Neil Aronson Discover sights and smells that stimulate the senses around every corner in Thailand with our updated Thailand Travel Guide. Visit shining temples, marvel at ornate Buddha statues, shop at lively street markets and whizz through the streets in a tuk-tuk. While you are at it, make friends with the locals the Thai people are considered to be some of the most welcoming in the world.
Island-hop around the Thai peninsula and find beaches with gorgeous white sand, turquoise water and a dramatic backdrop of limestone karsts. Pretend your in a James Bond movie off the coast of Krabi.
In Bangkok, the charismatic capital of the country, marvel at the golden-peaked Grand Palace temple complex. Although no longer a royal residence, the palace is still used for ceremonial purposes and its stunning architecture makes it a must-see.
Visit Wat Arun, which is located on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank. Wat Arun is an ancient Temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period and considered as a Royal Temple of King Rama II, also known as King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai of the Chakri Dynasty. Its stupa was considered as one of the most beautiful and gigantic stupas in that era.
Equally as impressive and grand is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), also in Bangkok. View the famous Emerald Buddha, which is, contrary to its name, actually made from jade.
This travel guide shows you how to hike, camp and spot wildlife at the Khao Yai National Park, just 3 hours from Bangkok. A lush park filled with waterfalls, rainforest and mountains, Khao Yai offers a slice of nature and serenity in central Thailand.
On the coast of the city of Pattaya is another of Thailand’s other standout attractions: the Sanctuary of Truth, a remarkable temple constructed completely out of wood. At night, the wooden carvings are illuminated by spotlights. Or take a quick boat ride to the island of Koh Samet.
Head to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai in the north of the country, for a complete change of pace. Bathe and feed the elephants, all of whom have been rescued from captivity and rehabilitated.
Immerse yourself in the fun of Songkran, Thailand’s 3-day water festival held during April. Or head to Chiang Mai during February to witness the beautiful spectacle that is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Better yet, my favorite time is Loy Krathong/ Yi Peng Festival at the end of November.
Fly into Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and take the scenic train to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani. Buses between towns are inexpensive and frequent. Alternatively, rent a motorcycle to explore the countryside for yourself.
Whether you crave the excitement of a city break or a relaxing beach escape, Thailand can deliver. This travel guide is only the beginning. Dig deeper into local Thailand is our blog posts.
Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfillment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be.
Anthony Bourdain
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Contents:
About Thailand
There are numerous reasons why people visit Thailand, including its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, delicious food, fascinating culture, and excellent shopping opportunities. It is also an affordable destination where many tourists find that their home currency goes much further. If you are traveling from most countries in the West, you won’t believe how affordable it is compared to visiting other countries.
The military has ruled for most of the period since 1947, with a few interludes in which the country had a democratically elected government. Despite some political and social turmoil, as a tourist you won’t really notice. Every place has it’s issues.
One of the most amazing and welcoming things about Thailand is the culture and people. Generally very friendly, and welcoming to tourists. I have been married to a Thai for over 10 years and her family has taken me in like a local. If you get to know local people, they will help you out and give you local advice. If you stay at a boutique hotel or go to local coffee shops, make friends with the staff and owner.
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, and with most all of the younger generation. They are all taught it in school these days. However learning key phrases and cultural expectations is very helpful and respectful. For more travel guide info, read some our Travel Questions answered.
Visa Requirements
Besides tourist Visas, there are many types of Non-Immigrant Visas depending on your purpose and for living in Thailand. Most people will need type B (Work), Type O (Family), or Type OA (Retirement). You can stay long term in Thailand under certain Visa types. Living in Thailand by becoming a Permanent Resident can be done after the non-immigrant visa process.
Updated July 2024: Thailand will grant VISA Exemption for nationals of 93 countries and territories, up from 57 countries previously. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office for another period not exceeding 30 days. The following are the most used types of Visas other than the Visa Exemption.
VISA on Arrival (VOA)
Thailand will allow nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19 countries previously, to apply for VOA at the immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days. The VISA fee is 2,000 Baht.
Destination Thailand VISA (DTV)
Thailand is introducing a new VISA measure, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as participants of activities – Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible.
Foreigners who wish to apply for this VISA must have a proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht for the duration of stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht.
Student VISA (Non-Immigrant ED Plus)
Thailand is extending the stay for foreign students of higher education to stay for one more year after graduation. They can also find work during the extended period and, if employed locally, could change the type of VISA to Non-Immigration B without having to leave Thailand.
Popular Areas To Visit
Probably the hardest part of planning a trip to Thailand, or moving there, is deciding which areas of the country to visit. Each area and province is different and lots of people have their preference as to their favorite. The food, culture and vibes are also different depending on where you go. Everyone is looking for their own adventure depending on their personality. This travel guide will help get you a head start to your planning.
Bangkok
It’s impossible not to include Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, in any Thailand travel guide. Bangkok is an amazing and unusual city, you have to see it at least once in your life. Or if the big city scene is your thing, than make it your main destination. Year after year it keep changing and that’s why travelers love to visit it multiple times and come back to see what is different from the first time they have gone.
Bangkok is often used by travelers as a jumping off point for travel to other parts of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai in the north, or the many fantastic islands and beaches to the south. It is crowded and busy, so if peace and quiet are your thing, then move on.
Bangkok is a mix of a modern chaotic city and ancient temples, and that’s why it is so unique. If you love ancient monuments you can’t miss the Grand Palace, if you love nature you have to hike Mount Wat Saket, and if you want to see something very typical you have to go to the floating markets. And of course if you love to party and nightlife, then it is one of the most popular for that.
For major tourist attractions in Bangkok, most of them are Historical sites or religious sites such as temples in bangkok. There are also other interesting places such as palaces, museums, parks, as well as various Shopping centres in Bangkok. There are both chilling places like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sampeng Market, Yaowarat and Phahurat night market or luxury level such as many leading department stores in all areas of Bangkok as well.
The good thing about Bangkok is that it is a big city and it has so many different kinds of accommodations. If you are on a budget and you are looking for cheap hostels, in Bangkok you will find a lot of backpackers hostels, and in this case you have to stay in Khao San Road.
Bangkok is also divided up into different sections, each has different vibes and things to do. So depending on what you like, it is important to pick the right area. A couple of the most popular are Sukhumvit and Siam, which are both in the middle of the city are offer lots of things to do, plus many great mid range hotels.
If you are looking for some luxury and a unique stay and you don’t worry about budget, try to look at the Riverside area, and you will find some very beautiful hotels.
For more on Bangkok hotels and area to visit, read The Best Bangkok Thailand Areas.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has become the most popular places in Thailand for visitors over the past 15 years. Especially for expats moving to Thailand. I can understand why, my wife is from here and we call it home. It is full of historical buildings and fortified ancient walls, as well as the friendliest people in Thailand. Home to over 300 Buddhist temple, some more than 700 years old.
Located in the Northern mountain region of the country. Chiang Mai, meaning ‘New City’, was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, as the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It is the largest city in the northern region and serves as the capital of Chiang Mai Province. The population in the city is less than 200,000, however there is about 1.2 million living in the entire metropolitan area.
Because of the layout and walkability of the city, if you are staying in the city center, ‘walled city’, you can walk to everything. Or take a short tuk tuk ride, ride a bike, or take a songthaew (local bus).
The food is amazing and you can get everything from great pizza to of course local Thai Street Food. Hotels are for all budgets, from $5 hostels, to the $1,800 Four Seasons.
Nightlife and outdoor activities abound. You are also close to make amazing National Parks. If you love waterfalls, the largest in Thailand are near Chiang Mai. All these National Parks are within an hour. Read our details articles on each.
You can choose to stay inside the city walls and be at walking distance from the main attractions, of you can stay a little bit outside and have a quiet place if you want to relax and maybe work without distractions. Like Bangkok, there are different areas of the city to stay in, depending on your preference. I always recommend in Old City. Find out all the details in The Ultimate Guide To The Best Of Chiang Mai.
Three of my favorites in the Old City are:
Somwang Boutique House Small with nice outdoors and pool. Excellent walking location. Our standard room was very big. Staff is friendly. Only 2 parking spots.
MD Boutique Located on Ratvithi Rd, which is central. Close to Zoe In Yellow if you like to party. Very nice rooms, parking, and the staff was so friendly when we were recently there.
Bodhi Serene Our top pick. Incredible value for how nice it is. Great location to walk and friendly staff.
If you are looking for more peaceful mountain escapes, I would recommend the Mae Rim Area, and stay at one of my favorites shown below, Pak Ram.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is very similar to Chiang Mai, it’s just smaller. Situated Northeast about a two hour drive from Chiang Mai, near the Loas border. It’s a wonderful destination, especially to see the unique White Temple Wat Rong Kuhn. Thousands of travelers go to the city just to see the temple and take some pictures of it.
Located in the northeast corner of Thailand, it is most popular for visiting the The Golden Triangle. Which is at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, though it’s better known as the spot where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Located next to the Golden Triangle, the Hall of Opium is a small museum with an exhibition about the opium trade.
Chiang Rai Thailand is often overlooked by people visiting its neighbor Chiang Mai. Perhaps partly because it is a little bit isolated, and almost a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai. But this may give it an advantage for travelers wanting to visit Chiang Rai Thailand. As a result, there are less tourists, prices are even cheaper, and there is still plenty to do and see.
It’s not the only thing to see, Chiang Rai also has some other very nice temples like the Blue Temple, and some interesting typical markets to explore. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do such as golf, hiking, hot air balloons, and taking a boat tour up the Kok river.
A most popular attraction in the area is to visit one of the many ethnic hilltribe communities. Tours can also be arranged through Viator. Check out the beautiful countryside with this tour to Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. You’ll learn about local ethnic minority culture, see the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, meet local artisans, and more.
The city and surrounding area has something for everyone and every budget. From hostels with shared bathrooms, to the luxury on the Kok River, or the Four Season Tented Camp out in the wilderness. So all areas will have hotels of every type.
The Riverie By Katathani – Large luxury resort on the Kok River, close to temple.
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort – Large luxury resort on the Kok River.
Mora Boutique Hotel – Great option in the city center, close to everything. Walk to the Night Market, shops, restaurants. Borrow a bike and go for a ride around town.
Villa Mungkala – Colonial Villa – Bed and Breakfast hotel. Close to city center, river, temples, golf.
Baan Mai Kradan Hostel – Nice Hostel in city center. Walk to Night Market, Museums, and all other attractions.
Bura Resort – Super cool mountain retreat north of the city about 20 minutes. Close to waterfalls.
Pai
Pai is one of the most popular destinations of backpackers heading to Thailand. They usually go just for a quick visit and they end up staying there for such a long time. This is because there is so much to do but it’s also a good place to relax after traveling for a long time, so you can meet lots of long term travelers in Pai.
Pai is in the Mae Hong Soon Province of northern Thailand. It sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River. It’s known for its nearby gorges, hot springs like the Tha Pai Hot Spring and waterfalls like Mo Paeng Waterfall. Downtown, food stalls and handicraft shops line Pai Walking Street. West of town lies Baan Santichon, a traditional Chinese village with clay houses and eateries serving Yunnan cuisine.
From town, you can hike to waterfalls, wander through farms and rice terraces where the only sounds are the birds and farm animals, and bike to caves and more waterfalls.
It takes about 3-4 hours to get there from Chiang Mai on route 1095. Getting there is easy from Chiang Mai as there are lots of busses and other tour options for getting you there. 12Go is a great source for transportation in Thailand.
If you want to be close to the streets of the city and to the good restaurants in Pai, the best option is to stay close to the city center.
Agoda has the best hotel selection for Pai and the surrounding area.
In town stay at the elegant Quarter Resort, for the price of a budget hotel most everywhere else.
If you prefer a quiet place where you can really relax and maybe try some yoga, you can stay a little bit further and rent scooters to reach the village. In this way you can really enjoy the scenery on the mountains.
Phuket
For sure, Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, maybe too much. But you can’t miss this island on a trip to Thailand, it’s a place that you have to see and experience.
This most popular island province is located in the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Many people stay there for part of their trip, and hop to another nearby island or destination like Krabi.
If you are looking for beach life, this is the place to go. The good thing is that the island is quite big, and you have plenty of options in terms of beaches. And you have also a good amount of choice if you want to head to the minor islands in the surrounding area and enjoy untouched beaches.
Aside from its beaches, Phuket is also home to cultural attractions such as the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and the Old Phuket Town, where visitors can explore historical buildings, temples, and local markets. The island offers a wide range of activities for tourists, including snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, and island hopping tours to nearby destinations like Phi Phi Islands below, and James Bond Island.
Water Sports such as diving, kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and taking a boat trip are some of the more popular things to do in Phuket and the surrounding area. Viator is a great place to book these.
Phuket is good to party hard all night but also to chill and enjoy the beach. If you are looking for parties, you have to stay in Patong. If you prefer a more relaxed place you have to stay in Rawai or Kata Beach.
Krabi
Krabi is a good alternative to Phuket if you can’t stand the crowds of tourists but still want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Thailand.
It is an amazing place for outdoor sports and activities like taking a Kayak tour through Mangroves, hiking, and the many ocean activities like snorkeling and diving.
From Krabi you can take a boat and explore some amazing islands or you can go adventuring in the waterfalls and caves nearby. There is so much to do in this place, and you can’t skip it if you are visiting Thailand. Just to mention some gems, from Krabi you can visit Maya Bay beach and Phi Phi islands.
You can stay by the beach in simple guesthouses if you are on a budget, or in luxurious resorts with private beach front if you don’t worry about the price.
Rayavadee Resport is situated in the heart of Krabi’s beautiful Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park. Stay here for complete luxury.
Search Agoda for all budgets and styles.
You can even choose to stay on Phi Phi islands overnight but it could be a little bit pricey.
Koh Samui
We need to include in the list another of the most popular Thai islands, Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, making it full of things to do. But also can get crowded.
Koh Samui is located south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, not far off the coast. There are several ways to get there so you can visit these best beaches. We recommend using AirAsia if flying. Or use 12Go which has all your options, from flights with Bangkok Airways, to busses trains and boats.
This is the island to pick if you are looking for adventure. You can go hiking in the jungle, visit some temples, waterfalls, and do some fun activities like paddle boarding. Koh Samui has no shortage of things to do, being Thailand’s second largest island. Learn more about these activities on Viator.
It is most popular for its stunning best beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. It is recommended to try and go during lower tourists times. High season is January-April.
Nearby Koh Phangan Island is famous for its Full Moon Parties, which bring a lot of people, so check those dates if you either want to avoid it or join in.
The best places to stay in Koh Samui are all on the beach. It makes no sense to stay far from the beach, you are on an island and you just need to enjoy the beach vibes. Comparing to other more expensive beach destinations, you will find also cheap options in many nice guesthouses.
Different beaches are most popular for different things, such as nightlife on Chawang beach, or peace on Choeng Mon Beach. For a complete rundown, read our article. The Best Beaches and Hotels in Koh Samui.
Pattaya And Koh Samet
Pattaya is the most popular beach party location for people from Bangkok to get away for the weekend. It is located only about an hour from Bangkok. Most popular for the areas near the beach, including the famous walking street, if you are looking for the club scene and strip clubs.
Koh Samet Island is a short boat ride off the coast from Pattaya and Rayong city, which I why I am including them together. Most people want to visit each of these areas for just a few days. It is sort of like going to Las Vegas. A few days is enough!
Most of the island is protected as part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, making it clean and relatively unspoiled. This National Park is the 34th and established in 1981. You must pay the park fee to enter Koh Samet Island. 200 THB foreigner.
Koh Samet Island has some amazing beaches and lots of great restaurants and hotels right on the beach. It is also pretty much a party scene on the weekends especially. There are some secluded resorts on quiet beaches.
Belle on the boat to Koh Samet, ten years ago!
For all the beaches and places to stay on Koh Samet, we have you covered in our complete article: Koh Samet Island.
Sai Kaew beach just south of town is very popular. You can walk south all the way down to Ao Thian beach, where we stayed.
The north side, Ao Klang, is much less crowded as there are less hotels and restaurants. But if you like more peace, this is a beautiful beach, and great for swimming.
15 Of The Best Things To Do
Besides the obvious, eating and going to bars, Thailand has more things to do than anywhere I have ever been. And I have been all over the world. Whether it is cultural activities or extreme sports, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do for this travel guide.
Walk Around The City. For those of us that like to stay active and explore, most Thailand cities have great areas to walk around. It is also how you really see everything. If in Chiang Mai the Old City is a perfect place of small streets and local shops. Khao San Road or Chinatown in Bangkok, or the Walking Street In Pattaya are great places to explore.
Eat Like A Local. Eating is a way of life in Thailand, and many people day revolves around it. If you like to try new food, this is the place. Khao Soi in the north is the famous dish pictured below. And you can enjoy every experience from street food to Michelin Star restaurants. If you are craving something from home, I am sure you will find it. By the way, Chiang Mai has some of the best wood fired pizza anywhere.
Take A Cooking Class. On my first trip to Thailand by myself, I was looking for something to do. So I signed up for a cooking class in the Old City Chiang Mai, and it was so much fun. Not only do you learn about making the dishes, but they take you to the market where you learn how to shop. Viator has many options.
Visit Temples. Thailand is home to more than 33,000 temples, ranging from small shrines to massive golden complexes. Many tourists especially enjoy visiting the stunning riverside temple Wat Arun in Bangkok and the pale white temple Wat Rong Khun in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai Old City is an area where you can walk to dozens of amazing ancient ones.
Enjoy A Festival. Being in Thailand during a festival time is something to remember. People in Thailand know how to celebrate and have a good time. There are some amazing annual holidays, as well as monthly ones. See our Events Calendar for more.
Songkran in April is the Thai New Year. Loy Krathong / Yi Peng Festival in November is an incredible three days of parades, events and lanterns. Being in Chiang Mai or Bangkok during these two is a must do.
Take a Day Trip. Where ever you are staying in Thailand, I also recommend a couple day trips. If you don’t have a car, public transportation is easy, or hire a private driver or tour. It is easy to go see a nearby city or hilltribe community and learn about the local culture. Taking a day trip to a National Park is always worth it. Tours can be booked on Viator.
Visit Museums. Thailand is not all about temples, food and partying. The arts, history and cultural scene is top notch. There are great museums everywhere, but Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the most to offer. From learning about the Opium Trade in Chiang Rai, to the silk trade at the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, to the Lanna Cultural Center in Chiang Mai with it’s three museums.
Go Shopping. If you like to shop, you will love Thailand. Shop everything from high end malls like Siam Paragon (Bangkok), to local shops, to large markets carrying everything you need like the Warorot Market (Chiang Mai). The most fun are going to the street markets, that usually happen once a week in each city.
Explore National Parks. Thailand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and its national parks are a testament to that. Some of the most noteworthy ones are Doi Inthanon, Khao Sok, Erawan National Park, and Khao Yai National Park. See amazing waterfalls, hiking, camping, nature and wildlife.
Play Golf. With will over 200 courses in Thailand, golfers can enjoy amazing courses, most of which are designed by top architects. Set among the natural terrain and with cheap prices, it is a paradise for golfing. Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya area are the best. See our golf articles for details.
Take A Hike. Hiking all over Thailand’s mountains is one of the best. Too many places to list here, but check the National Parks site for lot’s of options. Doi Inthanon National Park is one of my favorites, and the high elevation makes it cooler!
White Water Rafting. White water rafting in Thailand can be a thrilling way to explore the country’s natural beauty and experience its diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rafter, there’s a river to match your adventure level. My second trip to Chiang Mai we took a trip on the Mae Taeng River. What amazing fun, however unless you are experienced, stick to the dry season. Rainy season gets crazy!
Amazing Water Sports. With warm waters in the south and crystal clear water, activities such as Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are amazing. Wind surfing and Kite Surfing are also popular. Some of the top areas are the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, and Pattaya. For expert advice on diving in Thailand check the PADI site.
Zip Line & Bungy Jumping. If heights don’t terrify you, book a zip lining tour with The Flight of the Gibbon tour group — it’s the longest operating zip line course in Thailand. The name of the course is inspired by the nearby gibbons, or small apes, which you may be lucky enough to spot while you fly high above the treetops. Especially near Chiang Mai there are other options such as Phoenix Adventure Park.
Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park. This southern Thailand park encompasses an area of 400 km², including the biggest native mangrove forests in Thailand along the mainland and many islands. The crystal clear waters of the park is an ideal place for canoeing and snorkeling, a very popular activity in the park. It is no doubt the best canoeing destination in the country. There are a good number of lagoons in various islands accessible by canoeing through sea level caves.
Getting There And Around
Getting to Thailand is easy and not too expensive. All parts of the country have International Airports, and Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north are most popular. Using Expedia to book a flight is a good option, or some people prefer to book directly on the airlines site. Inside Thailand there are regional flights daily taking you all over. Air Asia is the most popular.
Traveling around Thailand by land or air is easy, cost-effective, and comfortable. Various regional and national budget airlines offer a huge network of routes, bringing you from Bangkok to the south, west, north, northeast, or east in an hour’s time. Almost any time of the year, you can grab a deal between 1000 THB (less than 30 USD) and 1500 THB (less than 50 USD) one-way to almost any destination; even cheaper during promotion periods when Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, or Nok Air throw in the market dirt-cheap tickets.
Bus travel is the top choice for many locals and tourists alike. 12Go is the most popular booking site. A large fleet of buses of different classes operated by numerous companies can bring you literally to every corner of the country. Very often, you won’t even need connection rides. Thailand buses call to the smallest villages!
You have a wide choice of local, express, VIP, and VIP24 buses, all ranging in comfort and ticket price. If buses do not reach where you need to go or if you prefer a quicker transfer, there are minivans and tourist buses that serve the most popular routes.
Popular Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions we get and people ask on social media regarding traveling to Thailand.
Paying For Things
One of the first things we think about when traveling to a different country would be money. How much cash do I need to bring? It is always good to bring some cash, and in Thailand the money exchange places prefer new $100 bills if coming from the USA. Resist exchanging money at the airports, the rates are horrible. Local exchange places in town give you the best rates.
ATM’s and Credit Cards, no problem in Thailand. However you will be hit with fee in Thailand (about 200 baht) when you use an ATM. Check your home banks International fees and policies. Most travel credit cards will not charge you, but check first.
Wise is the best way to transfer money and get the best exchange rates. The Wise Card is an International Debit Card. Spend abroad with the real exchange rate. No markups, no sneaky transaction fees.
What if I get Sick? Medical Care
Thailand has great medical care. First rate hospitals that I have had the pleasure of attending! Pharmacies are as abundant as 7-11’s, meaning they are everywhere.
Unlike the US, Thai Pharmacies can give you many common medications you would need a prescription for in the US. Such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicine, muscle relaxers, etc. They are cheap (100-200 baht), and name brands you know.
Do not travel internationally without Travel Insurance. Unfortunately bad things can happen at any time, and for less than $2.00 a day, why not be covered.
How Is The Internet and Phone Connection?
These days this is a pretty simple question to answer. That is because Thailand has become as upgraded as any country in the world. Anywhere near cities you will be able to get great internet and phone connections. We live out in the countryside of Chom Thong, and our home wi-fi is faster than in California.
Wi-Fi is everywhere in Thailand. Any coffee shop, hotel, etc, will have free wi-fi. This is usually the route I go, and it’s usually fast. Check your home phone company, most now include basic international roaming for free.
Buy a prepaid SIM card. These can be bought everywhere, and very inexpensive. It will be hard not to pass a shop that doesn’t sell them, or at the airport. 7-11 is a popular place tourist can buy them. ESIMTHAILAND offers mobile data plans that are lowest cost but at the same time equipped with fastest speed in the world.
What About The Language Difference?
English is widely spoken throughout cities in Thailand. This is especially true in the hospitality industry and with the younger generations, where it has become compulsory in school. A recent poll suggests about 45% of the population now speaks English.
Personal Safety
Thailand is considered safe. Every country in the world has its issues and there are always certain areas to avoid. Personally I have always felt safer in Thailand and living in Malaysia than I do in the United States. Tougher crimes laws make it safer in many aspects than the west.
TIP: Lock your valuables in the safe at your hotel. Don’t carry your passport around with you. Don’t carry all your cash around. You are better off locking up these in the safe.
What Should I Pack For Thailand?
The amount of time you will be in Thailand as well as where your going, will be part of your decision. Thailand is generally warm to hot all year. In the North, it gets cooler from November-January.
We live near the northern mountains and Doi Inthanon. During those months it gets cool, meaning pants at night and maybe a sweater. If you plan to go up in some of the higher mountains such as Doi Inthanon, it can actually get cold in the winter.
Since it’s usually hot, pack light. Also if you are staying in Chiang Mai and want to save money on clothes washing, there are many local shops doing laundry by the Kilo. Just drop off a bag and pick it up later.
I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Thailand. If you have not been, it is an experience unlike any other.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.
Anthony Bourdain
