COUNTRY GUIDE

Thailand Travel Guide

Golden temples, street food and turquoise islands.

Bangkok's buzz, the northern temples, and the paradise islands of the south.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

CITIES

Cities in Thailand

Hour-by-hour plans, daily budgets and practical info ready for each.

ThailandPhuketGateway to the Andaman: coves, islands, longtail boats. ThailandBangkokStreet-food capital of the world.
PRACTICAL INFO

Before you go

When to go

November–February (dry, cool season).

Visa

Visa-free entry for a set period for many nationalities; check conditions in advance.

Money

The currency is the Baht (THB). Mostly cash; markets and boats want cash.

Transport

BTS/MRT in Bangkok; domestic flights, trains and buses; ferries to the islands.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thailand: frequently asked questions

When should I visit Thailand?
November-February is the dry and relatively cool season, the best period. March-May is very hot; June-October brings monsoon rains (not every day, but short daily showers). For an island holiday, pick the dry season.
Is Thailand cheap?
Yes, it's one of Southeast Asia's affordable countries. The mid-range daily budget is around $40-95 per person; street food is $1-2, while islands and boat tours raise the budget.
How many days should I spend in Bangkok?
2-3 days is enough for temples, markets and rooftop bars. After that, head north to Chiang Mai or south to the Phuket/Krabi islands. The classic 10-14 day route is a Bangkok + island combination.
Which scams should I watch for in Thailand?
The most common are 'helpful' people saying 'the palace is closed today, let me take you' (the route ends at a jeweller), the jet-ski 'damage' game, refusing the meter, and boarding a tuk-tuk without agreeing a price. The Grab app is safe.
How is the SIM card in Thailand?
AIS and True airport tourist SIMs are set up in minutes and very cheap; 15-day tourist packages offer unlimited data. eSIM is common too.