Asia · South-Eastern AsiaUsable guideCountry in Southeast Asia
Photo: Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Thailand (Thai: ประเทศไทย Prathet Thai or เมืองไทย Mueang Thai) is among the most visited countries on Earth, and for good reason. You can find thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue waters that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean, and food that can curl your nose hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Bustling, yet safe; cheap, and equipped with every amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beachfront backpacker hostels to some of the best luxury hotels in the world.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Thailand.
Cards and cash
e. withdrawing money via the bank counter) seems to be the most economical and reasonable way forward in Thailand, given you have the right credit card.
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Thailand and the Thais themselves don't do it.
Thai
The official language of Thailand is Thai (ภาษาไทย phaasǎa Thai). It is a tonal language, so it can be difficult for native English speakers to learn quickly, but everyone will appreciate any attempt you make.
DTAC (Tourist eSIM available)
Mobile networks
Tap water is usually not drinkable in Thailand outside of Bangkok.
Being a tropical country, Thailand has its fair share of exotic tropical diseases.
Covered in the guide
Thais generally follow Western naming conventions of a given name followed by a family name.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital, known among the Thai as Krung Thep
a historical city, UNESCO World Heritage Site and old capital of Siam (full name is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
de facto capital of Northern Thailand and the heart of Lanna culture
gateway to the Golden Triangle, ethnic minorities and mountain treks
the largest city in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border, and home to an eclectic mix of Southern Thais, Thai-Chinese and Malay Muslims
home of the Bridge over the River Kwai and numerous World War II museums
largest city of the Isaan region, also known as Khorat.
one of the main tourist destinations, known for its wild nightlife
one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand
take a night time Jeep safari spotting deer or visit the spectacular waterfalls
once a quiet island, now undergoing major tourism development
small island in the middle of Tarutao National Park, with great reefs and beaches
site of the famous Full Moon Party with miles of quiet coastline
the nearest island beach escape from Bangkok
comfortable, nature, and entertainment hippie mecca gone upmarket
beach and water sports mecca in the south, includes Ao Nang, Rai Leh, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Lanta
Places in Thailand on the World Heritage List.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Listed 1991
Ban Chiang
Listed 1992
Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
Listed 1991
Si Thep historical park
Listed 2023
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
Listed 2005
Wat Phra Mahathat
Listed 2026
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
Listed 1991
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Listed 1991
Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex
Listed 2021
Phra Ratchawang Boran
Listed 1991
Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period
Listed 2024
Historic City of Ayutthaya
Listed 1991
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Chiang Mai, the remains of ancient kingdoms, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle.
The great northeast region, sharing many cultural traits with neighbouring Laos. Get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand, mouthwatering food, and some magnificent Khmer ruins.
Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand.
Beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok, like Pattaya, Ko Samet and Ko Chang.
Lush rainforest and hundreds of kilometres of coastline and beguiling islands in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots. Also the heart of Islam and Malay culture in Thailand.
Public transport and paid services in Thailand.
By train
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has a 4,000-km network covering most of the country, from Chiang Mai in the north all the way to (and beyond) the Malaysian border in the south.
By bus
Buses travel throughout the country and the government's bus company BKS (บขส Baw Kaw Saw), known in English simply as the Transport Company, has a terminal in every province of any size.
By songthaew
A songthaew (สองแถว) is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back, one on either side — hence the name, which means "two rows" in Thai.
By minivan
Minivan services are ubiquitous, although under the radar as minivans typically are anonymous grey Toyota vans with no company markings.
By boat
One of the Thais' many names for themselves is jao naam, the Water Lords, and from the river expresses of Bangkok to the fishing trawlers of Phuket, boats remain an indispensable way of getting…
By plane
If sitting in a bus for 11 hours is not your idea of a fun time, you may well want to consider domestic flights, which can whisk you from Bangkok to anywhere in the country in an hour.
By ride hailing
The main ride hailing app is Grab, which took over Uber's former South-east Asian operations, including that of Thailand. Grab is generally available in larger cities and beach destinations.
By tuk-tuk
The name tuk-tuk is used to describe a wide variety of small/lightweight vehicles.
By taxi
Metered taxis are ubiquitous in Bangkok and starting to become more popular in Chiang Mai, but rare elsewhere in the country.
By road
Thailand's roads are head and shoulders above those of its neighbors Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, and have seen major improvements since the late 2010s.
By motorbike
As is the case throughout virtually all of Southeast Asia, motorcycles (motosai) are the most common form of transport overall; the most popular type are the 100 cc-125 cc step-through models.
By rental car
Driving your own car in Thailand is not for the faint-hearted, and many rental companies can supply drivers at a very reasonable price.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Thailand.
Finding apps for Thailand…
Other ways to travel:By thumb
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Bangkok · International · BKK
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Bangkok
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 31° | 33° | 33° | 34° | 32° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° |
| Avg. low | 22° | 24° | 25° | 27° | 27° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 23° | 21° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 21 | 16 | 51 | 72 | 152 | 152 | 152 | 155 | 251 | 221 | 49 | 10 |
| Humidity | 67% | 66% | 69% | 70% | 76% | 79% | 80% | 80% | 83% | 84% | 80% | 72% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$100
Per person, per day
Luxury
$260
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $55 | $155 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
—
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precaution in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Thailand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our Travel Guidance for Thailand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Exercise Increased Caution near the Thai-Cambodian border due to the risk of armed conflict. Exercise Increased Caution in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces due to the risk of unrest.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Thailand-Malaysia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border: Pattani Province Yala Province Narathiwat Province The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia. See Safety and security . Thailand-Cambodia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the land border with Cambodia. Fighting occurred along parts of the border in July 2025, and further clashes took place in early December, involving rocket and artillery fire. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain suspended. Tourist sites close to the border, including the Khao Phra Wihan Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom Tamone Thom temple, are closed. There are unexploded landmines in the area. Travel to affected border regions should be avoided. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Severe Flooding Severe flooding is affecting parts of Thailand following heavy rainfall in a number of provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas. Travel…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Thailand.
ItinerariesFrom Bangkok grand palaces to misty Chiang Mai temples and Krabi limestone cliffs, discover the ultimate beginner itinerary across Thailand.
7 min read
Travel tipsBreak down real accommodation, dining, domestic flights, and tour costs for a 7-day Thailand holiday across backpacker, midrange, and luxury budgets.
6 min read
InspirationCompare Phuket and Krabi across beaches, accommodation costs, nightlife, island hopping, and transit to choose the ideal Andaman holiday destination.
6 min read
InspirationCompare Bali and Phuket across beaches, food scenes, culture, nightlife, accommodation costs, and transit to pick the best Southeast Asian holiday.
6 min read
Travel tipsWhat a comfortable day really costs in Vietnam, northern Thailand, Nepal, Colombia and India, with private rooms, good food and local transport.
7 min read
Food & drinkFive cities worth planning a whole trip around for the food, with the dishes to order, what they cost and how to eat like a local.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.
