Thailand travel guide

Getting there

Most travellers arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports, with international flights also serving Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Samui. Land borders connect Thailand with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Best time to visit: Nov–Feb – cooler and drier across most of the country.

Tougher months: September to October – the peak of the rainy season brings heavy downpours and rough seas on the Andaman coast.

Weather by month in Bangkok

• 32°J
• 33°F
• 34°M●
• 35°A●
• 34°M●●
• 33°J●●
• 33°J●●
• 33°A●●
• 32°S●●●
• 32°O●●●
• 32°N●
• 31°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Bangkok. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 112 of 198 other passports can enter Thailand without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 86 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Thailand (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-07-07). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Thailand travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Thailand are based around Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$30–45 for a backpacker and US$80–150 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Thailand page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: A, B, C, O. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +66.

Mobile data: read the eSIM for Thailand before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Bangkok (Central Thailand · capital): A thrilling capital of royal palaces, riverside temples, street food and rooftop bars.
• Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand · culture): A relaxed, temple-filled city surrounded by mountains, perfect for cooking classes and trekking.
• Ayutthaya (Central Thailand · historic city): The atmospheric ruins of a once-mighty capital, easily reached from Bangkok.
• Sukhothai (Lower north · ancient capital): A peaceful historical park of lotus ponds and serene Buddha statues.
• Krabi (Andaman coast · beaches & cliffs): Dramatic limestone karsts, rock climbing and beaches like Railay, plus easy access to island tours.
• Koh Phi Phi (Andaman Sea · islands): Postcard-perfect bays and lively beaches, with nearby Maya Bay famous for its beauty.
• Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (Gulf of Thailand · islands): Palm-fringed beaches, from upscale retreats on Samui to the famous Full Moon Party on Phangan.
• Pai (Mae Hong Son · mountain town): A laid-back valley town loved by backpackers for hot springs, canyons and waterfalls.

Things to do

• Explore Bangkok's Grand Palace. Wander among glittering spires and the revered Emerald Buddha in the heart of the old city.
• Cruise the Chao Phraya River. Take a river boat past temples like Wat Arun as Bangkok's skyline lights up at dusk.
• Visit Ayutthaya's ruins. Cycle between crumbling brick temples and Buddha heads entwined in tree roots in the former royal capital.
• Take a Thai cooking class. Learn to make green curry, som tam and pad thai using fresh herbs from local markets.
• Island-hop the Andaman Sea. Sail among limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons around Krabi, Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.
• Experience Chiang Mai's temples. Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for views over the city and explore the moated old town's many temples.
• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Observe rescued elephants roaming freely at a sanctuary that does not offer riding or performances.
• Shop at a night market. Graze on street food, sip fresh fruit shakes and browse crafts at lively evening markets.

Source: full Thailand guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Pad thai – stir-fried rice noodles with egg and peanuts
• Tom yum goong – hot and sour shrimp soup
• Green curry – coconut curry with Thai basil
• Mango sticky rice – sweet sticky rice with fresh mango

Source: RoamSun Thailand guide

Talk

Twenty basic Thai phrases with a simple sound guide. Say them slowly; a smile does the rest.

Basic phrases: pronunciation is approximate and the list has not yet been reviewed by a native speaker. Capital letters mark the stressed syllable where that applies. Spot a mistake? Tell us.

Money and safety

Currency: Thai baht (THB). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not required; rounding up or leaving 20–100 baht is appreciated..

Emergency numbers: 191 police · 1669 ambulance · 199 fire · 1155 tourist police.

• The currency is the Thai baht; ATMs are everywhere but usually charge a fee for foreign cards, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
• Cards are accepted in malls, hotels and many restaurants, but cash is needed for street food, markets and small shops.
• Wear a helmet and have proper insurance if you ride a scooter – road accidents are a major risk for tourists.
• Be wary of common scams, such as being told an attraction is closed or being steered to gem shops.

Source: RoamSun Thailand facts