South-Eastern Asia
South-Eastern AsiaThailandTravel guide
- Bangkok
- Ayutthaya
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Hat Yai
- Kanchanaburi
Thailand has tropical beaches, green jungle, historic temples and lively cities. Travellers can find simple guesthouses, luxury hotels and a wide choice of food.
Why go
Visit Buddhist temples, known as wats, in towns and villages across the country.
Explore beaches and islands by ferry or longtail boat.
Try curries, noodles, fresh fish and food cooked at street stalls.
Browse night markets for clothing, Thai silk and handicrafts.
Best time to go: November to February is usually cooler and drier, but flights and rooms can be harder to find around major holidays. Ko Samui and the Central Gulf Coast have a different pattern, with the dry peak season from May to October.
Getting there
By air
- Bangkok and Phuket are the main airports for long-distance international flights. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport serves most full-service airlines, while Don Mueang mainly serves low-cost airlines.
- Hat Yai, Krabi, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai also have international airports. Most international flights there come from other Southeast Asian countries.
- Some winter flights from Europe to Phuket and Krabi can usually be booked only through a travel agency as part of a package.
By land
- The source reports that all six international crossings with Cambodia closed indefinitely after the July 2025 border conflict. This information was last updated on 24 September 2025.
- Laos has several crossings, including the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai and Vientiane. A bus also connects Vientiane with Udon Thani.
- You can travel from Malaysia and Singapore by road, although the source excludes rented vehicles. Regular buses connect Singapore with Hat Yai.
By sea
- During the November to May high season, ferries allow island travel from Phuket towards Malaysia. Ko Lipe has a Thai immigration office, and Langkawi has Malaysian immigration.
- Ferries connect Satun with Langkawi. A vehicle ferry also links Tak Bai with Pengkalan Kubur in Malaysia.
Customs
- The duty-free allowance is up to 1 litre of alcohol. For tobacco, choose one allowance: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco.
- Vapes and electronic cigarettes are illegal.
- You can generally bring a 30-day supply of prescription medicine for personal use. Narcotic medicines need advance permission from the Narcotics Control Division.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Flights can save time on long trips such as Bangkok to Phuket or Chiang Mai. Booking ahead can bring lower fares. Advertised fares may exclude taxes and large extra charges. Bring the credit card used for booking, as staff sometimes ask to see it at check-in. Some tickets combine a flight with a bus or ferry transfer. Check what the journey includes. Buy budget airline tickets directly from the airline. The source says third-party sellers do not offer cheaper Thai budget airline tickets.
Trains
State Railway of Thailand runs a network covering much of the country. Most trains are slower than buses and can be delayed, but are safer. First-class sleeping compartments have two beds and air conditioning. Book well ahead for the popular Bangkok to Chiang Mai route. Second class offers seats or sleeping berths, with or without air conditioning. Third class is cheapest and normally has fans and open windows. You can buy tickets at stations or through the official D-Ticket website and agents. Agents charge extra fees. For Bangkok departures on D-Ticket, search for Krung Thep Aphiwat station. The railway's 24-hour information line is 1690 and has English-speaking staff.
Buses
The government Transport Company, also called BKS, serves towns across the country. Its approved private operators use the same terminals and fares. The top bus class, called VIP, has fewer seats and more legroom. First-class buses offer similar services with more seats. Second-class buses make more stops, while local buses can be slow and crowded. An 'Express' bus may be slower than first or second class. Buy from public bus terminals or reputable operators. Tourist-area agencies may sell a 'VIP' ticket that turns out to be a cramped minivan. Keep valuables with you rather than in luggage stored under the bus. Earplugs can help when onboard music or television is loud.
Cars and motorbikes
Traffic drives on the left. Many main road signs are written in Thai and English. Dangerous driving, speeding and driving after drinking are common. Drive defensively and avoid or limit road travel at night. Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of visitor deaths. Wear a helmet, do not drink and take particular care on winding island roads. Hotels and other accommodation can often arrange rentals. The source gives small motorbike rentals from about 1,000 baht a week, including a helmet.
What to see and do
Buddhist temples
Nearly every town or village has a temple, called a wat. Many contain several prayer buildings, shrines and monuments.
Temple halls and towers
The wihan usually holds the main Buddha image and welcomes visitors making offerings. Bell-shaped chedis and finger-shaped prangs serve as religious monuments.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
This large market sells a wide range of goods, from clothing to antiques.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
This is one of Thailand's best-known night markets, with goods such as clothing and handicrafts.
Beaches and islands
Thailand has warm tropical water and beach destinations including Phuket, Ko Samui and Ko Tao.
Explore night markets
Markets offer shopping and often have large outdoor food courts. Compare prices before bargaining.
Food and drink
Pad Thai
Thai fried noodles, available from street stalls.
Green curry
A Thai curry shown in the source with chicken and roti.
Som tam
Papaya salad, often part of an Isaan meal with larb and sticky rice.
Larb
A meat salad featured in Isaan meals.
Street-stall meals
Stalls and small pavement restaurants are usually safe choices, especially when food is cooked in front of you. Avoid raw meat left in the sun with flies around it.
Fresh fish and stir-fries
Both are part of the wide range of food available in Thailand.
Money
Thai baht (THB, ฿); 100 satang make 1 baht.
- Carry 20 and 100 baht notes. Small shops and stalls often have little change.
- Check 1,000 baht notes for raised printing, a watermark and colour-changing ink. Counterfeit notes are not uncommon.
- Specialist money exchangers often offer better rates than banks, while hotels and guesthouses may charge high commissions.
- Money exchangers often give better rates for large, clean foreign banknotes. Banks are usually less strict about note condition.
Tipping: Tipping is not normally expected, though it is common in high-end hotels and tourist restaurants. The source advises keeping tips to no more than 50 baht and not tipping when a service charge is included.
Typical costs
- A careful backpacker budget is about 600–1,000 baht a day for basic accommodation, meals, transport and activities.
- The general budget section lists dorm beds from 250–300 baht and meals from 50–60 baht.
- Thai hotels are listed at about 500–1,500 baht per room, with tourist hotels around 1,000 baht.
- Boutique hotels start around 2,000 baht, while business and luxury hotels start around 4,000 baht.
- Bottled water costs about 5–20 baht, depending on size and brand.
- Longtail boat hire is listed at about 300–400 baht for a few hours or up to 1,500 baht for a day.
Language
- Thai is the official language, with Central Thai used as the standard.
- English is common among travel-industry front-desk staff, but ability varies elsewhere.
- Malay dialects are spoken in the Muslim-majority south.
- Chinese dialects include Teochew in Bangkok's Chinatown and Hokkien in Hat Yai.
- Eastern Isaan dialects are closely related to Lao, and northern tribal areas have many smaller language groups.
- Sawatdee
- Hello; pronounced sa-wat-dee.
- Naam plao
- Plain drinking water.
- Naam tom
- Boiled water.
- Naam khaeng
- Ice.
- Wat
- Temple.
Staying safe
- Motorcycle accidents are the main cause of visitor deaths. Wear a helmet, drive defensively, avoid alcohol and avoid night travel.
- Violent crime is generally rare, but drunken fights can lead to trouble.
- Avoid overloaded ferries and speedboats in poor weather. Locate life jackets as soon as you board.
- Possessing vapes or electronic cigarettes can lead to large fines, deportation or imprisonment.
Local customs
Do
- Be patient and encouraging when speaking with someone whose English is limited.
- Try a few Thai words; people appreciate the effort.
- Check access rules at temples. Some of the holiest prayer halls are restricted to monks on special occasions, and some are closed to women.
- Be prepared to change seats on a long-distance bus if a monk boards and you have a front seat.
Don't
- Do not step on coins or banknotes, even to stop them rolling away. They carry the King's portrait.
- Do not throw money in anger, write near the King's portrait or fold notes improperly. The source warns that disrespectful handling can have legal consequences.
- Do not feel obliged to tip when a service charge is already included.
Staying healthy
- Avoid mosquito bites with repellent, long trousers and long sleeves at dusk. Dengue fever can occur even in cities.
- Malaria is generally not a problem in major tourist destinations. It occurs in rural border areas near Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, including Ko Chang in Trat Province.
- Street food is generally safe, especially when freshly cooked in front of you. Avoid food sellers leaving raw meat in the sun with flies around it.
- Choose bottled water if unsure about the tap supply. Tap water is usually unsafe outside Bangkok, though some newer Bangkok buildings have safe supplies.
Phone and internet
- Some better guesthouses provide free wireless internet, computers or internet access in rooms.
- Internet access is less likely to be available or free in basic Thai hotels than in guesthouses.
- Bangkok Airways offers free internet access while passengers wait at the boarding gate.
Where to stay
- Inspect the room before agreeing to stay. At smaller places, ask for the agreed price in writing to prevent checkout disputes.
- Guesthouses offer basic budget rooms, while hostels are mainly found in large cities and tourist destinations. A private guesthouse room can cost about the same as a hostel dorm bed.
- Rural homestays usually mean staying in a host's home or on their property. Meals are usually included.
- Hotels range from simple Thai hotels to boutique properties and luxury resorts. Many bathrooms have showers without a curtain or door to keep the rest of the room dry.
Trips to Thailand
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Thailand
Thailand offers jungle walks, limestone climbing, wildlife reserves and warm-water diving. You can explore islands by boat or canoe, cycle through green areas near Bangkok, and walk to waterfalls near Chiang Mai. Weather varies by coast, so beach trips need more local planning.
Ko Tao diving
Scuba divingSouthern Thailand
Use Ko Tao as your base for diving. No specific operator or trip arrangements are listed.
Similan Islands diving and snorkelling
Scuba divingAndaman Seanear Khao Lak
The islands lie off Khao Lak. They are a destination for both diving and snorkelling.
- Sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate is banned in marine national parks.
Rai Leh limestone climbing
ClimbingKrabi Province
Head to the limestone cliffs at Rai Leh for rock climbing. No specific operator is listed.
Phang Nga Bay sea-canoeing
KayakingSouthern Thailand
Explore the bay by sea canoe. Boat tours are another way to see its limestone formations.
Phuket west coast surfing
SurfingPhuket
EasySurf at Phuket's west coast beaches.
- Phuket's roads can be narrow, winding and mountainous. Wear a helmet if riding a motorcycle and avoid riding at night.
- Protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Khao Yai National Park night safari
Safari
Night, for deer spottingTake a night-time Jeep safari in the national park.
Khao Sok National Park
Wildlife
Visit the national park for its natural scenery and wildlife reserve.
- Do not approach or provoke snakes. Stay still if an unfamiliar snake is nearby until it leaves.
Krabi Province beaches and islands
BeacheKrabi Province
Choose a beach stay around Ao Nang, Rai Leh, Ko Lanta or Ko Phi Phi.
- Protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Ang Thong National Marine Park diving
Scuba divingSouthern Thailand
The marine park is near Ko Samui and attracts divers.
- Do not use sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in marine national parks.
Ko Lipe diving and beaches
Scuba divingTarutao National Park
Visit Ko Lipe for diving around its reefs and time on its beaches.
- Do not use sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in marine national parks.
Monk's Trail
HikeChiang Mainear Chiang Mai
Moderate About 1 hour to Wat Pha Lat, then about 1½ hours to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Morning, to avoid heatTake a red songthaew, a shared passenger vehicle, to Chiang Mai University or Chiang Mai Zoo. Hike through the forest to Wat Pha Lat and continue uphill to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. You can also start at Doi Suthep and walk downhill.
- Cost: 100 baht
- The section above Wat Pha Lat is steeper.
- The optional Wat Anagami path is more challenging, has ropes for climbing and crosses a small stream without a bridge.
Doi Pui peak nature trail
HikeChiang Mainear Chiang Mai
Find a songthaew to Doi Pui Campsite, beyond Bhubing Palace, or walk from the palace. A sign marks the start of the loop trail.
- Bring insect repellent.
- The road to the campsite is narrow and winding.
Huay Kaew Waterfall and Natural Pools
HikeChiang Mainear Chiang Mai
About 5 minutes on foot from behind the shrineTake a tuk-tuk or taxi about 7 km from central Chiang Mai, taking roughly 10–15 minutes. Pass Chiang Mai Zoo, find the Kruba Srivichai Monument, then walk uphill through the market behind it.
- Cost: 100 baht
- The lower pools are not really large enough for swimming.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
ClimbingNorthern Thailandnear Chiang Mai
Visit Bua Tong Waterfall, about 60 km north of Chiang Mai, to climb its limestone rocks.
Khao Lak surfing
Surfingnear Khao Lak
EasyUse Khao Lak's beaches for surfing.
- Protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Ko Kradan surfing
SurfingWest coast of Trang Province
Head to Ko Kradan, off the west coast of Trang Province, for surfing.
Bang Kachao cycling
CyclingBangkok areanear Bangkok
Explore Bang Kachao by bicycle. Co van Kessel and SpiceRoads list tours to the area, also called the Bangkok Jungle.
- Cost: Co van Kessel tours: 950–1,950 baht; SpiceRoads trips: 2,950 baht. These are operator-wide prices, not a specific Bang Kachao quote.
- Knowing where to cycle matters for safety; an organised bicycle tour is one option.
Kok River bamboo rafting
RaftingChiang Mai Province to Chiang Rainear Chiang Rai
3 days and 2 nightsAsk Thaton Boat Club or Thip Travel about bamboo raft trips. The river route runs north from Thaton towards Chiang Rai.
Crouching Lion Hill caves and crossing
CaveChiang Rainear Chiang Rai
Go about 4 km west of Chiang Rai, across the Mae Kok River from Chiang Rai Beach. Walk through the hill from the southern riverside entrance to the northern roadside opening.
Boomerang Park rock climbing
ClimbingChiang Rainear Chiang Rai
Go to Boomerang Park northwest of Chiang Rai for its prepared climbing routes.
- Cost: Free
Pong Phra Bat Hot Spring
Hot springBandu, Chiang Rainear Chiang Rai
Take Highway 1 north from Chiang Rai to Bandu. Turn left just after the large market and continue about 5 km.
Pha Soet Hot Springs
Hot springChiang Rainear Chiang Rai
Follow the winding road west from Chiang Rai alongside the river for about 29 km.
Huai Hin Fon Hot Spring
Hot springMae Chan areanear Mae Chan
Travel 7.5 km west of Mae Chan. The hot spring is on the south side of the road.
Samaesan Islands technical diving
Scuba divingGulf of Thailand
Experts onlyThe islands have accessible technical dive sites. Technical diving is a specialist form of diving beyond ordinary recreational trips.
- These are deep technical dives, rather than beginner dive sites.
Thong Pha Phum National Park
More to doKanchanaburi Province
Visit the national park for its caves, waterfalls and mountain scenery.
Airports, metros and trains in Thailand
Airports with scheduled flights
- CNXChiang Mai International AirportChiang MaiMain international airport
- DMKDon Mueang International AirportBangkokMain international airport
- HDYHat Yai International AirportHat YaiMain international airport
- KBVKrabi International AirportKrabiMain international airport
- CEIMae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International AirportChiang RaiMain international airport
- HKTPhuket International AirportPhuketMain international airport
Metro and subway
- BangkokBTS Skytrain64 stations70.05 kmsince 1999
- BangkokMetropolitan Rapid Transit109 stations133 kmsince 2004
Trains
- Rail network
- 4,845 km
- Electrified
- 107 km
People and safety in Thailand
Religion
Most people are Buddhist. Mostly one faith.
- Buddhist93%
- Muslim6%
- Christian<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal and protected
- Same-sex couples can marry.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #57 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
59% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 104 of 198 countries can visit Thailand easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required91
- Visa on arrival13
- eVisa83
- Visa required11
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe40 of 46 countries
- Asia33 of 49 countries
- Americas19 of 35 countries
- Oceania7 of 14 countries
- Africa5 of 54 countries
Questions
When is the best time for a first visit?
November to February is generally cooler and drier, but busy holiday periods can make rooms and flights expensive. Ko Samui and the Central Gulf Coast usually have their dry peak season from May to October.
How much should I budget each day?
The source gives about 600–1,000 baht a day for careful budget travellers, including basic accommodation, meals and some transport and activities. Bangkok and popular islands usually need a larger budget.
Can I get help if I do not speak Thai?
Most travel-industry front-desk staff speak enough English to help, but English ability varies elsewhere. Maps showing names in both Thai and English make it easier for locals to assist.
How can I buy train tickets without booking online?
You can buy tickets at a station. Within Thailand, the railway information line is 1690 and has English-speaking staff.
Is street food safe?
Street stalls and small pavement restaurants are generally safe, especially when food is cooked in front of you. Avoid raw meat left in the sun with flies around it.
Can I drink the tap water?
Tap water is usually unsafe outside Bangkok, although some newer buildings in Bangkok have safe supplies. Bottled water is widely available for about 5–20 baht.
Should I rent a motorbike?
Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of visitor deaths, especially on winding roads in Phuket and Samui. If you ride, wear a helmet, drive defensively, avoid alcohol and avoid riding at night.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not normally expected, though it is common in high-end hotels and tourist restaurants. Do not add a tip when a service charge is already included.
Can I inspect a room before paying?
Yes; the source advises checking the room before agreeing on a price. At smaller places, ask for the price in writing and discuss refund terms before paying for a long stay.
What should I do if someone says a temple is closed?
Check at the temple's front gate yourself. Touts and drivers may falsely claim it is closed so they can take you to expensive shops.
Reviewed by @snuck