Thailand Travel Guides
Not only is it an amazing place to spend a vacation, Thailand is also a major hub for anyone traveling in southeast Asia. We have walked, swam, flown, and eaten our way across The Land of Smiles to bring you the best Thailand travel guides.
One of the best parts about traveling in Thailand is how traveler-friendly it is. There are so many markets and street food vendors that you will never go hungry, there are more than enough excellent hotels for any budget, and it seems like you can't walk more than two minutes without seeing a dozen taxis. And all of this is before we even begin to talk about how beautiful the country is. Lush green forests, beaches that seem to be straight out of your imagination, gorgeous blue waters, and almost year-round warm weather to seal the deal. Combine this with the vibrant culture and delicious food and you will never want to leave.
Guide Contents:
Intro
Cities
Islands​
What to Know Before Your Trip to Thailand:
Your Most Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand may be different depending on where you want to go. Generally speaking, the best time to go is between November and March. This period usually has the least amount of rain and is also before the hot season. You can still expect temperatures to get above 30°C (86°F+), so definitely pack a hat and don't forget to wear sunblock.
Be sure to check out our guides below on the different cities and islands of Thailand before planning your trip. They will help you find the best time of year to visit and make the most of your trip.
Is Thailand safe to travel?
Thailand is very safe for travelers. Many Thai people make their living by selling food, wares, or services to travelers and locals alike. Many more work in the hospitality industry at hotels and as tour guides. With such a large portion of the country's economy being built around tourism, Thailand as a whole has a very welcoming attitude towards visitors.
If you are respectful of the people and the culture and pick up after yourself, you will be welcomed to enjoy the vibrant country of Thailand. No country is 100% safe though, so listen to your instincts and do your best to avoid putting yourself in odd situations and you should have nothing to worry about.
What is the money of Thailand?
The local currency is called Thai Baht (abbreviated THB). You can find the current exchange rate on many sites, but we like to use XE Currency because their site is easy to use and they also have a handy app.
Will my cell phone work in Thailand?
These days almost all cell phone carriers will have some sort of international plan. Some are definitely better than others, but go to your cell carrier's local branch or call in to ask about international coverage. You should be able to get yourself coverage before you even leave for your trip. If your carrier does not offer this service, or is too expensive, getting a prepaid plan while in Thailand is very easy.
If you want to buy a local sim card for your trip, the most popular Thai cell carriers are AIS, DTAC, and True. All three have similar coverage throughout most visited parts of the country, but if you do plan on spending lots of time in rural areas you will need to do some research. If this is the case, chances are you already know someone local or have a guide, so definitely ask them for advice.
You can find mobile carrier kiosks at the airport or at local shopping centers like Tesco Lotus and Big C. You will also find them at most shopping malls such as Terminal 21 or Siam Paragon in Bangkok. Buying at the airport is easiest because the employees will almost certainly speak some English, prices should not be inflated, and you will be ready to go from the second you leave the airport.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Expect to pay around 300 baht a month for a basic prepaid sim to upwards of 1,000 baht for more advanced plans. Keep in mind that using your cell plan to make phone calls is not common, so you will see very low minutes on every plan. Almost everyone in Thailand uses WhatsApp, Line, or some other form of data to make calls - so minutes are not really necessary. You will most likely need your passport to sign up for a prepaid plan, so don't forget it if you plan to buy locally.
Do I need a Visa for Thailand?
Yes and no. Some might need a visa to visit, but the good news is that some of you already have one and many of you don't need one. Many countries are either visa exempt or have a visa-on-arrival program with Thailand. If you are from one of these countries, this means that you get your visa or entry stamp as you go through Thai immigration at the airport. Check with your country's Thai Embassy or with the Thai Immigration Bureau website to see what countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival or are visa exempt. If you do need a visa, the application process is easy and can be done online, but can take a few weeks so be sure to plan ahead. Most visas/entry stamps are good for anywhere between two weeks and 30 days, so do your homework to know how long you have and don't overstay. You will be fined and potentially issued a temporary ban from coming back. Check out our Complete Thailand Visa Guide for more information on applying for visas and ways to extend your stay.
What are the airports in Thailand?
Thailand's major international airports are:
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Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Phuket - Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Boat Noodles (Guay Teow Rua / Nam Tok)
Do I need to bring a power adapter to Thailand?
Thailand runs on 220v/50Hz power with two styles of plug, North American and Two-prong Round. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter because you will see both plug types commonly used throughout the country. If you have old or niche devices, you may also need a power converter to adapt the voltage from 220v to ~110v. The good news is that many modern electronics, including laptop and cell phone chargers, already have built-in power converters. Check the labels on your plug/box for something like "AC Input: 100-240v" meaning it should work between those ranges.
Is the water in Thailand safe to drink?
The water in Thailand is not dangerous, but depending on where you drink it, can make some people a little ill - usually this takes the form of stomach problems the next day. Because of this it is best to play it safe and drink bottled or filtered water. Most restaurants only offer bottled water so you shouldn't have to worry about where you will get something to drink, but if you like to find food that is off the beaten path or are taking a day trip out of the city, you will want to bring your own.
How much will I spend in Thailand?
How much you spend is entirely up to you. Whether you want to live in luxury or experience the backpacker lifestyle, these prices will help you plan your travel budget while in Thailand:
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Food: Street food will cost anywhere from 20-60 Baht on average, while a standard Thai restaurant dinner may be from 60-120 Baht per plate. Western food is more expensive and you can expect to pay 150-250+ Baht per plate.
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Drinks: Beer is usually around 60 Baht for a small bottle or 100 Baht for a large bottle. Cocktails can cost between 200-500 Baht, and if you do find yourself at a nice club or resort bar, you can expect to pay the same prices for drinks as you would almost everywhere else in the world.
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Accommodation: Your personal taste is the biggest factor here. Hostels and dorm-style living will be up to a few hundred Baht/night. A 4 star hotel will cost between 1,000 and 3,000 Baht, depending on how nice it is and where you want to stay. Luxury hotels start around 4,000 Baht/night and after that the sky is the limit.
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Travel: Domestic trips in Thailand are amazingly affordable. Flying almost anywhere within the country usually ranges from 1,000-3,000 Baht and a bus ticket to anywhere should not cost more than 600 Baht. If you are traveling as a group you can also charter a minivan for as cheap as a couple hundred Baht per person. Important note - If you plan on visiting another country in the area and coming back to Thailand, don't forget to first think about if you need to apply for a re-entry visa. Those with visa-on-arrival should be able to enter without a problem, but double-check with the Thai Immigration website.
For more details on how much a trip to Thailand costs, check out our How much does it cost to go to Thailand? guide where we break down all the costs and give some example budgets.
How Much Money Should I Bring to Thailand?
Before you leave on your trip we recommend only changing enough money to get 3,000 Thai Baht - around $100 USD. This is more than enough to pay for a taxi to your hotel and for some food/incidentals during your first day. You don't want to bring too much with you because you will almost certainly get a better rate exchanging money in Bangkok than you could back home. If you do plan on buying anything else when you arrive, such as a tourist sim card for cell service, or are responsible for others then you will need to bring more cash. Thailand is generally very safe but you still want to be a safe and smart traveler - keep your money secure and don't reveal large amounts while in public places. Check out our guide on changing money in our Bangkok Travel Guide below to get the full low-down on buying Thai Baht after you arrive.
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We think that Bangkok is one of the greatest cities in the world. It may not have all of the attractions of Paris or New York, but attractions are not what makes it great. Bangkok is a city that takes time. A city that only reveals itself when you take the opportunity to wander and explore.
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Most tourists only spend a few days in Bangkok before they leave to the jungle or one Thailand's famous islands. If you want to really see what Bangkok has to offer, then we have the guide for you. Read about the best foods, the local favorites, and some sights that won't make it on your everyday "Top 10" list.
Truly a gem of a city, Chiang Mai is located in the far north of Thailand and is absolutely packed-full of delicious food and amazing culture. The city is also surrounded by gorgeous nature - lush forests, colorful gardens, and beautiful mountains make it a must-see destination, and the cheap prices don't hurt, either! If Bangkok's city air and hot weather are not for you, you can also experience some of the freshest air and coolest winters in all of Thailand.
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Visiting Thailand without making the trip to Chiang Mai is like making peanut butter and jelly without the peanut butter. Yeah, you can do it, but you would be missing out on such a huge part of the experience. Don't miss out on this city and don't miss our Chiang Mai Travel Guide which will help make make the most of your trip.
Krabi
Krabi province is easy to overlook when planning a trip and most tourists will only travel through as they make their way to Ao Nang or Railay beach. This is a shame because there are more than a few sights to see in this beautiful province. From the unique natural hot springs and crystal emerald pool to the grand Tiger Cave Temple atop the breathtaking limestone cliffs that shoot straight out of the earth. Our Krabi Travel Guide will help convince you that both Krabi town and Krabi province are so much more than just a step on the way to something better.
The Islands of Thailand
Close your eyes and think of a picturesque island getaway - one with beautiful beaches, blue waters, and lush forests. Now open them and make your dream a reality by checking out our guides to the stunning islands of Thailand.
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From the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, your island-hopping vacation is a lot closer than you think.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand near to the border of Cambodia, Koh Chang is an island that is quite popular with tourists. The reason why you might not have heard about it is that it can be a little harder to get to than Phuket. You also won't find any big party streets like Patong here, either. Getting to Koh Chang is a trip worth the effort because you will be rewarded with the perfect place to stay during a relaxing island-hopping vacation. Our guide for Koh Chang will take any stress out of planning for this amazing trip and help you stay in that island state-of-mind.
Koh Mak
This small island has good snorkeling, great swimming, and a few small resorts which make it a great choice for a quiet getaway. Nearby you will also find the small island of Koh Kham which has one of the most stunning white sand beaches around - it is so beautiful we actually used it on the home page of our own site! Even though it is small and feels secluded, you can still find restaurants and quiet nightlife inland if you are bored with your resort beach life. Getting here takes a little bit of work but don't let that scare you, we have all of the information you need to make it to the beautiful island paradise of Koh Mak.
Chances are you have heard of Phuket before (pronounced without the "h", think Pooket). This is Thailand's largest island and is located in the southern Andaman Sea next to the famous Phang Nga Bay. If you are looking for a beach vacation with busy night life, great food, and all of the creature comforts you are used to then look no further. Not only does Phuket have some great beaches, you can also spend your days enjoying the many local tours that take you to neighboring islands like the Koh Phi Phi or Koh Yao islands. There is also an entire island worth of city and nature to explore if you are looking for more than sand and sun. Check out our Phuket Travel Guide for everything you need to make the most of your island vacation.