Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking temples, lush mountains, tropical islands, vibrant street food culture and warm hospitality. Its affordability, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it one of Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destinations, with relatively accessible visa requirements for many nationalities.

Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been formally colonised by a European power. From the turquoise waters and limestone karsts of Southern Thailand, including popular tourist destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island, to the lush mountains and extraordinary temples of the north, every region offers a different experience. Bangkok brings it all together with its bustling markets, big shopping malls, ornate temples and incredible street food scene.

Having visited Southern Thailand in the past, we recently returned to explore Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao and Bangkok together. What makes Thailand so special is how different each destination feels, from peaceful mountain escapes and cultural discoveries to tropical island adventures and the energy of the capital. It’s a country that leaves you with plenty of reasons to return and often why so many people like to visit multiple times or even settle down there.

Best time to visit

Thailand’s climate varies by region. Northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, is best visited from November to February. From February to April, seasonal burning can affect air quality and visibility.
In the south, Phuket and Krabi are generally driest from November to April, while Koh Samui experiences more rain from October to December.

Always check local weather conditions before travelling, as they can vary even within the same province

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and larger establishments, but cash is essential for street food, local markets, most restaurants, and smaller shops.

Tip: Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless you have to. SuperRich is known for competitive exchange rates, but bring smaller USD notes. In our experience at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, they wouldn’t break a US$100 note, so we couldn’t exchange just US$50.
Also check exchange timings, some of them are only open till 8:30pm incase you have a late flight.

Language

Thai is the official language of Thailand. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, hotels, and larger establishments. Even in rural areas, we found that people generally knew some English or could find someone nearby who could help us communicate.

Tip: Learn a few basic Thai phrases! Say Sawadee kha/Sawadee khrap (female/male) to say hello, and Khop khun kha (female) to say thank you. These polite expressions go a long way when interacting with locals.

Major Places to Visit

Northern Thailand: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao, Pai

Central Thailand: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi

Southern Thailand: Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park

Don’t miss: Visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai, exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and night markets, and Island hopping, experiencing the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Southern Thailand.

Must Try Food

Must-Try Food:
Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried meat with holy basil), Khao Soi (Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup), Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup), Massaman Curry (rich curry with potatoes and peanuts), Green Curry (coconut-based curry with green chillies), Mango Sticky Rice (sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk), and Thai Milk Tea (sweet, creamy tea).
Note: Thai cuisine often includes fish sauce and shrimp paste, even in vegetable-based dishes. Look out for jay food, a Thai Buddhist vegetarian tradition that excludes meat, seafood, and certain strong-smelling plants. In cities, there are places where halal options can also be found.

Getting Around

Grab & Bolt: Widely available, convenient and affordable ride-hailing apps in cities. Availability can be limited in remote areas like Chiang Dao.
Taxis: Widely available in cities. Use metered taxis or agree on the fare beforehand.
BTS & MRT(Bangkok): Best to get around Bangkok, avoiding traffic.
Songthaews: Shared affordable pickup trucks with covered seating, commonly used for short trips in places like Chiang Mai. Confirm the route and fare before boarding.
Buses & Trains: Budget-friendly options for travelling between cities and regions.
Flights: Ideal for covering long distances, especially between northern and southern Thailand.
Ferries: Connect the mainland to popular islands.
Motorbike & Car Rental: Great for exploring at your own pace and national parks/mountains. Check local requirements & arrange your International Driving Permit (IDP).

Sim Card

SIM Cards & eSIMs: Thailand’s main mobile providers are AIS and True-dtac. You can purchase tourist SIMs at most
7-Eleven stores and official provider shops, with packages offering unlimited data for 8 days from around THB399 (In 2026) Longer-duration options are also available. Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM before your trip from suppliers like Airalo.

Our Fun/Cultural Tip

We found ourselves constantly saying Sawasdee kha/khrap (hello) and Khop khun kha/khrap (thank you)! Thai people were so respectful and welcoming, and when we travelled outside the cities, we found ourselves exchanging these greetings even more frequently.

A little Thai goes a long way, and don’t worry about getting the pronunciation perfect!

“Thai massage is so deeply rooted in the country’s culture that UNESCO recognised Nuad Thai as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.“

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Top Travel FAQs: Thailand

Is Thailand safe for tourists?

Thailand is a popular destination for international travellers and is a tourist friendly country, but it is important to take normal precautions. Keep your belongings secure, use reputable tour operators, read about popular scams before, follow beach safety warnings and be particularly cautious on the roads, where motorcycle accidents are a significant risk. Check your government’s latest travel advice before departure, especially for regional security updates. Follow these basic guidelines and it’ll be as tourist friendly as any other.

How many days do you need in Thailand?

Ideally, spend 7–10 days in Thailand to explore two or three destinations, or 10–14 days or more if you want to experience Bangkok, Northern Thailand and the southern islands. The ideal length of your Thailand trip depends on your interests, travel style and how much of the country you want to see.

7 days in Thailand: If you have one week, focus on one region or combine Bangkok with one other destination. Explore Bangkok’s temples, floating markets and famous street food before heading to Chiang Mai for cultural experiences or Phuket for beaches and island excursions. It’s a good induction to the country.
10 days in Thailand: With 10 days, you can explore three destinations at a more comfortable pace. A popular Thailand itinerary is often Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a southern beach destination such as Phuket or Krabi. Allow enough time for domestic flights, airport transfers and ferry journeys if you’re visiting the islands.
14 days or more in Thailand: Two weeks gives you more flexibility to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and culture. Combine Bangkok’s vibrant city life with Northern Thailand’s mountains and temples, then unwind on the southern beaches. You could also include national parks, smaller towns or less-visited destinations for a more varied travel experience.
Our tip: Thailand is larger and more diverse than many travellers expect, so avoid cramming too many destinations into a single trip. Travel between regions can take longer than anticipated, particularly when island transfers are involved. Choose destinations that complement one another, allow time to explore at a relaxed pace, and save the rest for your next visit. People can even spend up to 30 days exploring this diverse country.

Our tip: We explored Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in just seven days. While this may feel rushed for many travellers, it only worked for us because we curated our own itinerary around the experiences we most wanted, rather than trying to tick off every major attraction. We also made sure to leave some time to relax and enjoy each destination. If you’re planning a similar Thailand trip, be realistic about travel times and prioritise what matters most to you. You can always save the rest for your next visit!

Which Places Should You Visit in Thailand for the First Time?

For a first trip to Thailand, we recommend visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai and either Krabi or Phuket. This combination offers a great introduction to Thailand, from vibrant city life and ancient temples to incredible food, tropical beaches and island adventures. You can choose this based on your fligt situation.

Bangkok: Experience Thailand’s bustling capital, famous temples, street food, floating markets and lively neighbourhoods.
Chiang Mai: Thailand’s largest city in the north offers a slower pace of life than Bangkok, with beautiful temples, lively night markets, and easy access to scenic mountains. It’s a great place to experience Northern Thai culture while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.
Chiang Rai: An architectural feast for the eyes, Chiang Rai is home to some of Thailand’s most extraordinary temples, including the White Temple and vibrant Blue Temple. Cheap and not as touristy as the south.
Krabi: Enjoy dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and island-hopping excursions.
Phuket: Choose from a wide range of beaches, restaurants, accommodation and boat trips, making it a convenient base for exploring the Andaman Sea.
Khao Sok National Park: Venture into the rainforest for a different side of Thailand, with limestone karsts, jungle scenery and the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake.
If you have 7 days in Thailand, focus on two or three destinations. With 10–14 days, you can combine Bangkok, Northern Thailand and the southern coast at a more relaxed pace.

Our tip: We explored Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in seven days. While this is a fairly ambitious itinerary, it worked for us because we prioritised the experiences we wanted most rather than trying to tick off every attraction. We chose Bangkok as our starting point because one of us had already visited Phuket, and flying from Bangkok was a convenient way to begin our journey north. We also made sure to leave time to relax and enjoy each destination. When planning your own Thailand itinerary, consider flight routes and travel times alongside the places you want to visit to make the most of your trip.

Is Thailand cheap to visit?

Thailand is an affordable travel destination compared to many Western countries, with options for almost every budget. You can enjoy inexpensive street food, budget-friendly accommodation and affordable local transport, while luxury hotels, private tours and island resorts will cost considerably more. Northern Thailand is generally more affordable than popular beach destinations, where prices can rise during peak season. With a little planning, you can experience Thailand without spending a fortune. For us it was a very budget friendly trip, with flights being the only major expense.

Does BKK (Suvarnabhumi) airport have WiFi upon landing?

Yes, Suvarnabhumi Airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you can get online as soon as you land without needing a local SIM card. We used it to navigate our way into the city before buying a SIM card from 7-Eleven.

Are Bangkok’s Airports Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) connected to the City by Train?

Yes! Both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) are connected to Bangkok’s public transport network by rail.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): The Airport Rail Link (ARL) connects the airport to central Bangkok, with connections to the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai and the MRT subway near Makkasan.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK): The SRT Red Line connects the airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, where you can transfer to other rail services.
We used both airports while we were there and found it a convenient, affordable way to get into the city without worrying about road traffic. Just check which airport your flight uses, as the two airports are in different parts of Bangkok. You can also book a Grab if you have too much luggage.

Do Indian Passport Holders Need a Visa to Visit Thailand?

No, Indian passport holders can currently visit Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days. Before travelling, check the latest entry requirements and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arrival. The arrival card is free, so ensure you don’t fall for any scams.

Do You Need to Carry Cash in Thailand?

Yes, carrying cash in Thailand is essential, even though credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants. Thailand remains a cash-based destination in many everyday situations, particularly when visiting street food stalls, local markets, small shops and family-run restaurants. Some smaller towns and islands may also have fewer places that accept card payments, so it’s best to always have some Thai Baht (THB) on hand.
We recommend exchanging currency after you arrive in Thailand city rather than at the airport, where exchange rates are often less favourable. SuperRich is a popular currency exchange provider known for competitive rates, although rates can vary between branches and currencies. If you need to exchange eg:150$ ensure you have that exact amount of USD, cause if you present $200 they will exchange only the full amount.

Should You Rent a Car in Thailand?

Renting a car can be a great way to explore Thailand beyond its major cities, especially if you want the freedom to visit places that are harder to reach by public transport.

In the north, a car is essential for exploring areas around Chiang Mai and often necessary for places like Doi Inthanon or exploring spots in Chiang Dao as there are no ride hailing for certain remote regions. In the south, it can help you discover Phuket’s beaches and viewpoints or explore Krabi beyond the main tourist areas. However, if you’re staying in central Bangkok, you’re generally better off using public transport and ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Keep in mind that island-hopping usually involves boats, so a rental car won’t replace transfers and ferries. If you plan to drive, check Thailand’s driving licence requirements, arrange the appropriate permit in advance, and consider road conditions and the weather.