Golden temples, tropical islands, misty mountains, floating markets, and some of the best street food on the planet: Thailand has earned its place as one of the world's favorite destinations. It is easy to travel around, offers great value, and suits everyone from backpackers to families and honeymooners. This Thailand travel guide covers trip costs, the best time to visit, top destinations, hidden gems, bucket list experiences, and the practical tips you need before you go.
How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost?
Thailand suits every budget. Backpackers can get by on a few hundred US dollars a week with hostels, street food, and buses, while mid-range travelers usually spend around $700 to $1,200 a week. Luxury resorts and island villas can cost much more. To save money, travel outside peak season, eat at markets and local restaurants, and use overnight trains and buses for long journeys.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
- November to February (cool, dry season): The most comfortable weather across most of the country, ideal for Bangkok, the north, and the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi. This is peak season.
- March to May (hot season): Very hot, especially in the north and center. Beaches are still good, and Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place in mid-April.
- June to October (rainy season): Showers are often short, landscapes are green, and prices are lower. The Gulf islands, such as Koh Samui, are often drier in summer than the Andaman coast.
For a month-by-month breakdown, see the best time to visit Thailand.
Top Places to Visit in Thailand
Bangkok
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: The former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Dress modestly.
- Wat Pho: Home to a 46-meter reclining Buddha and Thailand's most famous traditional massage school.
- The Chao Phraya River: Ride the public river boats past Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
- Street food: Head to Chinatown (Yaowarat) after dark for pad thai, noodle soups, and seafood.
- Markets: Browse the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market, or take a morning trip to the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa.
Chiang Mai
- Ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain temple with views over the city.
- Explore the temples, cafés, and galleries of the walled Old City on foot or by bicycle.
- Take a Thai cooking class.
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary that does not offer rides or shows.
- Shop and eat at the Night Bazaar and the Sunday Walking Street.
Phuket
- Choose your beach, from lively Patong to quieter Kata, Karon, and Kamala.
- Take a boat or kayak trip through the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
- Wander the colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Old Phuket Town.
- Visit the 45-meter Big Buddha for views across the island.
Ayutthaya
The former royal capital, about an hour and a half north of Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of temple ruins. See the three chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, and the riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Rent a bicycle to explore.
The Phi Phi Islands
Turquoise water and towering cliffs make Phi Phi one of Thailand's most famous island groups. Hike to the viewpoint above Tonsai Village, snorkel and dive the reefs, and take a boat to Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, which is protected and closes to visitors for part of each year to let the ecosystem recover.
Hidden Gems in Thailand
- Pai: A laid-back mountain town with hot springs, waterfalls, and canyon sunsets.
- Sukhothai: Thailand's first capital, with 13th-century temple ruins best explored by bicycle.
- Railay Beach: Reachable only by boat, with limestone cliffs and world-class rock climbing.
- Koh Lipe: A small island near the Malaysian border with clear water and coral reefs.
- Mae Hong Son: A remote mountain province and the highlight of the famous Mae Hong Son Loop road trip.
Thailand Bucket List Experiences
- Spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary.
- Watch Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport, at a stadium in Bangkok.
- Join the water fights of Songkran in April. Read our guide to Songkran.
- See the sky lanterns of Yi Peng and the floating krathongs of Loy Krathong in November. Read our guide to Thailand's lantern festivals.
- Island-hop in the Andaman Sea, from Phang Nga Bay to Koh Lanta.
- Get a traditional Thai massage.
- Trek in Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak.
Thailand Travel Tips
- Entry requirements: Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism, but the permitted length of stay has changed in recent years, so check the current rules for your passport. All visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Language: Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and a smile and a polite sawasdee (hello) go a long way.
- Currency: The Thai baht (THB). Carry cash for markets and street food. ATMs charge a fixed fee per withdrawal.
- Getting around: Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok, ride-hailing apps in cities, overnight trains and buses for long distances, and domestic flights to save time. Ferries and speedboats connect the islands.
- Etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees at temples, remove your shoes before entering, never touch someone's head, and always speak respectfully about the royal family.
- Plugs: Thailand uses 220 V, and most sockets accept type A and type C plugs, sometimes also type B, F, and O. A universal adapter is the safest choice.
- Scams: Watch out for common tricks such as "closed" temples and broken taxi meters. Read our guide to Thailand tourist scams.
Stay Connected in Thailand
From ride-hailing apps to ferry tickets and maps, you will use your phone constantly. An egoViet Thailand eSIM installs before you fly and connects as soon as you land, with no roaming fees and no queue at an airport SIM kiosk. Visiting neighboring countries too? The Southeast Asia eSIM covers several destinations on one plan. Compare plans in our Thailand eSIM guide.
FAQs: Thailand Travel Guide
How many days do you need in Thailand?
Ten days to two weeks lets you see Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one island region. With one week, focus on Bangkok and either the north or the beaches.
Is Thailand safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch out for scams, take care on roads and scooters, and follow local laws.
Is Thailand expensive?
No. Thailand is good value, especially for food, transport, and accommodation outside the most popular islands.
What is the best way to get around Thailand?
Combine domestic flights for long distances with trains, buses, and ferries. In cities, use public transportation and ride-hailing apps.