THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Overview
Thailand offers a treasure trove of experiences for every traveler.
Embark on boat tours to the stunning islands in the Andaman Sea, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi Islands. Dive into the vibrant street life of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, savoring mouth-watering cuisine and exploring magnificent traditional Buddhist temples. Discover the magic of Thailand in our comprehensive travel guide, packed with insider tips and essential information to make your journey unforgettable. Thailand offers the traveler a comprehensive holiday not seen in many destinations. It offers cheap accommodation, amazing food and beaches that rival the best in the world.
Read more below now to start your adventure!
Latest Thailand Posts
Check out some of our posts on Thailand. After living in Thailand several times of the last 18 years we have come to know many tips and strategies and what works and what doesn't. We tell you the insider info from a Thai perspective as well as a travellers.
Whether your on a budget or a luxury traveler , There is something for everyone in our posts to help you plan your next trip.
Quick Facts
Language
Thai
Currency
Thai Baht
Capital
Bangkok
Plugs
220 Volt A + B +C 50 Hz
Apps
Grab - Bolt
Climate
Tropical - Hot & Humid -Wet seasons differ
Thailand daily Budget
The chart below gives you some small idea on costs for Thailand. Use it with the thought that it's only a guide based on 2 persons per day excluding alcohol.
With most street foods 50/60 baht per meal and restaurants 100/150 its definitely doable on a budget of 1000 baht per day.
Luxury option is lower end with suitable comfortable nice rooms and taxis with 3 meals of restaurant food low end. It can go much more than this as its so diverse as far as costs go.
You may be able to survive on literally 100 baht food and buses of 10/20 baht per ride if your thrifty enough.
Hotels | Food | Transport | Average Daily | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Backpacker | 350 baht | 150 baht | 100 baht | 600 baht |
Mid range | 1000 baht | 600 baht | 500 baht | 2100 baht |
Luxury | 2000 baht | 1500 baht | 600 baht | 4100 baht |
Check out this great city guide to living expenses in all cities in Thailand
Thailand Travel Essentials
Wise Travel card & App - Fee free for currency account holders. Free ATM withdrawals each month but check the plan. Use it anywhere you can use a visa card. Currency conversion in local currency saving tons of money in fees.
Travel Insurance - If you are travelling thailand and dont have insurance then your making a mistake. Riding a bike, train,or taxi you will need it. Accidents happen when you least expect it and although Thailand is cheaper than USA for medical its still not terrible cheap and will hurt your pocket. This is a must have regardless
Esim - If you are intending to spend more than a few days in Thailand then an Esim is by far and wide the best option for contact. relying on weak hotel room WiFi is just not enough anymore as many hotels do not upgrade these services and are often poor with very weak coverage. Get an Esim and get fast internet on your phone anywhere you go.
Getting There and Away
Airports - Suwannabhumi
Suwannabhumi airport, known as bangkok airport , is the main airport in Thailand. It is the central hub to most of the worlds destination's not to mention Asia. Its the gateway with the most international airlines and the one that i used the most of international travellers. if your arriving from overseas this is the airport you will most likely come to.
Connect using the S1 bus for 60 bah or airport train at 45 baht
Airports - Don muang
Don Muang airport is the 2nd busiest airport in Thailand. Its fast becoming a well known and popular airport to travel from especially on the more budget airlines like Airasia.
Don Muang is fast becoming more and more connected to the central hub trough buses and the red MRT train lines which connect far and wide throughout bangkok.
Connect to DM from the main airport with a free shuttle as long as you have a forwarding ticket or on the Red MRT train line ir if your in Khao san road you can catch the red buses
Thai Currency
Thailand's Currency is the Thai baht. Denominations of baht comes in 20 ,50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht notes, and the coins come in 1 , 2 , 5 and 10 baht coins. The best app for exchange is the XE currency app. Make sure you download it
Where To Get Thai Money
Currency Exchange
Changing currency in Thailand is so easy. There are a myriad of currency exchange offices scattered all over the city. The best option we found is the Superrich currency exchange at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
It's probably one of the best rates in all of Thailand.
It's found on the bottom floor of Suvarnabhumi airport in the isle behind the airport train ticketing office.
Just get the elevator from the arrivals hall down to the bottom.
Walk to the sloping airport tain area and walk directly behind the counter to the end and you will see the exchange office. there are several here and seem to have the same rates as each other but check beforehand. You will need your passport
ATM - There are many different types of atms in thailand located all over the city. The main ones are with bangkok bank , Kasikorn and Siam banks.
The only issue with Thai atms is that they charge a 220 baht fee mostly to get your money out. This can soon add up so be strategic about your money management. I really recommend getting a Wise card to set up multiple currency accounts and spend without fees. The only costs are when you transfer money to those accounts.
Set up a wise account With 1 free monthly withdrawal. Multiple currencies allow you to transfer money from one currency to the next.
Zero fees when the currency you use in that country has a balance. Transfer fees are some of the lowest in the world with instant transfers most of the time
Getting Around
Trains - Buses
The best way to get around Thailand is on trains and buses. Its by far the most cheapest way to travel.
If you are arriving to bangkok airport then there are several ways to get in and out of the city.
Airport train. This takes you right into all the downtown areas where you can connect to other lines to get to almost anywhere in bangkok.
For places like phuket our getting to Patong Beach area page will have the info you need.
Buses
The main bus that services the airport leaves from the Khao san rd area. You can normally get this by Rambuttri rd called the S1. Its an orange bus that cost only 60 baht.
Taxi
These can be caught outside the two main areas. The departure and arrival areas. costs will be about 500 baht for most downtown areas.
Flights
The main airline of Thailand is Thai Air. not only do they fly within Thailand but they fly international as well. The other main airlines within Thailand are Air Asia and bangkok Airways
Our Tip
Go to the departure entrance where people leaving Bangkok are getting dropped off and most taxis will give you a better rate as they get a quick fare and need to move on straight away. Negotiating fares are part of Thailand life. Don't be shy
Accommodation
Budget:
For budget travelers or backpackers, there are plenty of places to stay with backpacker hostels or dorm room style places available ranging from 250 to 800 baht per night. Most of these often have dorm style rooms, shared kitchens, lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, and excellent locations. Be sure to take a lock for lockers. Any single rooms in this price range often does not come with a duvet except a bottom sheet.
Mid-Range:
Mid-range hotels typically cost between 1000 and 2000 baht per night. These hotels often are private rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast, although not often and sometimes an outdoor pool, some hotels may have restaurants and bars.
High-End:
Luxury hotels in Thailand range from 3,000 to 12,000 baht per night, often reaching up to 20,000 baht. Expect top-notch service, lovely furnished rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs, modern hotel furniture, rooftop pools with city views, multiple dining options, fitness centers, tennis courts, and more.
Our Tip
Most hotels in the 1-2k price range will be suffice for most people. Always read reviews to see if any problems arose. Check out local proximity and make sure there are no hidden costs
Find Your Best Hotel
Cost Of Food In Thailand
The food in Thailand is one of the biggest drawcards. Not only is the food amazing you will find the biggest abundance of any type of food anywhere in the world. Thailand is world food famous. Not only will you find food on every street and street corner but its also cheap.
The most popular dishes are Pad Thai ( pictured above ) pad Kra Pao a pork mince dish and Tom Yum Soups as well as papaya salads and the famous street food in banana pancakes.
Most of these can be had for 50 - 100 baht each.
By just walking down the street if you find any place with locals in it you know it's going to be good. Thais treasure their food and they eat it with joy.
Most main meals are only going to cost you around 100 - 150 baht.
Sure prices are going up but this is an absolute bargain getting rice and some curries for a few bucks.
When choosing the best places around bangkok to eat make sure that its busy. You dont want to eat somewhere where the food is sitting too long especially if its in the sun.
Most street carts have a high turnover but in low traffic areas you just dont know how long the chicken kebab on a stick as been sitting so always be cautious.
If you wish to eat western food then your going to pay much more money to satisfy the comforts of home and they know it by charging accordingly. with that said it is still much cheaper than home. Most burgers cost on average 250-350 baht and sometimes come with a side serving of french fries.
Our Tip
Head to one of the traveller areas like Khao San Rd to get the cheapest food or any of the markets like Chatuchak or Jodd fairs.
Cost Of Alcohol In Thailand
It's no secret that Thailand is a party destination. Alcohol is readily available anywhere even in convenience stores , however bear in mind that beer will not be served on Buddhist Holidays or between 2pm and 5pm or after midnight in any local stores.
Only restaurants are permitted to sell outside of these times although you will often find someone touting the law.
The most popular beer has to be Chang , pronounced shaang , Then comes Singha a close 2nd pronounced Sing , and then Leo beer.
Most beer comes in big bottles around 600 mls or just over a pint. The prices in 2024/25 around most tourist areas like khao San rd are around 120 baht for chang and Leo and usually about 10 baht extra for Singha but we have found several places for 100 and ONE place for 89 baht. That's right 89 baht for a big bottle of Chang. !!!!
If your downtown in the Sukhumvit rd area expect to pay much more especially in the party streets of Soi 8 and soi 11. There you can pay 120 baht for a small bottle.
If its cocktails your after than you can get all kinds at most restaurants and bars and these will set you back around 200-400 baht depending on what the cocktail ingredients are or how many shots are in them.
Wine is more expensive as most of it is imported and so expect to pay 500 baht plus even for the most awful wine. The best prices can be had at Lotus and Tops supermarkets.
Tipping
Tipping is not really a thing in Thailand but its fully appreciated when its done. Now there is one thing to remember when tipping and paying the bill.
If your waitress has been good and catered to your table often then when the bill comes either dont take the change if its small enough or leave around 20/100 baht.
Most tips are shared when you leave them in the black folder.
Our Tipping Tip
If you want top reward the waitress who helped the most give her the tip directly to her and not in the black wallet. It will go into her pocket only and will be gratefully appreciated.
What Is The Weather Really Like In Thailand
The weather in Thailand comes in all different shapes and forms. When its wet on one side its often sunny and dry on the other side. North and south have different climates also due to the subtropical or mountainous structure of thailand
Hot Season (Summer)
Period: March to May
Climate: High temperatures and humidity, with daytime temperatures often reaching 35-40°C (95-104°F).
Regions:
Central and Northern Thailand:
The heat is intense, particularly in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These areas experience very little rainfall during this period.
Southern Thailand:
While still hot, the temperatures are slightly milder due to coastal breezes.
Rainy Season (Monsoon)
Period: June to October
Climate: Frequent and heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional flooding. Temperatures range from 25-33°C (77-91°F).
Click to play
Regions:
Central and Southern Thailand:
Heavy rain is common, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. The northern region, including Chiang Mai, tends to receive more rain.
Southern Thailand:
The rainy season differs slightly between the east and west coasts. The west coast (Phuket, Krabi) experiences heavier rainfall from May to October, while the east coast (Koh Samui, Surat Thani) sees more rain from October to December.
Cool Season (Winter)
Period: November to February
Climate: Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it the most pleasant time of year. Temperatures range from 18-32°C (64-90°F).
Regions:
Central and Northern Thailand:
This season is particularly cool in the northern highlands, such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where temperatures can drop to 10-15°C (50-59°F) at night.
Southern Thailand:
The south remains warm, but the cool season is marked by pleasant weather, particularly along the coasts. This is peak tourist season for beach destinations.
Regional Climate Overview:
Northern Thailand:
Experiences more distinct seasons with cooler winters and hot summers. The region is mountainous, which can lead to cooler temperatures in the higher elevations, especially during the cool season. Chiang Mai also has a burn off season usually around february / march where many expats go to another part to get away from the smoky atmosphere.
Central Thailand:
Generally hot and humid year-round, with Bangkok often experiencing intense heat during the hot season. Rainfall is heavy during the rainy season.
Northeastern Thailand (Isaan):
Similar to Northern Thailand but with a slightly drier climate. The region is hotter during the summer and receives less rainfall compared to other regions.
Southern Thailand:
More tropical and humid year-round, with less variation in temperature. The monsoon season affects the timing of rainfall differently on the east and west coasts. The south experiences more consistent temperatures throughout the year but is influenced by monsoon patterns.
These seasonal variations and regional differences are important to consider when planning travel in Thailand, as they can significantly impact the experience and accessibility of certain destinations.
Cultures Of Thailand
The Wai: A Traditional Thai Greeting
In Thailand, the customary greeting is the wai, a gesture where one clasps their hands together in a prayer-like manner and bows slightly. Though it may appear simple, the wai carries cultural nuances, particularly regarding who it is directed towards and how it is performed. For those unfamiliar with Thai customs, it is advisable to stick to a traditional handshake and allow the Thai people to initiate the wai.
Cultural Respect: Avoid Touching Heads and Pointing Feet
In Thai culture, the head is regarded as the highest and most sacred part of the body, making it highly disrespectful to touch someone’s head. On the other hand, the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Pointing your feet at people, resting them on chairs or tables, or directing them towards a statue of Buddha is seen as offensive and should be strictly avoided. Your should also not touch anything like bags of food with your feet it is considered bad luck
The Philosophy of Sanuk: The Pursuit of Enjoyment
Thailand is often called the "Land of Smiles" due to its warm and friendly people. Central to Thai culture is the concept of sanuk, which emphasizes finding joy and satisfaction in everything you do. If someone smiles at you always smile back. It costs nothing and can go a long way. Thai people are extremely friendly and they always respect people who are friendly back. Arguing or shouting is considered rude and should not be done.
Reverence for the King
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej held a revered status in Thailand, often considered a near-deity by the people. His image is prominently displayed on currency and in homes and businesses across the nation. Following his passing in 2016, his son ascended the throne. It is important to be aware of Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws, which make any criticism of the monarchy a serious offense that can result in imprisonment. Never talk about the king in a bad way or ridicule
Thai Language basics
Thai Language can be very complex with artistic writing and sounds. here are some basics to learn while in Thailand that will go a very long way to getting smiles and appreciation from Thai people. Remember the word krup is said almost after everything for males and Ka for females as its polite.
Thai Numbers from 1 to 10
Thai Numbers from 1 to 10
หนึ่ง (Nèung)
สอง (Sŏng)
สาม (Săam)
สี่ (Sìi)
ห้า (Hâa)
หก (Hòk)
เจ็ด (Jèt)
แปด (Bpàet) sounds like ped
เก้า (Gâo)
สิบ (Sìp)
5 Basic Thai Sayings
สวัสดี (Sawasdee) - Hello
ขอบคุณ (Khop Khun khrap) - Thank you
ขอโทษ (Khor Thot) - Sorry/Excuse me
ใช่ (Chai) - Yes
ไม่ใช่ (Mai Chai) - No
10 Common Thai Words for Everyday Conversation
ครับ/ค่ะ (Khrap/Kha) - Polite particles used at the end of sentences (Khrap for males, Kha for females)
ไป (Bpai) - Go
มา (Maa) - Come
กิน (Gin) - Eat
น้ำ (Naam) - Water
ร้อน (Rorn) - Hot (temperature) R is pronounced like L
เย็น (Yen) - Cold (temperature)
ราคา (Rakaa) - Price
เท่าไหร่ (Tao Rai) - How much?
สบายดีไหม? (Sabai Dee Mai?) - How are you?
These phrases and words will help you navigate basic interactions in Thailand, making your experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Places Not To Miss
Thailand has a diverse mix of modern and cultural destinations. With each place offering different types of views and culture there are some places you should try to visit. If you cant get them all in one visit then at least come back another time.
Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, is a melting pot that blends tradition with modern. Known for its active street life, world-class shopping, and cultural heritage, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps.
The skyline is littered by temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Alongside these historical landmarks are bustling markets, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market and the floating markets, where visitors can experience the local way of life.
Bangkok is also famous for food experiences, offering everything from street food delights to fine dining. The Chao Phraya River, which flows through the heart of the city has access to many of Bangkok’s sights, including Icon Siam shopping mall. Whether exploring its ornate temples, indulging in its diverse cuisine, or enjoying its vibrant nightlife, Bangkok offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. definitely a must see place as its where you will likely enter thailand.
Chiang Mai
Nestled in the mountain parts of northern Thailand, is a cultural and historical area well known for its heritage and beautiful landscapes. Chiang Mai is also a hub for traditional crafts, with local markets and workshops showcasing intricate handicrafts, textiles, and silverwork. Beyond its cultural appeal, Chiang Mai offers an array of outdoor activities, from trekking in the jungle mountains to ethical elephant sanctuaries that promote eco tourism. CM has a cool climate, particularly during the winter months, makes it a popular destination and provides a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure for travelers.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, is a world-renowned destination celebrated for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts. Located in the Andaman Sea. Patong Beach, the island's most famous stretch of sand, is known for its lively atmosphere, water sports, and bustling entertainment options. Beyond its beaches Phuket has Karst limestone cliffs, and sites like the Big Buddha. It is also the gateway to explore the surrounding islands, including Koh Phi Phi and Similan Islands, both of which are popular for snorkeling and diving. Most popular amongst families.
Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise known for its palm lined beaches, fancy resorts, and kick-back atmosphere. As one of Thailand’s most popular island destinations, It attracts visitors with its natural beauty and a wide range of activities.
The island is home to some of Thailand's nicest beaches, including Chaweng, Lamai, and Maenam, where soft sands and clear waters create the perfect setting for relaxation and water sports.
The island is also a gateway to the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of pristine islands ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring. Koh Samui provides a well sought after escape for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Do I Need A Visa For Thailand
The visa situation in Thailand is changing constantly with the latest updates as we write this in June 2025, The thailand govt has introduced new far reaching visa rules to capture the influx of tourists that wish to flock to Thailand. In the hope of increasing tourism and to bring up the economy the govt has introduced new 60 day visa exempt entry for up to 93 countries, up from around 65.
Designed to boost tourism this makes Thailand the perfect destination for tourists wishing to stay slightly longer than 30 days. It is currently being reviewed and could possibly revert back to 30.
A new DTV - destination Thailand visa, has been introduced aimed at bringing in digital nomads who wish to work here remotely ,with each entry being 180 days and valid for 5 years.
This signals Thailand's efforts to really boost the economy and make it one of the preferred destinations in Asia. More info can be found at your local Thai Embassy or immigration office.