance.

Only Bangkok Bank seems to universally accept this type of withdrawal, including some of their and other "Exchange" booths. Beware though that many card issuers (i.e. your home bank) do charge significantly more for this operation than for ATM withdrawals, e.g. when using a debit card. Also, make sure that when going with money exchangers that they don't charge your card in your home currency at a very bad rate, see Money#Dynamic currency conversion .

You will need your credit card and passport to withdraw the money over the counter. The bank's operating hours apply — many, but by no way all, branches are also closed on weekends and public holidays.

Don't worry about getting too much cash — any leftover baht can easily be exchanged for hard currency at the Airport Rail Link's last station in Bangkok at excellent rates, see there .

Money exchange edit

Any of the major currencies can often be exchanged at competitive rates at 0.1-0.2% markup (especially larger notes and mostly in Bangkok).

One notable money exchanger is SuperRich (not to be confused with the similarly-named Superrich Thailand ), with dozens of branches in Bangkok including at Silom, Ratchadamri, Khao San Road and Chatuchak. No fees are charged and the exchange rate, especially for major currencies, is just 0.1-0.2% off the interbank exchange rate, often better than what your bank offers when you withdraw money from an ATM.

Their success caused a host of competitors to emerge, some of these closely imitating SuperRich, including in the major cities outside of Bangkok, though the rates outside Bangkok are usually not as good. For the best rates, go to the head office (for chains that operate multiple branches across Thailand or Bangkok), present the largest banknote denominations you can (e.g. $100 for U.S. dollars, £50 for pound sterling, ¥10,000 for Japanese yen), and ensure they are in as pristine condition as possible.

Banks also offer reasonable rates, though normally not as good as the exchangers mentioned before. However, they are less picky about the quality of the notes.

Many hotels and guesthouses will change money for guests, but hefty commissions and poor rates may apply. US dollars in small bills (US$1, 5, and 20) are invaluable for onward travel to neighbouring countries other than Malaysia, but are only useful in Thailand for exceptional purchases (e.g., paying visa fees for Cambodia).

Thai baht are difficult to exchange outside the neighbouring countries, so try to get rid of your excess baht before you leave.

Credit cards edit

Cards are widely accepted in the tourist industry such as in restaurants, shopping malls and shops catering to tourists. Fraud is common though, so use them sparingly and tell your bank in advance, so your card doesn't get locked down because you are using it. Some businesses add a surcharge (usually 2-3%) if you're paying by credit card; in this case, it can turn out cheaper to pay them in cash.

Just as with ATM withdrawals, you may occasionally be offered the option to have the transaction charged directly into your home currency or Thai baht. In this case, always choose to be charged in Thai baht as the rate offered by the merchant will be less favourable to you.

ATMs are everywhere, and international withdrawals are not a problem, besides the fee. An ATM will typically provide a much better exchange rate than many money exchangers, especially if you have a card that does not charge a transaction fee for overseas withdrawals. However, note that there are some money exchangers (especially in Bangkok ) that have highly competitive rate, even better than ATM.

There is a 220 baht surcharge for using foreign cards in most ATMs, you will mostly be notified about this fee in any ATM which charges it beforehand. Aeon, which charged only 150 baht before, doesn't seem to accept foreign cards anymore.

Most ATMs have a limit of 20 notes, that is 20,000 baht; Bangkok Bank typically dispenses 25 notes at once, and a few other banks including Krungsri, TMB and CIMB may dispense 30 notes.

The more important thing to watch for is that some ATMs (Krungsri, SCB and a few others are known for that) will offer you to exchange your money to Baht for you, charging your card in USD or your home currency. What you will get if you agree is a very lousy rate (-5% if not more from the mid-market level). So, always refuse and choose to be charged in Thai Baht only, not USD or your home currency. Read more on Dynamic Currency Conversion .

Very (very!) remote areas (including smaller islands) do not have banks or ATMs, so entering those places with cash is essential.

Tax refund and VAT edit

Foreign visitors (with a few exceptions) have the benefit to receive a 7% VAT refund on luxury goods purchased from shops that participate in the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' scheme. When you see a 'VAT Refund for Tourists' sign, you can receive a 7% refund of the VAT levied on goods at the shop. However, certain conditions apply, and you won't be able to claim your refund until you depart Thailand from an international airport.

The goods must be purchased from participating shops that display a "VAT Refund For Tourists" sign. You may not claim VAT refund for services or goods that you use or "consume" while in Thailand; such as hotel or restaurant expenses. On any one day, the goods purchased from any one individual participating shop must be at least 2,000 baht including VAT. When you purchase the goods, ask the sales assistant to complete a VAT refund form, known as the P.P.10, and attach the original tax/sales invoices to that form. Each P.P.10 must show a value of 2,000 baht or more. You will need to show your passport to the sales assistant when you purchase the goods, to allow her to fill in the above mentioned form. When you exit the country, the goods must be inspected prior to check in and your completed P.P. 10's stamped. Since you must give away the original receipts it is a good idea to take photos or make copies in case you need to prove the value of your purchases to customs officers when going home.

Tipping edit

Tipping is not common in Thailand and the Thais themselves don't do it. Thais do round up (or down) the taxi fare to get it to an amount that is easier to pay for (such as from 59 or 61 to 60 baht). Sometimes they also leave the change in restaurants, but even this is a rare occurrence.

You don't have to feel odd if you don't tip at all, as that's what the locals do, but the presence of many foreign visitors have changed some expectations. Tipping is now common in many high-end hotels and tourist restaurants. Don't go overboard when tipping — never give more than 50 baht. In some tourist places, especially along Khao San Road, there are even restaurants hinting for a tip. This is not common (and even rude) in Thai culture, so you can easily ignore it.

Do not tip when a customer service charge is applied, as this is supposed to be the tip, applied only in luxury restaurants and hotels.

Thailand is not as cheap as it used to be, with Bangkok being named the second most expensive city in SE Asia behind Singapore. However, budget travellers who are careful with what they spend will still find that 600–1,000 baht will get a backpacker a dorm bed or cheap room, three square meals a day and leave enough for transport, sightseeing, and even partying — dorm beds start at 250–300 baht and meals at 50–60 baht, even in Bangkok. Doubling that budget will let you stay in decent hotels, and if you're willing to fork out 5,000 baht per day or more you can live like a king.

Bangkok requires a more generous budget than upcountry destinations, but also offers by far the most competitive prices for shoppers who shop around. The most popular tourism islands such as Phuket and Ko Samui tend to have higher prices in general. It is common for tourists to be charged several times the actual price in tourist areas of other places as well. If you want to have an idea what the real Thai prices are, consider visiting malls like Big C, Tesco, or Carrefour where locals and expats routinely shop. Those are available in major cities (in Bangkok, there are dozens of them) and on larger islands such as Phuket or Ko Samui. Tax hikes have made alcohol clearly more expensive than in some neighbouring countries.

Shopping edit

Thailand is a shopper's paradise and many visitors to Bangkok in particular end up spending much of their time in the countless markets and malls. Particularly good buys are clothing , both cheap locally produced street wear and fancy Thai silk , and all sorts of handicrafts . Electronics and computer gear are also widely available, but prices are slightly higher than in Singapore , Hong Kong , Philippines , and Kuala Lumpur . A good strategy for shopping, is to first go around doing window shopping for a couple of days, don't commit yourself to purchase anything until you have seen enough to be able to make sensible judgements. The last thing you want is to impulsively buy something today and two days later see the same or similar item selling at a much reduced price elsewhere. Most shopping centers in Bangkok have sales often, but even better is to go a bit out the big city into a place like Future Park for example. At the Mo Chit minibus rank next to the public park ask for "Future Park" minibus. Go early, the trip costs 35Baht, takes about half an hour and you get a chance to mix with the real Thais going about their daily lives. Once at Future Park shopping complex, its vast multilevel shopping areas go on and on (opens at 10:00, closes at 21:00) and it caters for everyone and everything, cheap and upmarket, from motor vehicles and home appliances, to clothing and furniture, Thai therapy and restaurants. You can spend the day hunting for special deals and shopping with many sales on offer with prices catering for local customers, department stores like Robinson are extensive and a bargain hunters paradise. If you get hungry or thirsty, there's plenty of varied restaurants on offer and also a large supermarket within, with a help yourself fresh salads and other foods bar selling food by weight. The main Zpell entrance facing the elevated freeway is by the minibus rank and once inside there's an information island desk with English speaking staff at hand, while you can always download a translator app to help you just in case. On returning to central Bangkok, go back to the main minibus rank and ask for the "Mo Chit" vehicle, alternatively, return by taxi cab to central Bangkok (100-120 baht), the better option, if you find yourself carrying lots of shopping.

A Thai speciality is the night markets found in almost every town, the largest and best-known of which are in Bangkok and the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai . Here a variety of vendors from designers to handicraft sellers have stalls selling goods which cannot normally be found in malls and day markets. Most night markets also have large open air food courts attached.

You can also find marvellously tacky modern clothing accessories. Witness pink sandals with clear plastic platform heels filled with fake flowers. Night markets along the main roads and Bangkok's Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall, near the Siam Skytrain stop, are particularly good sources. Not to be left out is what is often touted as the world's biggest weekend bazaar - The Chatuchak Weekend Market or known to locals simply as "JJ" Market. Chatuchak sells a myriad of products ranging from clothes to antiques, covers over 35 acres (1.1 km²) and is growing by the day!

Haggling is the norm and often market and road-side vendors will try to charge you as much as they think you can afford to pay. It's not uncommon to buy something, walk outside, and find somebody who bought the same item for half or one third what you paid (or even less). Try to figure out the item's rough value first. Adjacent stalls, government-run fixed price shops and even hotel gift shops are a good starting point. You'll find that prices drop drastically when the seller realizes you have some idea of what it costs.

Learning opportunities are abundant in Thailand. There are many good schools (local and international) and universities in Thailand, and the cost of education is relatively affordable. Chulalongkorn University, for example, charges between 76,000-133,900 baht per semester.

The Thai educational system emphasises the importance of being connected to Thai language and culture, which are thought of as essential pillars of Thai national identity. While that sounds impressive, the quality of the Thai educational system is best described as poor. High levels of inequality, high levels of teacher debt, and inadequate management contribute to the poor state of the Thai educational system.

Due to the poor state of the Thai educational system, many Thai families (mainly upper-class Thais) often try to get their children enrolled in one of Thailand's many English-speaking international schools. However, it is next to impossible for them to access such schools, as each international school in Thailand has a strict quota on the number of Thai students they can enrol. In addition, students registered as Thai nationals at international schools are required to study Thai for the duration they are there.

Universities edit

Thailand has many universities and institutions of higher learning. Many of them conduct classes in English, and the country's top universities are situated in the capital, Bangkok .

University uniforms are standard throughout Thailand and each university has a dress code that must be followed at all times by all students. Women are normally required to wear a white blouse and a black skirt, and men are normally required to wear a white shirt, a necktie, and black trousers. The status of university uniforms is controversial in some circles; some campaign for the abolition of university uniforms.

The most notable universities in Thailand:

• Chulalongkorn University . Thailand's most prestigious university.
• Thammasat University [dead link] .
• Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University . Thailand's oldest institution of higher learning specialising in Buddhism and religious studies. It focuses mainly on training people to be Buddhist monks, priests, and scholars.
• Mahidol University .
• Assumption University . Thailand's most prestigious private Catholic university. Offers courses in English.
• Bangkok University .

Thai language schools edit

Bangkok has many language schools for studying Thai:

• AUA (American University Alumni) Language Center Bangkok AUA uses a non-traditional method where all teaching is done in Thai without books or any use of English. Students learn by looking and listening and eventually after a certain number of hours are expected to begin to speak Thai "naturally".
• Duke Language School Bangkok Duke Language School is conveniently located near BTS Nana station and has a very high success rate.
• Chulalongkorn University Intensive Thai classes Intensive Thai courses with an emphasis on learning to read and write academic Thai at a university level.
• Jentana & Associates Thai Language School
• Piammitr (Plenty of Friends) Language School Near BTS Asok [1] [dead link] Courses are 60-hours of class time and last one month.
• My Thai Language School On Ratchada Rd, you can apply for a student ed Visa
• Walen School
• Thai Language Reference documents, interactive lessons, dictionary, and forums for learning Thai

Thailand has long been known as a top destination for employment and career advancement. Foreigners from all over the world live and work in Thailand. It's common for well-paid expatriates to hire maids, nannies, and helpers, and the cost of living is more or less affordable. Working and living in Thailand is not as simple as it may seem; there's a lot of misinformation about working and living in the country on the internet.

Some of the main employment opportunities for foreigners in Thailand are teaching English , teaching in either local or international schools, and working as a dive instructor. However, all of these opportunities are very competitive, and dive masters in particular are often underpaid.

Employment is broadly defined in Thailand. In simple terms, any duty ― such as modelling, being a paid volunteer, being an extra in a movie, being a paid intern, or working for a company based in Thailand ― that results in monetary compensation is considered employment and you are required to obtain a work permit to take up such duties. While working without a work permit was a common practice in the past, the authorities are clamping down on illegal workers and migrants.

Obtaining a work permit as a foreigner can be a bureaucratic hassle; a lot of paperwork ― for instance, a copy of your university degree, proof you're working for a company, and so on ― is needed to apply for one and you're normally required to earn a high wage to obtain one. Teachers are exempt from the wage requirement. If you plan to work for a company based in Thailand, the company you intend to work for has to be willing to sponsor you. Some unscrupulous employers will skip the process and instead ask you to make regular visa runs to the nearest border. You should decline job offers from such employers and report them to the authorities, as you can be denied entry and blacklisted from the country if caught at immigration.

Several occupations are off-limits to foreigners. For example, foreigners may not provide legal services (except arbitration), provide accounting services, work as tour guides, or work in a variety of menial jobs. Civil engineers and architects cannot work in the country unless they can prove to the government that they are licensed.

Foreigners working in Thailand are, by law, required to report to the immigration authorities every 90 days . Your company can assist with this process, or if you like, you may choose to do this yourself.

Try to acquire some proficiency in Thai. Doing so will open many doors for you, since most Thais cannot converse in English.

There are dozens of diving shops that provide training and internships. Ko Tao (Turtle Island) in particular is a great place to work as a diving instructor.

One way to start working as a teacher is to gain a TESOL/TEFL Certificate. One of the largest TESOL schools in the world is head quartered in the small village of Ban Phe, Rayong. Other provinces in Thailand offer TEFL/TESOL Certification Courses. In Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai University has a comprehensive teacher training program located on its main campus.

The Thai work culture is hierarchical and formal. What this means is that you should always show respect to your superiors. If your superior asks you to do something, do it.

Volunteering edit

Volunteering is a great way to meet locals and experience the culture and traditions of Thailand. There are many worldwide organizations that offer volunteer work on such projects as community development, conservation, wildlife sanctuary maintenance & development, scientific research, & education programs. Here some organisations you can volunteer at:

• Child's Dream Foundation , 238/3 Wualai Rd, Haiya, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 , ☏ +66 53 201811 , [email protected] . Founded by two Swiss financiers with good hearts, Child's Dream places volunteers in schools in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia in addition to other good works. They are highly regarded for their ethics and efficiency. Does not charge volunteers .  
• Foundation for Education and Development ( formerly known as Grassroots Human Rights and Development ), Moo 4 Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga 82120 ( at km790 on Hwy 4 in Khuk Khak (Khao Lak) ), ☏ +66 76 486351 . A joint Burmese-Thai NGO committed to assisting Burmese migrant workers in Phang Nga Province, just north of Ko Phuket in the region better known as Khao Lak. FED runs schools, health clinics, women's empowerment programs, and provides legal assistance to political and economic refugees. The organisation runs on a shoe-string and depends on the commitment of paid staff and volunteers. Does not charge volunteers .  
• Isara Foundation , 897/1 Mee Chai Rd, Amphur Muang, Nong Khai 43000 , ☏ +66 42 460827 . Provides help directly to those who are in need. Isara projects focus on the improvement of education (free Learning Centre, government school volunteer teachers, and scholarships), health and safety (helmet campaign), and the environment (Recycling Centre and trash clean-up campaigns). Do not charge you for volunteering.  

The food alone is really reason enough for a trip to Thailand. Curries, fruit shakes, stir fries, noodles, fresh fish made a zillion ways - and that's just the beginning. Food in Thailand can be as cheap and easy as 25 baht pad Thai (ผัดไทย, Thai fried noodles) cooked at a street stall or as expensive and complicated as a USD100 ten-course meal by a royal chef served in one of Bangkok's luxury hotels.

Since most backpackers will be sticking closer to the first than the second, one of the great things about Thailand is that food from stalls and tiny sidewalk restaurants is usually quite safe. Unlike some Asian countries, travellers should worry more about overeating or too much curry spice than about unclean kitchens and bad food. In fact, street restaurants, where you can see what you'll get and everything is cooked on the spot can be a safe option.

Yelp or Tripadvisor are generally not popular in Thailand, and reviews there are usually posted by tourists, not local Thais. Instead, Wongnai is the go-to directory for restaurant reviews among Thais. While the interface is available in English, the downside is that almost all reviews are in Thai.

Etiquette edit

Thai food is most commonly eaten with fork and spoon . Hold the spoon in your right hand and use it to eat, and reserve the fork for piling food onto your spoon. Chopsticks are only employed for noodle soups and East Asian-style dishes. Sticky rice, common in the northeastern Isaan region, is eaten with your right hand, but regular jasmine rice is not.

Thai food is meant for sharing . Everybody gets their own plate of rice and tiny soup bowl, but all the other dishes are laid out in the centre of the table and you're free to eat what you wish. Though some people believe that taking the last piece from a shared plate is considered slightly unlucky, and you may hear people make wishes for others to compensate for their own misfortune. A popular wish is that "may my girlfriend/boyfriend be good-looking!"

Food is also generally brought out a dish at a time as it is prepared. It is not expected of diners to wait until all meals are brought out before they start eating as is polite in Western culture. Instead they should tuck into the nearest dish as it arrives.

Thai cuisine edit

Thai cuisine is characterized by balance and strong flavours, especially lime juice , lemon grass and fresh coriander , the combination of which gives Thai food its distinctive taste. In addition, Thai food has a deserved reputation for being spicy , with hot little torpedo-shaped chillies called phrik khii nuu (พริกขี้หนู, lit. "mouse shit chillies") making their way into many a dish. Thais are well aware that these can be more than Westerners can handle and will often ask if you like it hot (เผ็ด phet ). Answer "yes" at your own risk! Another condiment that features prominently in Thai cuisine is fish sauce (น้ำปลา naam plaa ), a pungent and very salty sauce that is used to flavour a wide variety of dishes.

Thai cuisine can be divided into at least four distinct regional styles: Southern Thai cuisine, Central Thai cuisine, Northern Thai cuisine and Isaan cuisine from the northeast of Thailand. Chinese influences also pervade much of Thai cuisine, with many of the most famous street food stalls in Bangkok and other cities throughout the country being owned and run by ethnic Chinese.

Dietary restrictions edit

Vegetarians won't have too many problems surviving in Thailand, with one significant exception: fish sauce (น้ำปลา naam plaa ) is to Thai cuisine what soy sauce is to Chinese food, and keeping it out of soups, curries and stir-fries will be a challenge.

Thailand is a Buddhist country and vegetarianism is a fairly well-understood concept, especially among Thai-Chinese (many of whom eat only vegetarian food during several festivals). Look for vegetarian restaurants adorned with the distinctive yellow and red เจ sign. Tofu is a traditional Thai ingredient and they aren't afraid to mix it up in some non-traditional dishes such as omelettes (with or without eggs), submarine sandwiches, and burritos. Since Thai dishes are usually made to order, it's easy to ask for anything on the menu to be made without meat or fish. Bangkok features several fantastic veggie and vegan restaurants, but outside of big cities make sure to check that your idea of "veggie" matches the chef's. As Thai-Chinese cuisine traditionally does not include dairy products, most non-dessert dishes at vegetarian restaurants are essentially vegan , but make sure your dish does not contain eggs.

Some key phrases for vegetarians:

• phom kin je (m) / di-chan kin je (f) ผม(ดิฉัน)กินเจ "I eat only vegetarian food"
• karunaa mai sai naam plaa กรุณาไม่ใส่น้ำปลา "Please don't use fish sauce"

Thailand has a significant Muslim minority (around 5%), mostly concentrated in Southern Thailand near the Malaysian border. You can still find halal food (อาหารมุสลิม ahaan Muslim ) throughout the country, especially in larger cities, typically clearly labeled with green crescents and the Arabic word "halal". Kosher food is virtually unknown in Thailand; if you keep kosher, contact Chabad Thailand for assistance well in advance of your trip.

Travelling in Thailand if you have significant allergies is challenging. Labeling and awareness in general is very low, and Thai food uses many common allergens like soy, fish sauce, shrimp paste and peanuts.

Restaurant chains edit

Thailand has a large number of indigenous restaurant chains offering much the same fare as your average street stall, but with the added advantages of air conditioning, printed menus (often in English), clean storefront. All the chains are heavily concentrated in Bangkok , but larger cities and popular tourist spots may have an outlet or two.

• Coca and MK . Near-ubiquitous chains specializing in what the Thais call suki , perhaps better known as "hotpot" or "steamboat". A cauldron boils in the middle of your table, you buy ingredients (10-30 baht a pop) and brew your own soup. The longer you spend, the better it tastes, and the bigger the group you're with, the more fun this is!  
• Fuji . And Zen specialize in surprisingly passable Japanese food at very cheap prices (at least compared to Japanese restaurants almost anywhere else). Rice/noodle mains are less than 100 baht, and you can stuff yourself full of sushi for less than 500 baht.  
• Kuaytiew Ruea Siam ( Signs in Thai; look for the boat-shaped decor and hungry red pig logo ). Dirt-cheap noodles with prices starting at 25 baht. Portions aren't too generous, but at that price you can get two! No concessions to English speakers in menu or taste, so point and choose from the pictures and watch out for the spicier soups.  
• S&P . Outlets are a bakery, a café and a restaurant all rolled into one, but their menu's a lot larger than you'd expect: it has all the Thai mainstays you can think of and then some, and most all of it is good. Portions are generally rather small, with prices mostly in the 50-100 baht range.  
• Yum Saap ( Signs in Thai; look for the big yellow smiley logo ). Known for their Thai-style salads ( yam ), but they offer all the usual as well. Quite cheap with mains around 50 baht.  
• After You . Local dessert cafe chain serving Korean-style shaved ice (bingsoo), but with many local Thai flavours to choose from. Very popular among youths in Bangkok.  

And yes, you can find the usual McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Komalas etc. if you insist. If you do end up at McDonald's, at least try the un-Maclike fried chicken with McSomTam (green papaya salad). For those craving American-style pizza, try the ubiquitous The Pizza Company, which is a less expensive and (arguably) tastier local chain.

Thailand is infamous for its nightlife, which ranges from acoustic guitar and smoking perfectly legal blunts at a beachside hut to superstar DJs and fancy cocktails at hip nightclubs. The Full Moon Party in Ko Phangan draws backpackers all around the world, every Thai beach resort has its nightlife area, and the offerings in Bangkok run the gamut from smoky jazz clubs to enormous open-air beer gardens where kuk thung and mor lam country music singers from Isaan croon nightly.

Thailand also has a large sex industry , which to tourists is most visible in the flashy go-go bars of Bangkok , Pattaya , and Patong (Phuket), which are very much targeted at visitors. While these are thinly disguised fronts for prostitution , legally a grey area in Thailand with all the risks that entails, it's generally OK to visit them only for drinks and the show.

In 2022, cannabis was completely legalized and retailers sprouted up overnight: you can even buy weed from vending machines now. There are still restrictions on where you can smoke, and almost all other drugs remain strictly banned, with draconian penalties. See Drugs for details.

Alcohol edit

Drinking alcohol in Thailand, especially if you like Western tipples, is actually comparatively expensive, but still very affordable by Western standards.

Retail sales of alcohol in supermarkets and multi-national convenience stores, are limited to between 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-00:00. Restaurants and bars are not affected, and smaller, non-chain stores rarely observe this rule. 7-Eleven is a stickler for following this rule. However, in certain circumstances these rules are relaxed for alcohol purchases above a particular quantity. For example, if you try to purchase 5 litres of wine during the restricted period, it will not be allowed. However, if you were to purchase, say 10 litres of wine, in the same period then this might be permitted. Convenience stores at gas stations are not permitted to sell alcohol at any time.

There are also occasional days throughout the year when alcohol can't be sold anywhere, even the small mom & pop shops normally adhere to the rules on these days, and most bars and pubs do too (although you can probably find a beer somewhere if you're desperate enough). Upmarket hotel bars and restaurants are probably the only places that are realistically likely to be exempt. Religious holidays and elections are normally the reason for these restrictions.

Western-style beer (เบียร์ bia ) is a bit of an upmarket drink in Thailand, with the price of a small bottle hovering between 40 and 100 baht in most pubs, bars and restaurants. Thais like their lagers with relatively high alcohol content (around 6%), as it is designed to be drunk with ice, so the beer in Thailand may pack more of a punch than you are used to. However, if you're from Europe or Australia, you will find this normal.

If you ever find yourself wondering why you can't find any smaller local beer brands in Thailand, it isn't because of lack of demand. The government, according to its Liquor Control Act, only licences breweries that produce over ten million litres of beer yearly. Because setting up a brewery of this capacity would cost over 1 billion baht, the only local beers you can buy are brewed by two large Thai companies: ThaiBev (Chang, Archa) and Boon Rawd Brewery (Singha, Leo). Smaller, independent breweries are legally forbidden from selling their beer in shops, bars and restaurants off the brewery premises, which prevents their growth. To get around this, some "Thai" craft beers are brewed overseas and are thus categorised as "foreign" beers, which are allowed to be sold in shops as normal. While the Thai Finance Ministry argues that such restrictions are necessary to ensure quality control, there is growing pressure in Thailand to remove this restriction on independent breweries.

• Premium brands : The two most popular premium brands are Heineken and Tiger , but San Miguel , Federbrau and other Asian beers such as the Japanese Asahi are also fairly commonplace. The premium beers tend to be a bit weaker than the full-strength local beers, and are about 10-20% more expensive.
• Imported beers : Most upmarket pubs in touristy areas will have at least a couple of imported beers available along with the usual local brands, either on draught, in bottles or both. Belgian and German beers can often be found, as well as Irish stouts and ales such as Guinness , British bitters such as John Smiths and the light Mexican beer Corona is gaining in popularity. Regional favourite Beerlao has also started to make an appearance in bars and pubs around the country. All imported beers (with the exception of Beerlao) are very expensive though, being about twice the price of locally sourced beers, due to alcohol import tarriffs.
• Other non-beers : The usual range of "alcopops" is available in Thailand, with Bacardi Breezer enjoying the lion's share of the market. Spy wine cooler (of about 10 varieties) is also popular. Cider is harder to find, although some pubs have started to stock Magners and Bulmers .

Imported drinks edit

Imported liquors, wines and beers are widely available but prohibitively priced for the average Thai. A shot of any brand-name liquor is at least 100 baht, a pint of Guinness will set you back at least 200 baht and, thanks to an inexplicable 340% tax, even the cheapest bottle of wine will set you back over 500 baht. In cheaper bars (especially the go-go kind), the content of that familiar bottle of Jack Daniels may be something entirely different.

Rice wine edit

Thai rice wine (สาโท sato ) is actually a beer brewed from glutinous rice, and thus a spiritual cousin of Japanese sake . While traditionally associated with Isaan , it's now sold nationwide under the brand Siam Sato , available in any 7-Eleven at 25 baht for a 0.65L bottle. At 8% alcohol, it's cheap and potent, but you may regret it the next morning! The original style of brewing and serving sato is in earthenware jars called hai , hence the drink's other name lao hai (เหล้าไห). These are served by breaking the seal on the jar, adding water, and drinking immediately with either glasses or, traditionally, with a straw directly from the pot.

Whisky/rum edit

The misnamed Thai whisky ( lao ) refers to a number of liquors. The best known are the infamous Mekhong (แม่โขง Maekhong ) brand and its competitor, the sweeter Sang Som (แสงโสม Saengsom ), which are both brewed primarily from sugarcane and thus actually rum. Indeed, the only resemblances to whisky are the brown color and high alcohol content, and some people liken the smell to nail polish remover, but the taste is not quite as bad, especially when diluted with cola or soda water. This is also by far the cheapest way to get blotto, as a pocket flask of the stuff (available in any convenience store or supermarket) costs only around 50 baht.

The "real" Thai whisky is lao khao (เหล้าขาว "white liquor"), which is distilled from rice. While commercial versions are available, it's mostly distilled at home as moonshine, in which case it also goes by the name lao theuan ("jungle liquor"). White liquor with herbs added for flavor and medical effect is called ya dong (ยาดอง). Strictly speaking, both are illegal, but nobody seems to mind very much, especially when hill-tribe-trekking in the North you're likely to be invited to sample some, and it's polite to at least take a sip.

Iced drinks edit

Coconut water (น้ำมะพร้าว naam ma-phrao ), iced and drunk directly from a fresh coconut is a cheap and healthy way to cool the body. Available at restaurants and also from fruit juice vendors.

Fruit juices, freezes and milkshakes of all kinds are very popular with Thais and visitors alike. Most cafés and restaurants charge 20-40 baht, but a bottle of freshly squeezed Thai sweet orange juice (น้ำส้ม naam som ) — which really is orange in colour! — can be sold on the street for 15-30 baht. Thais often add salt to their fruit juices, an acquired taste that you might just learn to like. Thais also like to have basil seeds in their iced fruit juice sold on the road. They look like small jelly balls down in the bottle.

Tea and coffee edit

One of Thailand's most characteristic drinks is Thai iced tea (ชาเย็น chaa yen , lit. "cold tea"). Instantly identifiable thanks to its lurid orange colour, this is the side effect of adding ground tamarind seed (or these days, artificial colour) during the curing process. The iced tea is always very strong and very sweet, and usually served with a dash of condensed milk and evaporated milk; ask for chaa dam yen to skip the milk. A popular variant among locals that is typically sold at markets in the morning is Thai hot tea (ชาร้อน chaa rorn ), often served with Chinese-style youtiao (油條) fritters, known in Thai as pathongko (ปาท่องโก๋).

Naam chaa and chaa jiin are weak and full-strength Chinese tea, often served in restaurants for free. Coffee (กาแฟ kaafae ) is also widely available, and is usually served with condensed milk and lots of sugar. Ask for kaafae thung to get traditional filtered "bag" coffee instead of instant.

Starbucks is present in Thailand, but for the moment local competitors Black Canyon Coffee and S&P still have the edge in market share. These are the places to look for if you want that triple-mocha latte with hazelnut swirl and are willing to pay 100 baht for the privilege.

• Black Canyon Coffee . Is Thailand's home-brewed Starbucks, but while coffee is their mainstay they also offer a limited meal menu. Try the chaa yen (lurid orange Thai iced tea with milk).  

Energy drinks edit

Thailand is the original home of the Red Bull brand energy drink - a licensed and re-branded version of Thailand's original Krathing Daeng (กระทิงแดง, "Red Bull"), complete with the familiar logo of two bulls charging at each other.

The Thai version, however, is syrupy sweet, uncarbonated and comes packaged in medicinal-looking brown glass bottles, as the target customers are not trendy clubbers, but Thailand's working class of construction workers and bus drivers in need of a pick-me-up. And a pick-me-up it most certainly is; the caffeine content is higher even than Western-style Red Bull, and packs a punch equivalent to two or three shots of espresso coffee. Krathing Daeng and its many competitors (including M150, Shark, .357 and the inevitable Karabao Daeng , "Red Buffalo") are available in any convenience store for 10 baht a pop, although in some places you can now buy imported Red Bull for five times the price.

Thailand has accommodation in every price bracket. Always take a look at the room (or better still several rooms, sometimes owners offer the cheaper rooms first) before agreeing a price. In smaller establishments also do ask for the agreed price in writing to avoid problems during check out.

The best prices (30-50% off rack rates) for accommodation can be found during Thailand's low season, which is during May-Aug, which not surprisingly also coincides with the region's monsoon season. The peak season is during Dec-Feb.

The prices listed are average for the country, and vary depending on the region and season. Smaller provincial towns will not have fancy hotels or resorts, while on popular island beaches it may be hard to find something cheaper than 300-400 baht even during the low season.

Another issue for westerners to be conscious of, is the unusual bathroom set up found almost everywhere, except perhaps in the four and five star hotels. In Thailand as in other Asian countries as well, the bathrooms even in many new and well kitted out establishments, tend to have the shower system without any kind of water isolation, be it a curtain or door or whatever, to prevent water splashing all over the place. To most, this is quite irritating as a simple floor water containment and drainage with a some shower curtain would make everything much better, but it seems, proprietors don't see the logic, therefore, requiring guests to be very tolerant of the unusual bathroom layouts and trying to become adept.

Homestays are common in rural areas. Typically, what this means is that you will be staying at your host's home, or on the host's property in something less than a commercial lodging. Usually, meals are included.

Guesthouses are usually the cheapest option, basic ones cost 100-200 baht per room per night (100 or less for a dorm bed). This gets you a room with a fan, a squat toilet (often shared), shower (shared or private), and not much else. Better guesthouses, especially in towns with significant amount of foreign guests, have more amenities (European-style toilet, 24 hour hot shower, bigger room or even a balcony, free Wi-Fi, sometimes TV, everyday room service, fridge), with prices, subsequently, in the range of 200-500 baht. This makes them close to Thai hotels. The difference is they're more oriented to a Western clientèle, and as such, often offer various tours (sometimes overpriced), computers, and/or in-room Internet access, or even have a ground floor restaurant.

If you're satisfied with the guesthouse of your choice and plan to stay there for more than several days (especially during the low season or in the places with abundant accommodation options such as Chiang Mai), ask for a discount; this may not be offered everywhere, but if it is, the weekly rate may be 25% less or so, and for monthly rates it's not uncommon to be half as much. Normally, you'll have to pay for the entire period asked, but if something changes and you have to check out early refunds are not customary in Thailand. As such, if an early departure is possible (but unlikely enough to pay a week/month in advance), you should discuss this option with the owner/manager beforehand.

Hostels are not typical in Thailand. The reason is obvious: given the abundance of budget accommodation and that hostels are unfamiliar to Thais and, as such, purely Westerner-oriented, the price for a private room in a guesthouse will be almost the same, or even cheaper, than for a dorm bed in a hostel. You may get a bit more Westernised and hotel-like interiors, but at the cost of privacy. If you do insist on staying in a hostel, you can find some in the big cities by checking the web. Don't expect to find them just by walking by the streets, though.

Thai hotels start around 200 baht and go up to around 800 baht. The upper-end of this range will be air-conditioned, the lower end will not. The primary difference is that with a hotel room, your bathroom should be private, bed linen, and towels will be provided, and there may be a hot shower. The guests are mostly Thais. TVs are available except at the lower end; Internet access, though, is less likely to be present than in guesthouses; and is even less likely to be free or in-room.

Tourist hotels are generally around 1,000 baht and offer the basics for a beach vacation: swimming pool, room service, and TV.

Boutique hotels , 2,000 baht and up, have mushroomed during the past few years, they provide a limited number of rooms (10 or fewer) and more personalized service. While these can be excellent, quality varies widely, so research is essential.

Business and luxury hotels , 4,000 baht and up, offer every modern amenity you can think of. International chains are well represented, yet tend to be largely indistinguishable from hotels anywhere else in the world. Some others, notably Bangkok 's The Oriental , The Sukhothai and The Peninsula are among the world's best hotels. The most luxurious resorts also fall in this price category, with some of the very best and most private adding a few zeros to the price.

Stay safe edit

The number one cause of death for visitors to Thailand is motorcycle accidents , especially on the often narrow, mountainous and twisty roads of Phuket and Samui . Drive defensively, wear a helmet, don't drink and avoid travel at night. Violent crime is in general rare, and the foreigners who get into trouble are typically those that get into drunken fights.

Political unrest edit

Thailand has a long history of political turbulence, with 12 successful military coups since 1932. Tourists are rarely impacted, much less targeted, although in 2008 one anti-government group took over both of Bangkok's airports for a week, causing immense disruption to tourism and the Thai economy.

Since 2014, Thailand has been ruled by a military junta. The blatantly rigged elections of 2019 led to widespread youth-led protests calling for the restoration of democracy, the ouster of the military-led government, and the abolition of the monarchy, perhaps best symbolized by a raised hand with the three middle fingers pressed together. Stay clear of any protests, as the authorities have been known to deal with them in a heavy-handed manner. As there is also a strong anti-China sentiment driving the protests, mainland Chinese visitors in particular should be especially careful to avoid the protests.

Lèse-majesté edit

It's illegal to show disrespect to royalty ( lèse-majesté ), a crime with a mandatory punishment of 3 to 15 years' imprisonment. Do not make any negative remarks or any remarks which might be perceived as disrespectful about the King, any members of the Royal Family, or anything related to them (such as their pets or appearance). This will usually land you in prison and your embassy/consulate will be of little help in getting you out. Since the King is on the country's currency, don't burn, tear, or mutilate it, especially in the presence of other Thais. If you drop a coin or bill, do not step on it to stop it — this is very rude, since you are stomping on the picture of the King's head that is printed on the coin. Also, anything related to the stories and movies The King and I and Anna and the King is illegal to possess in Thailand. Almost all Thais, even those in other countries, feel very strongly when it comes to any version of this story. They feel that it makes a mockery of their age-old monarchy and is entirely inaccurate.

The hand gesture of raised up hand with three middle fingers pressed together (described in the previous section), which is often used as a protest symbol in the 2020 protests, is also deemed disrespectful of the royalty.

Although it's mainly Thais who are prosecuted for lèse-majesté (sometimes as a political weapon), a few foreigners have been charged and even jailed for it, in some cases for publishing remarks that would not even ruffle feathers in the Western press. Pleading guilty and seeking a royal pardon is generally seen as the quickest path to freedom, and even that would probably not spare you from months of pretrial detention and some time spent in jail.

Corruption edit

While not as bad as in neighbouring Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia, corruption is unfortunately still fairly common in Thailand. Traffic police in Thailand often request bribes on the order of 200 baht or so from tourists who are stopped for seemingly minor traffic infringements. Immigration officers at the Malaysian border have been known to ask for a bribe of about 20 baht per person before they stamp your passport, though those at airports generally do not ask for bribes.

Thailand has more than its fair share of scams , but most are easily avoided with some common sense.

More a nuisance than a danger, a common scam by touts, taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers in Thailand is to wait by important monuments and temples for Western travellers, telling them that the site is closed for a "Buddhist holiday", "repairs" or a similar reason. The "helpful" driver will then offer to take the traveller to another site, such as a market or store. Travellers who accept these offers will often end up at out-of-the-way markets with outrageous prices - and no way to get back to the centre of town where they came from. Always check at the front gate of the site you're visiting to make sure it's really closed.

Some tuk-tuk drivers might demand much higher price than agreed, or they might take you to a sex show, pretending they didn't understand the address (they get commissions from sex shows). For the same reason, avoid drivers who propose their services without being asked, especially near major tourist attractions. Generally, as a foreigner, it is cheaper to take a metered taxi than a tuk-tuk.

Don't buy any sightseeing tours at the airport. If you do, they will phone several times to your hotel to remind you about the tour. During the tour, you will be shortly taken to a small temple, without a guide, and then one shop after another (they get commissions). They might refuse to take you back home until you see all the shops. On your way back, they pressure you to buy more tours.

Easily identified with practice, it is not uncommon in tourist areas to be approached by a clean cut, well dressed man who will often be toting a cellphone. These scammers will start up polite conversation, showing interest in the unsuspecting tourist's background, family, or itinerary. Inevitably, the conversation will drift to the meat of the scam. This may be something as innocuous as over-priced tickets to a kantoke meal and show, or as serious as a gambling scam or (particularly in Bangkok ) the infamous gem scam . Once identified, the wary traveller should have no trouble picking out these scammers from a crowd. The tell-tale well-pressed slacks and button-down shirt, freshly cut hair in a conservative style, and late-model cellphone comprise their uniform. Milling around tourist areas without any clear purpose for doing so, the careful traveller should have no difficulty detecting and avoiding these scammers.

Many visitors will encounter young Thai ladies armed with a clipboard and a smile enquiring as to their nationality, often with an aside along the lines of "please help me to earn 30 baht". The suggestion is that the visitor completes a tourism questionnaire (which includes supplying their hotel name and room number) with the incentive that they just might win a prize - the reality is that everyone gets a call to say that they are a "winner"; however, the prize can only be collected by attending an arduous time-share presentation. The lady with the clipboard doesn't get her 30 baht if you don't attend the presentation; also that only English-speaking nationalities are targeted.

A serious scam involves being accused of shoplifting in the duty-free shops in the Bangkok airport. This may involve accidentally straying across ill-defined boundaries between shops with merchandise in hand, or being given a "free gift". Always get a receipt. Those accused are threatened with long prison sentences, then given the opportunity to pay USD10,000 or more as "bail" to make the problem disappear and to be allowed to leave Thailand. If you end up in this pickle, contact your embassy and use their lawyer or translator, not the "helpful" guy hanging around.

Fake monks edit

Theravada Buddhism is an integral part of Thai culture, and it is customary for Buddhist monks to roam the streets collecting alms in the morning. Unfortunately, the presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has led to some imposters preying on unsuspecting visitors. Genuine monks only go on alms rounds in the morning, as they are not allowed to eat after noon, and are also not allowed to accept or touch money. Alms bowls are solely for the purpose of collecting food. If you see a "monk" soliciting monetary donations, or with money in his alms bowl, he is fake.

Impersonating a monk is a serious offence in Thailand, so you can report any fake monks you see to the police.

Robbery on overnight buses edit

Thailand is quite safe for tourists. However, there have been reports about people getting drugged and robbed while traveling on overnight buses. To avoid this, steer away from cheapish and non-government buses, make sure you have all your money stored safely in a money belt or another hard-to-reach place and always check your valuables before getting off. Warning your travel companions about this danger is also advised. If you are robbed, firmly refuse to get off the bus, tell everyone about the situation and immediately call the police. It may not be possible to stay on the bus, as your refusal may prompt the staff to unload your checked luggage onto the street and then continue to drive the bus without your luggage, forcing you to disembark or lose it.

Prostitution edit

Thailand's age of consent is 15 but a higher minimum age of 18 applies in the case of prostitutes. Thai penalties for sex with minors are harsh, and even if your partner is over the age of consent in Thailand, tourists who have sex with minors may be prosecuted by their home country. As far as ascertaining the age of your partner goes, all adult Thais must carry an identity card, which will state that they were born in 2549 or earlier if they were over the age of 18 on 1 Jan 2024 (in the Thai calendar, 2024 is the year 2567).

Some prostitutes are "freelancers", but most are employed by bars or similar businesses. Bar girls, go-go girls and freelancers are all professionals, who are far more likely to be interested in money you can give them than in any continuing relationship for its own sake. Cases of visitors falling desperately in love and then being milked out of all they are worth abound. Thailand has a high rate of STD infection, including HIV/AIDS, both among the general population and among prostitutes. Condoms can be bought easily in Thailand in all convenience shops and pharmacies but may not be as safe as Western ones.

Some aspects of prostitution in Thailand are illegal (e.g., soliciting, pimping), but enforcement is liberal and brothels are commonplace. It's not illegal to pay for sex due to the "Special Services" exemption in Thai law or to pay a "bar fine".

Vaping edit

Thailand has extremely harsh laws regarding the use of e-cigarettes. Possession carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Especially in Phuket and Bangkok, you are likely to get arrested if you vape in public.

Long infamous for its extremely strict drug laws, Thailand did a drastic U-turn in 2018 when it became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise medical cannabis (กัญชา ganchaa ), expanding this to legalise recreational use as well. While extracts of cannabis including all edibles are limited to under 0.2% THC, there are no limits on the potency of plant parts like flowers, leaves or stems. Consumption in public is not permitted, but is now legal in private homes and any spaces like cafes and bars that choose to allow it. Vaping, importing and exporting all remain illegal.

Kratom (ต้นกระท่อม ton krathom ), a local plant whose leaves are chewed for their mildly stimulant effects, was also fully legalized in 2021.

Thailand continues to maintain an extremely hard line on all other drugs , particularly methamphetamine (ยาบ้า ya ba , "crazy medicine"), which is a major social problem. Your foreign passport is not enough to get you out of legal trouble. Possession and trafficking offenses that would merit traffic-ticket misdemeanors in other countries can result in life imprisonment or even death in Thailand. Police frequently raid nightclubs, particularly in Bangkok , with urine tests and full body searches on all patrons. Ko Pha Ngan 's notoriously drug-fueled Full Moon Parties also often draw police attention.

Penalties for drug possession in Thailand vary in harshness depending on the following: category of drug, amount of drug, and intent of the possessor. If you do take the risk and get arrested on drug-related charges, you would do well to immediately contact your embassy as a first step. The embassy cannot get you out of jail but can inform your family back home of your arrest, and can often give you a list of lawyers and translators you can contact.

The Thai legal system limits the amount of the defending and the usefulness of a lawyer. For minor offences, the penalty can be something like a 2,000-baht fine and deportation. However, to actually get this sentencing, someone not familiar with the system would need external help, translations, bail posted, etc. Stay clean, so you won't have to worry about penalties.

Civil conflict and terrorism edit

In 2004, long-simmering resentment in the southern Muslim-majority provinces of Narathiwat , Pattani and Yala burst into violence. All are off the beaten tourist trail, although the eastern rail line from Hat Yai to Sungai Kolok (gateway to Malaysia 's east coast) passes through the area and has been disrupted several times by attacks. The violence was at its worst between 2004-2015 and is now dying down.

Hat Yai (Thailand's largest city in the South) in Songkhla has also been hit by a series of related bombings; however, the main cross-border rail line connecting Hat Yai and Butterworth (on the west coast) has not been affected, and none of the islands or the west coast beaches have been targeted. There is usually a strong Thai military presence in the major towns and cities to keep things in order, and the vast majority of foreign visitors do not encounter any problems.

In 2015, Uyghur Islamist separatists also carried out a terrorist attack in Bangkok the Erawan Shrine, a site popular with Chinese tourists. This is, however, largely regarded as an isolated incident, and the odds of it happening again are regarded as remote.

While Thailand's deep south provinces remain under emergency law, as of 2022 there is no elevated risk to tourists visiting these areas. Military checkpoints still exist and soldiers are still posted in public places and on trains, but they do not bother tourists.

Identification edit

In accordance with Thai law, everyone is required to carry a form of identification with them at all times.

Make a photocopy of your passport and the page with your visa stamp. A picture of your passport, shot from your phone, will work as well. Always keep your passport or the photocopy with you (the law requires that you carry your actual passport at all times, but in practice a photocopy will usually suffice). Many night clubs insist on a passport (and ONLY a passport) as proof of age. It is not required that you leave your passport with a hotel when you check in.

Motorcycle rental places are likely to ask for you passport as collateral. Leaving another document (drivers license, int. drivers licence, second passport, ID card) might be the better option. Or consider offering a cash deposit instead.

Security edit

Carrying your own padlock is a good idea, as budget rooms sometimes use them instead of (or as well as) normal door locks; carry a spare key someplace safe, like your money belt, otherwise considerable expense as well as inconvenience may result should you lose the original. Also consider some type of cable to lock your bag to something too big to fit through the door or window.

Wildlife edit

Thailand has a few dangerous animals. The most common menace is stray dogs , which frequent even the streets of Bangkok. The vast majority are passive and harmless, but a few of which may carry rabies, so steer clear of them and do not, by any means, feed or pet them. If they try to attack you, don't run, as this will encourage them to chase you as if you were prey. Instead, try to walk away slowly.

Monkeys may be cute and friendly, but in any area where unaware tourists have corrupted them, they expect to get food from humans. They can be very sneaky thieves, and they can bite. As with dogs, you won't want to get bitten, as they carry diseases and viruses. Most urban areas do not have "stray" monkeys, but Lopburi is famous for them.

Venomous snakes can be found throughout Thailand, hiding in tall brush or along streams. You're unlikely to ever see one, as they shy away from humans, but they may bite if surprised or provoked. The best course of action when confronted with an unknown snake is to stay still until it leaves. The Siamese crocodile , on the other hand, is nearly extinct and found only in a few remote national parks.

Monitor lizards are common in jungles and can sometimes be found in urban areas (Bangkok in particular). Despite their scary looks, they are generally afraid of people and normally try to avoid them. Monitor lizards are protected species, i.e., it is illegal to hunt them, injure them, and keep them as pets. Opinions on monitor lizards vary in Thailand; some people believe that they are auspicious, while many others do not like them, viewing them as dirty, unclean animals. A superstition that some Thai people believe in: if a monitor lizard enters your home, good luck will come your way.

Racism edit

Thailand is, by and large, a homogeneous country. Large parts of Thailand are not that frequented by foreigners, and interactions between Thais and non-Thais are not that common. People with non-Asian looks are more likely to stand out in areas and places less frequented by foreigners (e.g. public markets, public schools) and may attract curious stares from young children and adults. This does not indicate hostility.

You are unlikely to encounter or experience racial abuse in any way, shape, or form; Thai people generally consider it shameful to treat foreigners poorly.

While Thailand is known for its hospitality, many Thai people are of the impression that foreigners are not interested in staying in Thailand long-term and integrating into Thai society. People with non-Asian looks may be assumed to be tourists or temporary residents, even if they've stayed here for a long time or are naturalised Thai citizens.

Fights edit

Fights and brawls are not uncommon in areas − bars and entertainment venues in particular − frequented by tourists and foreigners. The majority of fights normally involve alcohol. It is not uncommon for multiple people to get involved in a fight, and weapons are usually involved.

Do not get into public arguments or shouting matches with Thai people, even if they've done something wrong; this can cause a Thai person to lose face and may provoke a violent confrontation. In 2019, an Irish tourist was thrashed by ten people at an entertainment venue after getting into a public argument with a local.

Earthquakes & tsunami edit

Southern Thailand is seismically active, with earthquakes and tsunami. The chief culprit is the Indian tectonic plate (carrying the Indian ocean & subcontinent) which, like a skidding truck, is barrelling northwards while spinning anti-clockwise. In this region it collides with the small Burma plate, which carries the Andaman Sea. When the plates grind past each other (a “slip-strike” collision), they cause earthquakes. But the Indian plate is also being subducted – forced beneath the Burma plate – which lifts the sea-bed, displaces the water, and sets off a tsunami. A most violent event occurred on 26 Dec 2004, when along 1000 miles of fault line the sea-bed was suddenly jacked up by several metres. Two hours later, tsunami hit the west coast of Thailand in three waves 20 min apart, and over 8000 people were killed.

There was, and is, no effective local warning system, as (unlike the Pacific) major tsunamis in the Indian Ocean are seen as a once-in-a-century event: “Not since Krakatoa in 1883” is the stock refrain. But memory of the 2004 tragedy remains strong. Expect frantic fleeing from the coast if an earthquake is felt, with gridlock and traffic casualties. Your decision will be whether to rush out of the building before it collapses, or rush indoors to try and get above the third floor.

The Burma plate is in turn being shunted against the Sundah plate, which carries the Peninsula mainland and eastern sea. This movement is less violent, but this fault line lies right under the western coastline, so these earthquakes have more local impact and tsunami could strike immediately. Central and Northern Thailand are less quake-prone but the 2014 Mae Lao earthquake, centred on Chiang Rai, caused one death.

LGBT travellers edit

Thailand is one of the most tolerant countries in Asia with regard to LGBT travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Thailand, and LGBT tourism forms a big part of the Thai economy. In the main tourist areas, there is no shortage of gay bars and other gay-friendly establishments to cater to that crowd, and transgender cabarets are also a major tourist attraction. Thailand is one of the world's largest centres of medical tourism for sex reassignment surgery. That being said, same-sex relationships are not given any legal recognition, and transgender individuals are still not allowed to change their legal gender. Thais also tend to be rather conservative, and LGBT people are often relegated to the fringes of society. Fortunately, anti-LGBT violence is extremely rare.

Landmines edit

Although nowhere near as prevalent as in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, some parts of Thailand, especially near the borders with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, are contaminated with landmines left behind from the days of the communist insurgency. As you get closer to the borders, be sure not to venture beyond well-established roads and footpaths unless you have a guide who knows the area well.

Stay healthy edit

Being a tropical country, Thailand has its fair share of exotic tropical diseases. Malaria is generally not a problem in any of the major tourist destinations, but is endemic in rural areas along the borders with Cambodia (including Ko Chang in Trat Province ), Laos , and Myanmar . As is the case throughout Southeast Asia , dengue fever can be encountered just about anywhere, including the most modern cities. The only prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. Wear long pants and long sleeves at dusk in mosquito areas and use repellent (available at any corner shop or pharmacy).

Food hygiene levels in Thailand are reasonably high, and it's generally safe to eat at street markets and to drink any water offered to you in restaurants. Using common sense — e.g., avoiding the vendor who leaves raw meat sitting in the sun with flies buzzing around — and following the precautions listed in our article on travellers' diarrhea is still advisable.

Tap water is usually not drinkable in Thailand outside of Bangkok. In many places in Bangkok however, particularly in new buildings, drinking tap water is perfectly safe. However, if you don't want to chance it, buying a bottle of water is the obvious solution. Bottled water (น้ำเปล่า naam plao ) is cheap and ubiquitous at 5–20 baht a bottle depending on its size and brand, and drinking water served in restaurants is always at least boiled (น้ำต้ม naam tom ). Ice (น้ำแข็ง naam khaeng ) in Thailand usually comes packaged straight from the factory and is safe; there is only reason to worry if you are served hand-cut ice. You can buy a large package of ice in most 7-Elevens for 7 baht, too. Diarrhoeal diseases, however, are uncommon, and cholera or any severe disease is extremely rare and virtually unknown outside of the Myanmar border.

Mainly in residential areas, machines selling water into your own bottle (1 baht/L, or 50 satang (0.5 baht/L) if paid more than 5 baht) are often available, located in some (Thai mostly) hotels, local shops, or just on the street near one. This is a clean (the water is cleaned and UV-treated on the spot) and extremely cheap option, also, this way you'll avoid making unnecessary plastic waste from empty bottles.

The sun is harsher than at higher latitudes. A couple of hours in the sun with unprotected skin will result in redness and a painful night even on a cloudy day .

Thailand has a high rate of HIV. The estimated adult (15-49) HIV prevalence was 1% of residents in 2021, which is double the global average and more than 10 times the rate in countries like Australia. Other sexually transmitted diseases are common, especially among sex workers. Condoms are sold in all convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. Avoid injection drug use.

Pharmacy edit

There's a pharmacy on every block in Thailand and most are happy to sell you anything you want without a prescription. However, this is illegal, and police have been known to bust tourists occasionally for possessing medicines without a prescription, even innocuous stuff like asthma medication.

Healthcare edit

Thailand is a popular destination for medical tourism, and is particularly well-known for sex reassignment surgery. Public hospitals in Bangkok are usually of an acceptable standard and have English-speaking doctors available, though they tend to be understaffed and overcrowded and consequently, waiting times are long. However, the top private hospitals, on the other hand, are among the best in the world, and while vastly more expensive than public hospitals, are still very much affordable by Western standards. Hospitals are staffed by both foreign and Thai doctors, trained either in Europe or the United States.

Access to health services varies across Thailand. The Chiang Mai, Samui and Pattaya regions also have comprehensive emergency, routine and long-term care.

In tourist areas, most doctors speak English. Access to a doctor is usually quick and the prices are reasonable by Western standards. Prices vary and should be checked locally. Please note that there is often a separate charge for each test and procedure, as well as for the medicine. Most doctors specialise in a particular field. It may not be easy to find a general practitioner. The quality of healthcare and availability of English-speaking medical staff can fall sharply once you leave Bangkok and head into the smaller cities and rural areas. In non-tourist areas, only basic health care is available.

Most major cities in Thailand have at least one private hospital that is used by Western expatriates, and while they are more expensive than public hospitals, they provide a higher standard of care with English-speaking doctors and nurses, and are still reasonably priced by Western standards.

Good quality private hospitals include Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok, Bangkok Hospital (member of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services), Phyathai Hospital (several branches in Bangkok), Bumrungrad International Hospital.

In the Pattaya area, good quality health services are available at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya Memorial Hospital, and in Chiang Mai, at least Chiangmai Ram Hospital provides quality care.

In Phuket, international-standard treatment is provided by at least Bangkok Hospital and Phuket Provincial Hospital.

The Bangkok Hospital chain is generally of a high standard, with hospitals throughout the country (in addition to Pattaya and Phuket, for example in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Rayong).

In larger towns and cities, it is common for doctors working in the hospitals to have an after-hours consultation in a small private clinic. In these clinics, you can usually get treatment quickly and easily. Treatment in a small clinic is also often cheaper than in a large private hospital.

If you are travelling to Thailand, you should definitely take out comprehensive travel insurance. Repatriation in case of illness is expensive and difficult to arrange without private travel insurance. Treatment is often not started until a pre-payment is made or until the insurance company has confirmed that it will pay for the treatment. In hospitals, payment is often made in cash. Private and state hospitals usually accept credit cards. Insurance documents (insurance card) should always be carried with you when you travel.

Dental services in Thailand are generally of a good standard. For example, there are many good large dental hospitals and clinics in Bangkok. Dental care is also usually available in the regular hospitals, both private and public. There is usually a queue on the general side. Dental care is also available at very different levels and prices. In Bangkok, high quality dental clinics include BIDH (Bangkok International Dental Hospital) and BIDC (Bangkok International Dental Clinic).

It is worth noting that Thailand is still in the process of developing ambulance services. An emergency call will result in the dispatch of a regional rescue unit, which may operate under the auspices of a voluntary organisation. Larger hospitals, both public and private, sometimes have ambulances where emergency treatment can be started immediately. However, ambulances are rare, especially in Bangkok, due to traffic congestion. Motorists and motorcyclists do not always give way to ambulances, which also delays their arrival.

When an emergency situation meets the criteria set by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine, the service is free of charge. If you are registered with a hospital, you should save the emergency numbers for that hospital.

If you think you may need emergency treatment for an underlying medical condition during your stay in Thailand, it is recommended that you stay in the vicinity of a hospital. This will allow you to receive treatment in good time if necessary.

The standard of pharmacies varies. There is usually a pharmacy attached to hospitals, where you should buy your medicines when you visit your doctor. The range of medicines varies depending on the level of the hospital and the pharmacy. Often there are both expensive originator products and cheaper generic products. Some, especially the originals, can be very expensive in Thailand. Access to medicines is more precarious in remote areas.

Please note that doctors in Thailand may prescribe more medicines to treat an illness than would be prescribed in the West. Even for minor ailments, unnecessary medicines may be prescribed. If you are receiving a large amount of medication or suspect that your condition does not require medical treatment, it is advisable to be critical of your medication. You should also seek the opinion of another doctor if necessary.

If you are bringing medicines into or out of Thailand, you should check the list of banned medicines on the Thai Embassy website, for example. For medicines subject to authorisation, take an English-language prescription with you. It is advisable to check with the Thai health authorities, who may need to ask for prior written permission to import the medicine.

Air quality edit

The "burning season" across central and northern Thailand occurs every January-April, where farmers burn off the remnants of their crops in the dry season. Dry air and forest fires also contribute to cause significant air pollution, especially in Northern Thailand . If you have respiratory trouble, reconsider travelling in Northern Thailand during these months. N95 masks can help, and air quality around Thailand can be monitored on the Air4Thai website .

Respect edit

Thai people in general are friendly and polite people.

General edit

• As is the case throughout Asia, Thais are indirect communicators and they are tempered by the need to "save face" — much like their neighbours — and will normally avoid saying anything construed as judgemental or critical to people. Among close friends, however, communication is more direct.
• One common misconception about Thai people is that "they are easy to win over". Just because a Thai person is cheerful in a conversation or appears to agree with whatever you're saying does not mean they agree with or understand whatever you say. They're most likely doing it to save face. Sometimes you must read behind the lines and ascertain how someone is feeling.
• Although Thai people may not admit it, transparency and openness are valued and appreciated by them.
• Thai people often take words at face value. It's important to be clear, and upfront about what you intend to say, as euphemisms and idiomatic language may be misunderstood or taken out of context. Even saying something as simple as "the world is your oyster" may be interpreted literally rather than figuratively.
• There is a prevalent misunderstanding that Thai people are hesitant to interact with foreigners. This could be attributed to the language barrier; Thai people in general are quite conscious about their English skills and fear that their English proficiency might be evaluated by others. You can quickly bridge the gap by demonstrating some understanding of Thai and Thai customs.
• Friendships between Thais and non-Thais are not that common. If you end up befriending a Thai person, chances are, you may be the first foreign friend or acquaintance they have ever had.
• As a foreigner, it is common to be asked questions like "why do you work here", "do you have any plans to go back to your home country", "how long have you lived in Thailand", and variations thereof.
• Approaching strangers or making contact with strangers is uncommon unless there's an emergency (car accident, asking for directions, etc.).
• Do not be surprised or upset if nobody appears to show interest in you immediately; friendships and relationships are seen as serious affairs in Thailand, and the journey from acquaintance to friend is often a long one.
• Thai people, in general, are connected to their families and it's common for them to spend vacations with their family members.
• Thais have a near-obsessive fascination with the lottery . It's the most popular form of gambling in the country and even foreign nationals are allowed to participate in the lottery. Collecting lottery tickets is a popular hobby among Thai people.
• Thai people have a relaxed view of time. It's completely acceptable and normal to show up 15-30 minutes late to something.
• Thai people tend to believe in a wide range of superstitions . Evil spirits play a huge role in Thai culture.
• Thai people generally are not that interested in global and current affairs. This is attributed to two factors: the poor quality of the public educational system and a lack of focus about current affairs in Thai media. Talking about such subjects may confuse rather than intrigue the Thais.

What to do edit

• Respect for elders is important, and it is customary to use honorifics with people you are unfamiliar with. The most common way of addressing someone you don't know or someone senior to you: use the term Khun followed by the person's first name (applicable to both men and women).
• Show respect to monks . Monks are highly respected in Thai society, and the importance of showing respect to them cannot be overstated. It is customary for Thai men to spend some time living as a monk at least once in their lifetime. If you cross paths with a monk in public, lower your head a little and greet them with the 'wai' gesture . If you are on public transportation, give up your seat for them. You do not have to be a practising Buddhist to acknowledge a monk; just be polite.
• Ask questions about someone's vocation and education. Thai people do this to ascertain how they should address and interact with you.
• Attempt to learn the local language . Thai people know that Thai is difficult to learn, and they will very much appreciate your efforts to speak it, even if your knowledge of the language is rudimentary. Demonstrating that you can read and write Thai will very easily wow and win over many people.
• Try to experience the local cuisine and learn more about Thai culture. Thai people appreciate the few foreigners attempting to learn more about their culture and way of life. Doing this will allow you to strike up friendships with Thais.
• Share food and snacks with people you're close to. In an office setting, this is common and expected.
• When meeting people, exchange gifts . This is common and expected.

What to not do edit

• Do not say or do anything that can be misconstrued as irreverence or disrespect towards the Royal Family. For example, this includes stepping on a coin with a portrait of a Thai king, even if you are doing this to stop the coin from rolling away. See the caution regarding the Les Majeste laws in the Politics section above.
• Thailand has strict libel laws , and you can find yourself in legal hot water for making strongly worded comments about someone or something online. Under current laws, defamation is punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment, a fine of 200,000 baht , or both.
• Do not raise your voice, lose your cool, or use swear words in a conversation. Thai people consider these coarse manners.
• Privacy is highly valued in Thailand. Do not inquire about someone's salary, family, or standard of living unless you know them well. Do not expect an invitation to someone's home unless they know you well.
• Do not exhibit the crossed-fingers gesture; exhibiting this gesture means that someone is lying to you. Clarifications may help prevent misunderstandings.
• Do not be loud in public; Thai people consider this extremely rude manners.
• Do not rest your feet on a table; this is impolite.
• Do not touch someone's head; the head is considered sacred in Thailand.
• If you are a woman, do not touch a monk . It is strictly forbidden for a monk to touch a woman, even by accident.
• If you are a woman, do not pass anything directly to a monk. Put down what you want to give to a monk, and allow him to pick it up, or hand it to a man so he can pass it to the monk for you.
• Do not sit or stand higher than a monk. Sit below them (if they are on a raised platform) or kneel before them.
• If you are seated when a monk or nun enters a room, stand up to show respect.
• Do not cross your legs in front of a monk. Kneel instead.
• Do not take pictures of a monk or a nun unless they've given you permission.

The wai edit

The traditional greeting known as the wai , where you press your hands together as is in prayer and bow slightly, is derived from the Hindu cultural influence from India , and still widely practised. Among Thais, there are strict rules of hierarchy that dictate how and when the wai should be given. In brief, subordinates salute superiors first. You should not wai service people or street vendors. The higher your hands go, the more respectful you are. You will also often see Thais doing a wai as they walk past temples and spirit houses.

As a foreign visitor, you are not really expected to know how to wai properly, nor to reciprocate when wai'd to; while you're unlikely to cause offense if you do, you may well look slightly strange. If somebody makes a wai to you, a slight bow alone is more than sufficient for ordinary occasions, and for business, most Thais will shake hands with foreigners instead of waiing anyway.

Personal appearance is very important in Thailand as a measure of respect to other people. You will find that dressing appropriately means that you are shown more respect in return. This translates in many ways, even sometimes lowering initial offering prices at markets. While some allowance is made for the differing customs of foreigners, Thais respond more positively to well-dressed Westerners.

While the most touristy parts of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are exceptions, traditionally, Thais are modest and conservative dressers. At a minimum your clothes should be neat, clean, and free from holes or tears. Except at the beach or at sacred sites, normal western dress is acceptable for both men and women, except that you should avoid clothing showing much skin. Long pants are preferable to shorts, and you should always cover your shoulders. If you are a woman, you should not expose your cleavage. Outside of the major temples and royal palaces, men wearing shorts is generally acceptable.

It is absolutely unacceptable to walk around topless in public. Foreign men have been arrested for walking around topless, so cover yourself up! Your abs or dad bod might not be the key to winning over the hearts of the ladies on the street.

Taking off your shoes at temples and private homes is mandatory etiquette, and this may even be requested at some shops. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily. Flip-flops, hiking sandals, and clog-type shoes are usually a good pragmatic choice for traveling in Thailand; only in the most top-end establishments are shoes required.

It is best to play it safe with wats and other sacred sites in Thailand: your dress should be unambiguously modest and cover your entire torso and most of your limbs. For men, ankle-length pants are mandatory; on top, t-shirts are acceptable, though a button-front or polo shirt would be best. Many recommend that women wear only full length dresses and skirts; you should make sure that your clothing covers at least your shoulders and your knees; some places may require that you wear ankle-length pants or skirts and long-sleeved tops. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are highly inappropriate at sacred sites, as are short skirts. The rules are even more strict for foreign visitors, so even if you see a local in shorts, it's not OK for everyone.

Topless sunbathing is common by Western women at many tourist beaches. At beaches which have primarily Thai visitors, however, this is not advised.

Religious etiquette edit

You're unlikely to cause offence by having a discussion about religion; for the most part, Thai people love to talk about it! It's also okay to discuss your religious convictions with someone, so long as you don't make the discussion competitive.

Proselytising, or anything hinting at it, is neither welcomed nor appreciated in Thailand. Similarly, try not to be overly enthusiastic about your religion, as it can make people feel uncomfortable and uneasy. At best, Thai people will either smile at you or laugh it off.

Although the laws are nowhere near as strict as they are in neighbouring Myanmar , try not to show any form of disrespect to Buddhism. For example, do not wear a T-shirt with Buddha or Buddhist imagery on it, and do not get a Buddha tattoo (if you already have one, cover it up as best you can). Furthermore, it is illegal to take a Buddha statue out of the country without a licence from the Fine Arts Department (a government agency).

Monks are an integral part of Buddhism in Thailand, and Thai men are generally expected to spend a certain amount of time living as a monk at least once in their lifetime.

Buddhist monks are meant to avoid sexual temptations, and in particular they do not touch women or take things from women's hands. Women should make every effort to make way for monks on the street and give them room, so they do not accidentally make contact with you and then have to undergo a lengthy purification ritual. Women should avoid offering anything to a monk with their hands. Objects or donations (which should not be cash) should be placed in front of a monk so he can pick it up, or place it on a special cloth he carries with him. Monks will sometimes be aided by a layman who will accept things from women merit-makers on their behalf.

Theravada Buddhist monks are also supposed to avoid material temptations and as such, are not allowed to touch money, so offering money to a monk is considered to be a sign of disrespect in most Theravada Buddhist cultures. Therefore, should you wish to donate to a monk, you should only offer food, and put your monetary donation in the appropriate donation box at the temple. Those monks that accept money are fakes.

As in neighbouring countries, the swastika is widely used in Thailand as a Buddhist religious symbol. It pre-dates Nazism by 2,500 years and has no antisemitic connotations.

When entering temple buildings, always take off your shoes before you do so, as entering a temple with footwear is considered to be a major faux pas. As doorway thresholds are considered a sanctuary for spirits, it's important not to step on a raised threshold, but rather to step over it.

When sitting on the floor in a temple, make sure you kneel or cross your legs under you "mermaid-style" so your feet do not point at any person or statue. Do not pose alongside a Buddha statue for a photo and certainly don't clamber on them. (It's OK to take photos of a statue, but everyone should be facing the statue.)

A sizeable Muslim minority (about 5%) is also present, mainly concentrated in the southern provinces, but also with a significant community in Bangkok. Most Thai Muslims are ethnic Malays, though there are also substantial numbers of Muslims who are ethnically Thai, or descended from Indonesian, Cambodian Cham or South Asian immigrants.

Animal abuse edit

Elephants may be a large part of Thailand's tourist business, but many people are unaware of the mistreatment they are subjected to. They're usually forced to work long hours, endure all kinds of psychological, verbal, and physical abuse, and denied food and water.

Once a depressingly common sight, you may run into elephant beggars . During night hours, mahouts (trainers) with lumbering elephants approach tourists to feed the creatures bananas or take a photo with them for a fee. The elephants are brought to the city to beg in this way because they are out of work and are mistreated and visibly distressed under the conditions of the city.

If you intend to go on an elephant ride , purchase an elephant painting , or "use" elephants for other activities, you may want to take their mistreatment into account. There are a few ethical animal tourism operators in Thailand such as Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai or the Wildlife Rescue Centre and Elephant Refuge near Bangkok.

Drugged animals such as lizards and birds are sometimes used by touts as photo subjects. These touts are often seen plying the main tourist beaches of Thailand. The tout will take a photo with you and the doped up animal and then demand payment.

Rare and endangered species are often sold at markets for pets, and many other animal products are sold as luxury items. Do not buy rare pets, leather, ivory, talons, dried sea creatures (such as starfish), fur, feathers, teeth, wool, and other products since they are most likely the result of illegal poaching. Buying them contributes to animal endangerment and abuse.

• When answering the phone, it is common for Thais to say khrab (male) or kha (female). These two words mean "yes". Thai people proficient in English will normally say "yes" when picking up the phone. This may be seen as rude manners in other parts of the world, but Thai people do not intend to be rude; this is simply a matter of culture.
• When answering the phone, some Thai people might say waa , which literally means "what is it" or "tell me". Again, this may be seen as rude manners in other parts of the world, but Thai people do not intend to be rude; this is simply a matter of culture.
• The head is considered the most exalted part of the body, feet the lowliest. Never touch or pat a Thai on the head , including children. If you accidentally touch or bump someone's head, apologize immediately or you'll be perceived as very rude. Similarly, do not touch people with your feet, or even point with them. If someone is sitting with outstretched feet, avoid stepping over them, as this is very rude and could even spark a confrontation. Squeeze around them or ask them to move. Even if the person is sleeping, it is best to go around, as others are likely to notice.
• Thais are conservative compared to Westerners. Public displays of affection are rarely seen, even handholding by married couples, and are generally considered to be distasteful, though due to the dependence of the Thai economy on tourism, Thais grudgingly tolerate such displays by foreigners. Don't make out in public. You'll embarrass yourself and inflame Thai sensibilities.
• It is considered impolite and disrespectful to visibly sniff food before eating it, particularly when eating in someone's home (this is true even if the sniffing is done in appreciation).
• Do not audibly blow your nose in public, especially not at the dinner table, but it is perfectly acceptable to pick your nose at any time or place.
• In Thailand, expression of negative emotion such as anger or sadness is almost never overt, and it is possible to enjoy a vacation in Thailand without ever seeming to see an argument or an unhappy person. Thai people smile often compared to Western people. A smile does not necessarily express happiness. When Thai people smile in a conversation they give the signal that they are civilized and intend to behave with civility, even or especially in a case of conflict. Do not interpret a smile as a sign of weakness. "Saving face" is a very important aspect of Thai culture and they will try to avoid embarrassment and confrontation.
• In public places (such as large markets) the national anthem is played over loudspeakers at 08:00 and 18:00. When this is played, everyone will stop what they are doing and stand still for the duration. You should do the same. The royal anthem (not national anthem) is played in cinemas before the film, and everyone must stand. It lasts about a minute, then everyone will continue where they left off. In MRT and SkyTrain stations in Bangkok, the escalators will also lurch to a halt to prevent a large human pile-up.
• When giving and receiving business cards , always use your right hand with the left hand supporting the right elbow. As the left hand is traditionally reserved for dirty things, handling business cards with the left hand is considered to be very rude.
• As a reaction against smokers littering beaches with cigarette butts, there is a complete smoking ban in effect since 1 February 2018 on 24 popular beaches around the country. If caught smoking at one of these beaches, you might be fined up to 100,000 baht and/or be sentenced to up to one year in jail.

If you're sticking to major cities and tourist areas, don't worry too much about under-packing; you can get hold of any essentials such as swimming costumes and umbrellas.

You will only need a couple of changes of clothes since you can get washing done anywhere cheaply. Sandals for when your hiking shoes are too hot can be bought cheaply in Thailand, although large sizes for women are harder to come by. If female and anything above a size 2 (US), size 6 (UK & IRL), size 36 (rest of EU), busty, or tall, it is often difficult to find clothes that will fit you in any of the Thai shops. If you are male and have a waist more than 38" you will have trouble finding pants. You will largely be limited to backpacker gear (the omnipresent fisherman pants and "Same Same" t-shirts) or Western imports in Bangkok malls, for the same prices as back home or more. While laundry is cheap, it is useful to bring a few changes of clothes, as you may sweat your way through several outfits a day in the Thai weather.

Take enough padlocks for every double zipper to stop wandering hands and lock up your belongings, even in your hotel room. Lock zippers through the lower holes, not the upper ones on the pull tabs. Take earplugs for when you're stuck in a noisy room or want to sleep on the bus.

If you have prescription glasses, it is a good idea to bring a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses plus a copy of your prescription.

Into the toiletries bag throw sun screen and insect repellent. Mosquito coils are also a good idea. A small pocket size torch or flashlight will come in handy when the electricity goes out or for investigating caves. Passport photos come in handy for visas.

If you plan to travel long distances by motorbike, purchase a good quality helmet, which you can do in Thailand. Last but not least, pack your stuff in plastic bags to stop them from getting wet, especially when travelling in the rainy season or on boats.

Aside from the above, the following are recommended:

• Prescriptions for any prescription medications being brought through customs
• Travel insurance
• Blood donor/type card
• Details of your next of kin
• A second photo ID other than your passport
• Credit card plus a backup card for a separate account

Electricity edit

Electrical power in Thailand is 220 V, 50 Hz. There is a mix of plug types in use. Most typical is the standard ungrounded North American two-bladed plug. Caution: appliances from North America, Japan, and Taiwan meant for only 120 V will overheat and be destroyed without a transformer. Most outlets are ungrounded. Connecting your laptop to mains power will in many cases require that you use an adapter for a two-bladed outlet. They are widely available, even in shops like 7-Eleven. See the article electrical systems for more information.

Electrical safety might be lacking, mostly in more rual areas. RCCB protection devices are available, but not common. This fact, together with often insufficient grounding, might increase the risk of electric shock. The famous "in shower water heater" are an exception, as they all come with an integrated RCCBs. Press the test button, and do not use it if the test fails.

Newspapers edit

Connect edit, internet edit.

The Thai government actively censors Internet access. 2010 estimates place the number of blocked websites at 110,000 and growing. Roughly 77% are blocked for reasons of lèse-majesté (content that defames, insults, threatens, or is unflattering to the king, including national security and some political issues), and 22% for pornography, which is illegal in Thailand. Some web pages from BBC One, BBC Two, CNN, Yahoo! News, the Post-Intelligencer newspaper (Seattle, USA), and The Age newspaper (Melbourne, Australia) dealing with Thai political content are blocked. Wikileaks is blocked.

Internet cafés are widespread and most are inexpensive. Prices as low as 15 baht/hour are commonplace, and speed of connection is generally reasonable, but many cafes close at midnight. Higher prices prevail in major package-tourist destinations (60 baht/hour is typical, 120 baht/hour is not unusual). Islands with multiple Internet cafés include Ko Phi Phi (Don) , Ko Lanta (Yai) , Ko Samui , Ko Pha Ngan , Ko Tao , Ko Chang (Trat) , Ko Samet (Rayong) , Ko Si Chang (Chonburi) , and of course Phuket .

Outside the most competitive tourist areas, free Wi-Fi is not as common as in neighbouring countries in many budget hotels and guesthouses ("mansions") and they may charge a small fee for Internet by LAN or Wi-Fi even if you bring your own laptop. Wi-Fi is commonly available in cafes and restaurants serving Westerners. It's sometimes provided by telecoms who charge fees using them, and it usually requires a telecom account to finish the registration process.

Keyloggers are all too often installed on the computers in cheap cafes, so be on your guard if using online banking, stock broking or even PayPal. Using cut and paste to enter part of your password may defeat some of them. Or typing part of the user name and password inside the text input field (for password or username) then clicking outside of it someplace in the browser window and typing some characters and then clicking back into the text input field and continuing to type the other part and doing this several times. Otherwise take your own laptop to the Internet cafe.

If you suddenly and unexpectedly find yourself typing in Thai (or any other script) you've probably accidentally hit whatever key-combination the computer you're using has been configured to use for switching between languages (often Ctrl+spacebar). To change back, use the "Text Services and Input Languages" option (a quick-access menu is usually available via a "TH" icon visible on the task bar. Simply switch it to "EN").

Telephone edit

Thailand's country code is +66 . Mobile phones in Thailand have 10 digits, including the leading zero, while land-line telephones have 9 digits, including the leading zero.

Mobile phones are ubiquitous in Thailand, with thorough network coverage, fast speeds and low prices. The main mobile network operators are:

• DTAC : Tourist eSIM available for 300-600 baht
• National Telecom

Prepaid SIM cards can be bought in any convenience store for as little as 50-200 baht, and you can charge up as you go. You must provide your passport details when buying a SIM card. The passport registration system only works during the day (usually until 9 PM) for most stores, but the counters at Bangkok airport can register your passport and activate service 24/7, and speak English as well. The one drawback is that airport carrier service counters can only sell special "tourist SIMs", which are limited to being reloaded with special tourist plans in the future and may not roam if you are continuing to another country after Thailand. If you'd rather pay "local pricing", you can generally get a non-tourist SIM from convenience stores in the airport terminal if you arrive during the day.

Most phones sold by major carriers are "locked" to the carrier. That means that the phone won't work with a SIM card on another network, unless you get it unlocked. Contact your carrier's customer service department, and tell them you plan to use your phone overseas for instructions on how to unlock your device. Once unlocked, you can use any SIM card in the phone. Alternatively, the wizards at Bangkok's MBK shopping mall can unlock most phones for less than 500 baht. If you need to buy a mobile phone, you can pick those up at MBK as well, as a huge selection of cheap second-hand mobiles can be found on the 4th floor.

Coverage is very good throughout the country, all cities and tourist destinations (including resort islands) are well covered. If you're planning to travel deep in the countryside, AIS generally has the best network, at the expense of slightly pricier calls.

If you plan to visit Thailand (or even Asia in general; see below) at least once a year for short visits, you have a couple of options to save a SIM for later. Long-validity SIMs have largely been phased out, so you will have to put some effort in (or pay) to keep your SIM alive. The new standard across all SIM types and carriers is that each top-up, no matter how small or large, will extend the validity of the SIM by 30 days, with a maximum of 365 days from day of top-up. Sites like Thai Prepaid Card or Mobile Top Up can help you keep your Thai SIM active while out of the country.

For short-term visitors, international roaming onto Thailand's GSM networks is possible, subject to agreements between operators. In the other direction, Thai operators offer very good roaming packages in neighboring countries. These may need to be activated in advance either via a mobile app or in person at a company outlet.

Go next edit

Thailand borders Malaysia , Burma , Cambodia , and Laos . Vietnam is beyond Cambodia and Laos, and southern China , Singapore and Indonesia are also in the overall region. Budget airlines offer flights from Bangkok to destinations as far as in Japan and Australia .

Thailand Travel Tips – Expert Advice from 8 Trips (2024)

• Last Updated: January 16, 2024

A detailed explanation of the best Thailand travel tips and advice for all travellers.

Thailand is a beautifully diverse and culturally enriching travel destination in Southeast Asia. 

This small country has towering mountains, bustling cities, picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, dense jungles, and a whole lot more. 

The people are friendly, the food is mouthwatering, and the activities are endless. 

You can spend your days hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, practicing yoga or island hopping. You can spend your nights eating street food, watching a ladyboy cabaret or attending a Muay Thai boxing match. 

See the famous Grand Palace or Wat Pho in Bangkok or explore the temples of Chiang Mai. Attend cooking classes, learn to scuba dive in Koh Tao , or attend the Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan.

There is truly so much to see and do in Thailand , so you want to make sure you enter the country prepared for anything. 

In preparation for your trip, you may want to brush up on some general travel tips for Thailand so you can feel confident in your knowledge of the country and its customs. 

Thai culture is very centered around respect, so it is important to always be respectful of Thai people and their way of life. 

Table of Contents

Check Visa Requirements

Pack for hot, humid weather, prepare to pay with cash, verify companies’ legitimacy before booking, remove your shoes, avoid touching other people’s heads, dress respectfully, ask before photographing people, respect the king, learn to love the ladyboys, bargain with dignity, consider the economy of the country, stay in hostels, eat like the locals, avoid drinking too much, find the cheapest form of transportation, fly budget airlines, purchase travel insurance, consult your doctor, don’t drink the tap water, use sun protection, avoid petty theft, take caution on public transport, stick with a group, be safe on the road, do not flaunt your feet, do not ride elephants, do not disrespect the buddha, do not touch the buddhist monks, do not stand taller than a monk, do not make a scene in public, do not abandon your passport, do not overstay your visa, my expert list of the best thailand travel tips.

With this article on Thailand travel tips, you can read about some of the recommended things to know before travelling around this beautiful country in Southeast Asia. 

In addition to general travel tips for Thailand, you can read about cultural tips, budgeting tips, safety tips, health tips, and a few recommendations about what not to do in Thailand. 

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Thailand with our comprehensive Thailand travel guide .

General Thailand Travel Tips

Without further ado, let me share my ultimate list of things to know before you travel to Thailand. Whether you’re visiting Bangkokg, Chiang Mai, islands in the Gulf of Thailand, national parks, or anywhere in between, these travel tips apply to anywhere when you visit Thailand.

Check if you need a visa before travelling to Thailand.

The visa requirements are different for many countries; some nationalities do not need visas for a stay of less than 30 days, some nationalities can obtain their visas when they arrive at the airport, and some nationalities must obtain a visa in advance.

Always check the visa requirements for your country to make sure you are allowed to enter Thailand!

The weather in Thailand is hot and humid. That’s just a fact when considering Thailand travel tips.

Unless you are in higher altitudes where the temperature drops a bit, pack plenty of lightweight, breathable warm weather clothes . 

Even if you’re in northern, mountainous destinations like Chiang Mai, still prepare for heat and humidity.

If you’re wondering the best time to visit Thailand for weather, you’ll encounter this hot weather year-round. July, August, and September have the most rain, but they are the best time to visit Thailand on a budget!

Paying with cash is much more convenient than paying with a card around Thailand.

Street markets, local restaurants, and many tourist attractions usually only accept cash as payment, but luckily ATMs are frequent in touristy areas.

Make sure you alert your bank that you’ll be travelling so they don’t assume your transactions around Thailand are a fraud. 

Before booking any hostels, guesthouses, volunteer programs, or tours, read customer reviews to make sure it is legitimate.

The rise in tourism in Thailand has unfortunately led to a rise in scams and illegitimate businesses that try to get money out of tourists.

Just confirm before you book anything that the business is reputable.  We recommend using Klook for Thailand.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Cultural Tips for Thailand

Here are some other travel tips for Thailand that relate specifically to the beautiful Thai culture.

Feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Thai culture.

You’ll have to remove your shoes whenever you enter temples, people’s homes, spas, and other establishments, so wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. 

The head is considered the holiest part of the body, so you should never touch someone’s head.

It seems unlikely that you would touch someone’s head anyway, but just be aware that it is seen as disrespectful so try to avoid that. 

When entering temples, you have to abide by the dress code.

In addition to removing your shoes, you have to wear clothes that cover your knees, shoulders, chest and stomach. 

There is no strict dress code for everyday life, but Thais do tend to dress modestly.

Respect their way of life by covering up a bit more.

You are perfectly fine wearing shorts and T-shirts when it is hot out, just try to hide areas like cleavage and the midriff so you seem a bit more aware of Thai modesty.

Before taking a photo of someone, ask for their permission.

If you see a local wearing a traditional garment or a monk praying in a temple, this can be a beautiful image to capture.

Thais are usually very friendly, so if you ask for a photo they will most likely oblige. 

If you need more help with this, check out our guide to travel photography tips for beginners .

Thais love their king. You’ll find posters, monuments, emblems, and other displays of affection with the king’s face plastered on them.

All that this means for travellers is to respect monarchy and never say anything negative or offensive about the king. 

Be prepared to see lots of ladyboys…or not see them.

Ladyboys are Thai men who dress up as women, and sometimes they do it so well that you would never even notice the difference.

You can attend a cabaret show to see the ladyboys performing their hearts out, or you can just wander through the streets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai and try to spot them in the crowds. 

Bargaining for goods at street markets is a huge part of travelling to Thailand.

Definitely give it a try, but always be respectful and don’t bargain too low.

See what the original price is, and slowly try and lower the cost.

Generally speaking, half of the original price is as low as you should go. Anything lower than that may offend the vendor.

If you are buying something handmade or truly unique and special, just pay the full price as your money will benefit the local artist and community.

READ MORE: Know what to bring with you with our Thailand packing list.

Budget Travel Tips for Thailand 

I get it, you’re trying to save money when you travel. We all are. Luckily Southeast Asia is the perfect place to travel on a budget.

So here are some budget-specific travel tips for your Thailand itinerary.

Keep in mind, the local Thailand currency is the Thai Baht.

Generally speaking, northern Thailand is cheaper than the south.

Besides popular cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, there aren’t many tourist destinations in the north of Thailand so the prices haven’t been hiked up.

If you are really trying to stretch your money to last a long time, consider spending more time exploring northern Thailand than the south. 

Check out our lists of the best things to do in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai !

Staying in hostels will be cheaper than staying in hotels.

This Thailand travel tip can actually apply to any country, but you’ll find hostels in Thailand to cost as little as 6 USD per night.

On average, hostels cost between 10 and 15 USD per night.

Thailand is such an affordable destination that even nice hotels can be cheap, but you’ll save the most money by staying in hostels. 

Eat local street food whenever possible! Thailand has some amazing food, and the locals know how to cook it the best.

Pad thai, spring rolls, curries, mango and sticky rice, all these essential Thai food dishes you can find in the street.

Definitely treat yourself to a few nice Thai restaurants, but you’ll find that the street food tastes the same, if not better than the expensive stuff.

Do trust your judgment though. If you have a sensitive stomach, maybe skip the meat and seafood and eat safer street food, like noodles and fruits. 

Drink responsibly to save money. Partying and buying lots of drinks in bars or clubs always adds up quicker than we’d like to think.

If you’re on a tight budget, limit your drinking to a few beers a week and you’ll save a lot.

Also be on the lookout for happy hours so you can get discounted drinks, or consider buying some drinks from the liquor store for cheaper prices. 

Consider just cutting down on drinking in general if you want to save the most money; you’ll also have a clearer head and fewer hangovers so you can enjoy exploring even more.

Compare different forms of transportation to find the cheapest option.

Thailand has an extensive network of travel options.

For travelling short distances you can take a tuk-tuk, rent a motorbike, or hop into a songtaew (red pickup trucks that serve as shared taxis).

For travelling long distances, you can take buses, minivans, trains, or planes.

One transport option isn’t always cheaper than the others, so ask around, do some research, and try to find the cheapest option before you travel. 

I recommend you start off by using 12Go.asia as a guide. You’ll often find the best price here, but do your research.

If you plan on flying around the country, choose budget airlines like Nok Air, Lion Air, Air Asia, Vietjet, Orient Thai, or Thai Smile.

Any of these reputable airlines can get you across the country quickly and cheaply.

They fly into popular cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and more.

Because budget airlines are so cheap, they often charge extra for other things like food, drinks, and bags.

To save the most money, pack your own food and water, and keep your bags to carry-on size. 

Health Tips for Thailand Travel

It’s important to stay healthy when you travel, and a trip to Thailand is no exception.

Always have travel insurance for your travel itineraries.

You never know what will happen abroad, especially if you are taking part in more extreme activities like riding motorbikes, hiking mountains in national parks, cliff-jumping, and doing water sports.

Even if you don’t plan on doing crazy sports, you still want to be covered in case you get sick. 

READ MORE: Check out this post if you need more reasons to purchase travel insurance.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

Visit your doctor at home before you visit Thailand. Ask them if they recommend taking any medications or if you need any vaccinations before you go. 

The tap water is not safe for drinking in Thailand.

Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill at drinking water stations, or bring your own filter so you can always have clean water.

You can buy bottled water during your trip to Thailand, but try to reduce your plastic waste whenever possible!

Always wear sunscreen. Whether you are on the beach, in the city or in the mountains and national parks, whether it is sunny or cloudy, just wear sunscreen to be safe.

The sun is so strong in Thailand, so you are always at risk of burning, no matter what skin type you have.

You may want to bring your own sunscreen from home, as the prices are quite expensive in Thailand. 

Also, wear sunglasses and a hat whenever possible.

READ MORE: Plan your trip with our 1,2 and 3 week Thailand itineraries .

Safety Tips for Travelling in Thailand

Thailand is overall a very safe country for tourists.

Just use common sense and street smarts and you shouldn’t have any problems. 

The biggest crime for tourists to encounter in Thailand is just petty theft. Most of it will occur in touristy cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

To keep your belongings safe, lock your stuff in a safe or locker at your accommodation and try not to bring too many valuables out with you while exploring.

Only take as much money as you think you’ll need, and avoid wearing flashy jewellery or expensive watches as it makes you a target for pickpockets.

Carry your belongings in a secure bag that you can always have a hand or an eye on, especially when walking through large crowds. 

Also, try to keep your baggage safe when travelling on local buses.

Especially on overnight buses or when your bags are thrown up onto the roof of the bus, lock everything up and keep your most important items on your person in a smaller handbag. 

Try to avoid walking around alone at night. This is common knowledge, but it is so true.

Stick with a group and don’t stray too far from the touristy areas unless you are very familiar with the area.

If you’re travelling alone, you’ll be fine to sightsee during the day or check out touristy areas at night on your own.

But if you plan on straying off the beaten path, try to find a travel buddy in your hostel to accompany you, especially at night. 

Drivers in Thailand can be insane to say the least.

Sometimes road traffic doesn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason, and some locals drive super fast.

You’ll see about 10 people on motorbikes in one lane, all packed close together and whipping around corners.

It is a bit scary, so always pick reputable bus companies so you know you are safe on the road. 

If you plan on driving in Thailand, either in a rental car or on a motorbike, be very careful at all times!

Like I said, local drivers can be crazy so always be aware of them and make sure you drive carefully.

On a motorbike, always wear your helmet. 

What NOT to Do in Thailand

Now for some tips for how to act, or more importantly how NOT to act, in Thailand.

These are some of the most important things to know before you go travelling in Thailand.

Do not use your feet for anything except for walking.

As mentioned earlier, the feet are the dirtiest part of the body and doing anything out of the ordinary with your feet is considered disrespectful.

That means no putting your feet up on seats, no pointing at things with your feet, and no pushing or moving things with your feet.

Keep them pointed away from people, or under your body and out of sight. 

There are lots of companies that exploit animals for tourism, which is a sad and horrible reality.

Elephants’ spines are made to carry lots of weight underneath them, not above them.

That means riding elephants puts lots of stress on their bodies and can be extremely harmful.

Some elephant sanctuaries rescue elephants and keep them in a safe environment.

Here, you can visit with the elephants, photograph them, and observe them without harming them.

So if you are eager to see Asian elephants in their natural habitat, always do your research to ensure you are choosing an ethical tour company, and never book a tour that allows you to ride the elephants. 

Let me say it again. DO NOT RIDE ELEPHANTS!!!!!!!!!!

Check out our complete guide to sustainable tourism .

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand, so the Buddha is highly revered by locals.

When visiting temples and statues of the Buddha, avoid taking any inappropriate or goofy photos and avoid touching the Buddha.

You are also not supposed to point your feet directly at the Buddha since the feet are considered dirty.

That is why you’ll see locals kneeling with their feet pointed behind them when praying to the Buddha. 

Especially if you are a woman, avoid touching the monks in any way.

That means no hand-shakes or hugs, and sometimes you can’t even hand them anything; you’ll have to put it on the ground first for them to pick up.

Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch women, so, therefore, women should not touch them either.

Do not put yourself in a physically higher position than a monk.

If a monk is sitting down, you should not stand next to him, but lower yourself down to his level.

The monks are some of the most highly respected people in Thailand, so they take their traditions very seriously.

In Thailand and lots of other Asian cultures, modesty and respect are very important.

Try not to attract attention to yourself in any way.

That means no screaming, yelling, arguing or fighting, and no excessive public displays of affection.

Just carry yourself in a poised and humble manner and you will blend in with the locals more. 

Do not leave your passport with any tour companies, medical centres, or scooter rental companies.

Some businesses can be sketchy, and leaving them with your most valuable travel item allows them to scam you.

Always carry a paper copy of your passport and give that to them instead.

Do not stay in Thailand longer than your visa allows.

Thais are pretty strict with their immigration rules in terms of overstaying visas.

Usually, in your passport they will write the ending date for your visa, so make sure you leave before then.

If you fall in love with the country and want to stay longer, which very well may happen, you can apply for a visa extension. 

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!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hello all – I can add a few cents from a trip to Thailand just finishing today.

If you are staying in Bangkok, the train system is really good and very cheap. You can get this directly from the airport for just a few dollars. Consider getting your hotel near a train station so you can literally just have a short walk from the station, so you will avoid being stuck in hellish traffic and also being ripped off by taxis. The train is fast, very safe, efficient and has excellent aircon. The staff were always around somewhere and invariably helpful even at a far flung place at 11pm! This was a superior experience to trains in Australia and I have used them regularly in all metro areas there so speak from extended experience.

Before you leave your country, I suggest you estimate how much money you will spend and then bring it in cash to Thailand. This is to reduce transaction costs. On the lowest level at Suvarnabhumi airport, level BL, near the ticketing area is the place with the best exchange rates. It is called HappyRich. There is a helpful guide to find this place elsewhere on the internet. The others are all total ripoffs even if they say they have the best rate in Thailand!

By using the train and getting the best currency conversion rate you will save a lot of money and time that you can now spend to enjoy yourself!

For example, let’s say you bring $5000 AUD (as I did). HappyRich gives you around 8-10% more money than the other exchanges – that’s getting up to 500 dollars extra!

Another tip in Bangkok for less hassle with travel and keeping discretionary costs down – if you must catch a cab, get the GRAB app (equivalent to Uber) – this ensures you get a quoted fare that the driver has to agree to. It is the best way to go. I still always tip around 10% myself with GRAB drivers because the cost of the ride is low and the tip too, therefore you are appreciating this honest option without being scummy with money. Even with a nice tip this will still be a LOT cheaper than dealing with taxi drivers and tuk tuk drivers – avoid them when you can!

My trip was mostly Koh Samui, with a few days each side of it in Bangkok. For Koh Samui, you can use the KLOOK application which is the “Uber” option for Koh Samui. That way, you can book your transport costs as Koh Samui taxis are expensive. For example, the standard airport taxi was 400 THB to Chaweng which is not very far! That said, it is better to pay that then get the minivan which is marginally cheaper as you might be waiting at the airport for an hour as we did!!! Not worth the 5 bucks savings. Using klook, the quoted cost of the taxi from our hotel in Lamai at 5am back to the airport was 593 THB and Lamai is a lot further out than Chaweng!

The other thing I did was to choose accommodation in a place where I was going to stay for most of the trip, to avoid any unnecessary taxis. This means you can spend the money on better accommodation instead. Much nicer!

One thing I would have done differently is to rent a car there. But you need to know in advance that to hire an insured car, the minimum time is a 3 day hire and so it is best to make your enquiries early enough. I left it too late for that. If you can use a motorbike or moped/scooter, this is an alternative. Both are preferable to using taxis.

A few ideas for Bangkok – the hop on, hop off boat on the Chao Phraya river there is very cheap and a good way to explore. It is also much better than commuting by road traffic to some big tourist attractions. One way you can get to the Sathorn pier via the train is the Saphan Taksin stop but there are others. Ignore the touts at the entrance to the pier and go straight to the tourist hop on hop off counter. Get a blue day pass.

From there you can go to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace/Wat Pho (reclining Buddha). There are some other stops like SiamICON and the last one is close to Khao San Rd. Khao San Road is not worth visiting in my opinion. Boring, pointless and a waste of time of time. The others are definitely worth it. Make sure you wear below knee shorts and a top with sleeves, otherwise you cannot enter the temples (but you can buy garments). You will need cash to go to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Also in Bangkok, I liked the Siam Paragon on the second last day of my holiday – Siam station is easy to get to and if you use trains at some point you’ll probably cross through there, so it is worth a visit. It is a very high end mall, with outstanding shopping and unexpectedly great to wander around in as a tourist. To give you an idea, there are Aston Martins, ferraris, a bentley, maseratis, various beamers, teslas, minis range rovers etc in just one small area. There’a a whole floor for technology and something I’ve never seen – a shop just for deluxe high end PC gamer rigs. Paragon is really massive and knocks the mall experience out of the park compared to what I have seen in Australia, at the same time removed any doubt about the wealth that is in Thailand now compared to 20 years ago on my last visit.

I watched a movie at the top – where there is a large plush cinema complex, also IMAX and 10 pin bowling. The food court was better than I have seen in Australia in any city. There is also the finest fresh food market I have ever seen. Just the sushi and sashimi section alone was 6 whole cabinets, there were more than a dozen types of fresh oyster from around the world, enormous live crabs, a caviar display, even salmon from Tasmania. The sheer volume and variety was awe inspiring.

I did this near the end of my holiday and it was an amazing contrast to some of the other experiences and to buy gifts. I used this to find the elusive Thai items I cannot get at home in any asian stores and the best dumpling sauces. Exchange rates were also about the same as HappyRich here, so it is a good place to do this, eg OH!Rich on the 3rd floor, but also there was a jeweler I saw with the same rates so it may be more general.

I can also recommend watching a Muay Thai fight night. I got ringside seats but it’s probably better to get the second class or club class as you are higher up and the cost difference is not justified, imo. It was crazy enough on Wednesday with the gambling thai guys going bananas and seeing some pretty brutal beatings, however international level fights are on Saturday, at least at Rajadamnern. It’s not all that easy to get to, because of the slow traffic and a bit of BS with cabs/tuk tuks, but you can get quite close to it via Sam Yot station (we used Grab on the way back from the stadium to get there) and we got there by getting off at National Stadium station, walking a bit and then getting a tuk tuk. I would probably just walk it from Sam Yot tbh, in the day and see some of the sights there as it is “old bangkok”, but if you do this it involves several changes of train which might not suit some people. If you are a drinker, it is best to preload with alcohol on the way from the station to reduce costs as on site booze is exxy. You can’t bring alcohol in. There’s some relatively cheap beer outside at half time and some cheap eats.

Another inexpensive and awesomely local day trip is to get a fairly early morning train out to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital. We got the cattle class train and it was worth the tourist novelty. The sites are revered by thais and remind me of the tomb raider games. There are several clustered together but you’ll need transport to get to several as they are not really walkable.

Again, temple rules apply for Ayutthaya – sleeves and below knee shorts, as well as entrance fees for each site. You’ll need a driver unless using a moped/scooter. Easiest to use the service at the station.

Got the “Rapid” train back, which cost a lot more and it was over an hour late! (It comes from Chiang Mai). The train station bar/restaurant chicken with fried basil leaves was surprisingly one of the finest I’ve had ever.

On Koh Samui – I really liked the VIP rarine park speed boat tour via 100 degrees east and the buggy driving tour with a Z10 buggy (best with 2 people). Neither are cheap options but you get what you pay for and if you save money elsewhere as suggested, you can now spend the money without guilt on really great things like higher grade 4 and 5 star accommodation and awesome whole day tours such as those mentioned.

I’m not sure if I can say Ko Pha Ngan was worth the trouble of staying there. If I was to do it again (which I won’t), I’d just go there for the day and get the boat back the same night back to Bang Rak (the jetty area on Koh Samui). The boat directly to Haad Rin from there is cheap and the quickest. People cry about the safety with the “Queen” boat but it was ok (with a few bumps and chorus of “ooohs” from the passengers. Book online and get there early to get a good seat. It really doesn’t matter if you are in a big line if you are not carrying much luggage. Make sure there is life jacket above your head and if there is water on your seat, guess who is getting wet when the boat is out to sea! You book via 12go asia. Do NOT get the giant ferry boat that takes 2 hours from Koh Samui and Thong Sala unless you are staying on the west side of Koh Samui (it’s 67km away from Chaweng! The taxi fee will be an atrocity, not to mention the time spent getting there and then 2 hours to Ko Pha Ngan!!!!)

Value for money for accommodation on Ko Pha Ngan was really poor and you are forced to stay 3 days! If I was to do it again, I would not stay in Haad Rin. I would stay near Thong Sala, Baan Thai or elsewhere. This was the exception to the rule about accommodation and taxis. The cost-benefit tilt is definitely to have the accommodation well away from Haad Rin. The cost of the Song Thaow “taxi” from Thong Sala is 150 THB to Haad Rin. The driver will ask for 200 THB. Up to you if you want to haggle. I did once and felt a bit mean afterwards (after all it’s just 2.50 AUD difference you are fighting over, really nothing much and not worth feeling bad about yourself!)

I would not stay on Ko Pha Ngan unless you can drive a motorbike/scooter/moped or you hire a car, because these are the best and cheapest forms of transport, particularly 2 wheel options. Taxi is not as good and much much more expensive.

The full moon party was overcast and then rained. It was pretty ordinary I thought. Over rated. But then again, I’m not in my 20s anymore.

The return speed boat late at night from the Eden party was, however, a “trip to remember” 🙂 Not for the faint hearted. It is not cheap either – 1000 THB. I heard there is a better party of this kind on Koh Tao and if I was to do it again, I’d stay on Koh Tao instead of Ko Pha Ngan. (I did a day trip snorkel and walk there and would not go out there for those things as a day trip – it is better to stay for a bit longer by the look of it)

Remember to bring at least 50SPF water resistant sunscreen if you need it (80% of UV can get through clouds even when overcast and the sunscreen costs are jacked sky high in Samui), a light wide brimmed deformable hat or at least a cap, bug spray (eg 20% DEET, the mozzies loved me!). I also brought silicon ear plug putty – for perfect sleep at night if in Bangkok near a highway.

While weed is everywhere (for now), if this is something you do, I would not take it or anything else questionable on a train. I saw some military style dudes with large dogs at times at train stations and maybe they are not just looking for durian fruit!

I also read vapes were illegal in Thailand with one blogger practically shrieking this. I’m so glad I didn’t caution a tourist I saw using one at Chaweng beach because that evening I must have been asked about 20 times do I want to buy a vape, from people with open suitcases full of them everywhere on the main beach street. Still, given this reality, there is no need to bring one if that is your thing.

One last tip – Covid is regarded as endemic. I reckon I was exposed to it within 24h of arrival as I had symptoms by day 4, used my RAT on day 5 and it lit up like a neon light. First time I’ve had it ever. It was mild – a few days of fatigue and lack of motivation and this was over in a few days except for a light post viral cough I still have at times. I saw quite a few tourists open mouth coughing and wondered if they knew what they had. Just so you know!

Thank you for these tips! I am travelling soon to Thailand and was looking for some health tips. really scared of mosquito’s bites. Any advice?

HI, thank you for the great article. I have been to Thailand many times and still amazed how much it has to offer. Great tips for anyone visiting Thailand. Thank you

OH! Great insights I am a Thai food addict and I cook too. Whenever I think about Thailand, the first thing that comes to mind is food.

Hi thank you for all the wonderful information Haven’t travelled much but planning on going to Thailand in Nov 2023, with my boyfriend. Doing as much research as possible. I don’t wanna go in not knowing or being disrespectful I really enjoyed reading the guide and your advice just makes me a bit more excited to go! found out a piece of information Id like to look into more as well thanks so much Kayla.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner. I love traveling. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you very much for your helpful and educational tips! Adi

Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels. 🙂

Thank you for sharing the information, really enjoyed reading it.

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Thailand Travel Guide

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

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

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

There are many things to see and do in Thailand.

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

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Thailand

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

Things to See and Do in Thailand

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

Thailand Travel Guides

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

Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Ways to Get Around Thailand

Getting to thailand:.

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

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

Transportation:

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

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

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

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

When to go To Thailand

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

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

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

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

The East Coast is wet from September to December.

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Thailand

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

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

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

Thailand Accommodation Guides

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

What to Pack for Thailand

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

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

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

Pack lightweight breathable clothing.

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

Hiking boots or shoes are good for jungle and mountain treks

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

Thailand Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

20 Best Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust

The Best Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand