Highlights
Bangkok
See the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, the giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and Wat Arun on the riverbank. Ride the Chao Phraya river boats, eat in Chinatown along Yaowarat Road and visit Chatuchak weekend market.
Chiang Mai
The north's main city has more than a hundred temples inside and around its moated old town, a large night bazaar and cooking schools. Drive or ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for views over the city.
Ayutthaya
The ruined capital of the Kingdom of Siam, an easy day trip from Bangkok by train, with temple prangs, Buddha statues and the stone Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
Sukhothai
An earlier royal capital, considered the birthplace of Thai art and script, with lotus ponds and seated Buddhas in a historical park best explored by bicycle.
Krabi and Phang Nga Bay
Limestone karsts rise from the sea around Railay, a beach reached only by boat and popular with climbers, and in Phang Nga Bay, where you can kayak into sea caves and lagoons.
Gulf islands
Ko Samui has resorts and long beaches, Ko Pha Ngan is known for its full moon parties and quieter northern coves, and Ko Tao is one of the world's most popular places to learn to dive.
Khao Sok National Park
Ancient rainforest in the south, with floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake, limestone cliffs, gibbons and hornbills, and jungle walks with guides.
Chiang Rai
Known for the dazzling white Wat Rong Khun, the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong.
Interesting facts about Thailand
- Thailand is the only country in South-East Asia that was never colonised by a European power.
- Bangkok's full ceremonial name in Thai is one of the longest place names in the world; Thais usually call the city Krung Thep.
- Thailand uses the Buddhist calendar for official purposes, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
- During Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid-April, the country's streets turn into a huge water fight.
- Thailand has strict laws against insulting the monarchy, and the royal anthem is played before films in cinemas, when people stand.
Best time to visit
November to February is the cool, dry season across most of the country and the busiest time for travel. March to May is hot, particularly in Bangkok and the north. The rainy season runs from about June to October on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and much of the mainland, with heavy but often brief downpours. The Gulf islands, such as Ko Samui, have a different pattern, with their wettest months roughly from October to December. Burning season in the north, around March and April, can bring haze.
Practical information
| Capital | Bangkok |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai baht (THB) |
| Languages | Thai |
| Plugs | Type A, B, C, O |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 191 police, 1669 ambulance, 199 fire, 1155 tourist police |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Not traditionally expected, but leaving small change or around 10 percent in tourist restaurants, and tipping guides and massage therapists, is common. |
Getting around
Bangkok has the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway and river boats, which avoid the heavy traffic. Domestic flights are frequent between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui. Overnight sleeper trains run to Chiang Mai and the south, and long-distance buses and minivans serve the rest of the country. Ferries and speedboats connect the islands. In towns, use ride-hailing apps, tuk-tuks or songthaews, and agree a price before getting into a tuk-tuk. Renting a scooter is popular, but you need a valid licence and a helmet.
Staying connected in Thailand
Mobile coverage is very good across cities, towns and the main islands, with 4G nearly everywhere and 5G in Bangkok and other large cities. Coverage can be weaker in national parks, mountain areas of the north and on some small islands, although most tourist beaches have signal. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, guesthouses and cafés. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can book a ride from the airport straight away.
See Thailand eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Thailand
- Grab: Ride-hailing, motorbike taxis and food delivery across Bangkok and most tourist areas.
- Bolt: An alternative ride-hailing app in Bangkok and several other cities.
- Google Maps: Directions, including Bangkok's BTS and MRT lines and river boats.
- LINE: The main messaging app in Thailand, used by hotels, tour operators and shops.
- Google Translate: Thai translation for menus and signs, with an offline language pack.