Thailand travel guide
Thailand Tourism | Thailand Guide
You're Going to Love Thailand
Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is a dream destination for its cuisine, sandy beaches, vibrant culture and welcoming people.
Thailand is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world, where you can have a fulfilling meal at a street food stall.
What to do in Thailand
1. Discover Thailand's Temples
Visit the monumental Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.
2. Visit the Markets
The floating markets are one of the top attractions in Thailand.
3. Explore Thailand's National Parks
Visit Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Behold the Natural Beauty
Take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Phi Phi Islands.
5. Take a Moment to Pause
Take a break from busy Bangkok and explore the more quiet Chiang Mai.
When to visit Thailand
If you want to get away from the hot and humid weather, the best time of year to visit Thailand is from November to March.
In April, the country commemorates Songkran, Thailand's New Year celebrations that end in a massive water fight.
How to Get to Thailand
Entry Requirements
Nationals from over sixty countries, including the United States and Europe, can enter Thailand without a visa or with a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.
Plane
International flights to Thailand arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok or Phuket International Airport.
Other smaller international airports in Chiang Mai and Ko Samui are served by flights from other destinations in Southeast Asia like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Train
Thailand is connected by railroad to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Train travel is cheap and comfortable, but more time-consuming than flying.
Car
You can enter Thailand by car from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore. However, in most cases, you're not allowed to cross the border in a rented car.
Bus
If you choose to enter Thailand by bus, keep in mind that in some situations you have to get off the bus at the immigration checkpoint and catch another bus on the other side of the border.
Boat
There are public boat connections to Thailand from Langkawi Island in Malaysia and Kawthoung in Myanmar.
Popular airports in Thailand
Popular airlines serving Thailand
Where to stay in Thailand
Small, family-owned guesthouses are the most affordable options for accommodation in Thailand. They can range from basic rooms with shared bathrooms to more high-end options with private bathrooms.
Where to stay in popular areas of Thailand
Most booked hotels in Thailand
How to Get Around Thailand
Public Transportation
Most large cities in Thailand have an excellent network of public transportation with city buses, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis. Some cities, like Bangkok, are also served by above-ground light rail trains and riverboats.
Trains
Trains in Thailand are operated by the State Railway of Thailand in four major lines: Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern. All lines connect to the capital, Bangkok.
Extras are added to the basic fare depending on the distance and the class. For example, a train trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can range from approximately ฿121 ($4) in third class to about ฿593 ($19) in first class.
Bus
Short and long-distance buses are operated by government-funded BKS. Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to get around Thailand and most towns are connected by the BKS network.
Avoid other bus options not identified as BKS that often depart from touristic locations. When in doubt about what bus to take, follow the lead of the locals.
Car
To get around by car in Thailand, you'll need an International Driver's Permit and will need to drive on the left-hand side of the road. In large cities, traffic is usually chaotic and compact all day long. In general, local drivers seem to take road rules more as an indication than something they really must follow.
Plane
Taking a domestic flight in Thailand is a popular time-saving and affordable option if you're staying in the country for a short time. Most domestic flights depart from Bangkok, while AirAsia is the local airline with the most connections.
The Cost of Living in Thailand
Eating out can range from approximately ฿40-100 ($1.40-3.30) at a street food stall to around ฿150-350 ($4.95-11.55) at a western-style restaurant. A week of groceries can cost approximately ฿400 ($13). Expect to pay between approximately ฿15-42 ($0.50-1.39) for a one-way ticket on public transportation. Pay in cash at all times and use credit cards only for higher expenses.