Thailand
Welcome to “Thailand” – Your Personal Guide to the Land of Smiles
Embark on a journey with us through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Thailand. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and the lush hills of Chiang Mai, this page is your compass for navigating this diverse and captivating country.
Why Thailand? Thailand is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. It’s a country where ancient temples coexist with bustling night markets and tranquil islands lie just a boat ride away from lively cityscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into rich cultural heritage, Thailand offers it all.
Best Time To Visit
Thailand: A Land of Diverse Seasons, Each Offering Unique Charms.
Spring (March to May): Hot (30°C to 35°C). Ideal for experiencing cultural festivals like Songkran and enjoying nature, especially in the north like Chiang Mai.
Summer (June to August): Warm and wet (around 30°C). Great for beach and island visits, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, with water activities and fewer crowds.
Autumn (September to November): Cooler (25°C to 30°C) and less humid. Perfect for exploring cultural sites and natural beauty with fewer tourists, offering beautiful landscapes post-monsoon.
Winter (December to February): Cool (20°C to 30°C). Popular for city exploration in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and for northern adventures like trekking and cultural experiences in the highlands.
What To Expect
Capital: Bangkok
Population: 71.6 million (2021)
Language: The official language in Thailand is Thai.
Currency: The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. $1 is around 35 Baht. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: In Thailand’s main cities like Bangkok and Phuket, you won’t have a problem finding ATMs and most businesses will accept credit cards as a form of payment. However, if you’re planning to go shopping at the local markets, you’ll need cash to pay for your purchases. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: The plugs in Thailand are types A, B, and C. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Is Thailand safe to visit? This stellar destination is not only full of adventure — it’s also quite safe for travellers.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Thailand and reasons to visit Thailand
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Thailand
1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
Explore the stunning Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. These iconic landmarks showcase exquisite Thai architecture and are steeped in the country’s history and culture.
2. Island Hopping in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand
Discover Thailand’s famous islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao. These tropical paradises offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and relaxing in the sun.
3. Experience the Historic City of Ayutthaya
Journey to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a prosperous Siamese kingdom, now an archaeological wonder, its ruins provide a fascinating insight into Thailand’s rich history.
4. Chiang Mai's Temples and Night Markets
In the northern city of Chiang Mai, visit historic temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. In the evening, explore the vibrant night markets, particularly the famous Sunday Walking Street, where you can shop for local crafts, enjoy street food, and experience the lively atmosphere.
5. Adventure in the Jungles of Khao Sok National Park
Embark on an adventure in Khao Sok National Park, known for its dense rainforest, limestone karsts, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great place for trekking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting, including a chance to see elephants in their natural habitat.
Thailand Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 200–400 THB / £4.50–9 GBP / $6–12 / €5–11
- Hostel Private Rooms – 500–1,000 THB / £11–22 GBP / $15–30 / €13–27
- Budget Hotels – 700–1,500 THB / £15–33 GBP / $20–40 / €18–36
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 600–1,500 THB / £13–33 GBP / $18–42 / €16–38
- Airbnb Apartments – 1,500+ THB / £33+ GBP / $42+ / €38+
- Campsites & Beach Bungalows – 250–800 THB / £6–18 GBP / $7–22 / €6–20
Transportation
- Local Bus or Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck) – 10–50 THB / £0.20–1.10 GBP / $0.30–1.50 / €0.30–1.40
- Bangkok BTS or MRT (Per Ride) – 17–60 THB / £0.40–1.30 GBP / $0.50–1.80 / €0.45–1.70
- Intercity Bus (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi) – 500–1,500 THB / £11–33 GBP / $15–45 / €13–40
- Taxi (Per km, Metered in Cities) – 35–50 THB / £0.80–1.10 GBP / $1–1.50 / €0.90–1.40
- Motorbike Taxi (Short Rides) – 20–100 THB / £0.40–2.20 GBP / $0.60–3 / €0.50–2.80
- Car Rental (Per Day) – 800–1,500 THB / £18–33 GBP / $22–42 / €20–38
Food
- Budget Meal (Street Food, Local Restaurants) – 50–100 THB / £1.10–2.20 GBP / $1.50–3 / €1.40–2.80
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 150–400 THB / £3.30–9 GBP / $4.50–12 / €4–11
- Coffee (Local or Western-style) – 40–120 THB / £0.90–2.60 GBP / $1.20–3.50 / €1–3.20
- Beer (Local Bottle or Draft) – 60–150 THB / £1.30–3.30 GBP / $1.80–4.50 / €1.60–4.20
Activities
- Temple Entry (e.g., Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep) – 50–200 THB / £1.10–4.40 GBP / $1.50–6 / €1.40–5.50
- Island Boat Tours (Phi Phi, Similan, or Koh Samui) – 1,000–3,500 THB / £22–77 GBP / $30–100 / €27–90
- Diving or Snorkeling Excursions – 1,500–4,500 THB / £33–99 GBP / $45–135 / €40–120
- Thai Cooking Classes – 900–2,000 THB / £20–44 GBP / $27–60 / €24–55
- Guided Hiking & Jungle Tours – 1,000–3,000 THB / £22–66 GBP / $30–90 / €27–80
- Muay Thai Matches (Stadium Entry) – 500–2,500 THB / £11–55 GBP / $15–75 / €13–68
Thailand Suggested Budgets
🎒 Backpacker – 1,000 THB Per Day
💲 ~$30 | ~€27 | ~£24
A backpacking budget in Thailand allows you to:
- Stay in hostel dorms or budget guesthouses.
- Eat at street food stalls with meals as low as 50 THB ($1.50).
- Use public transport, songthaews (shared pickups), and motorbike taxis instead of private cars.
- Enjoy free or cheap activities, like visiting temples, exploring markets, and lounging on public beaches.
Extra Costs:
- If you drink, add 100–300 THB ($3–$9) for beers or cocktails.
- Intercity travel (overnight buses or trains) can add 400–1,000 THB ($12–$30) to your budget.
🍜 Midrange – 2,500 THB Per Day
💲 ~$75 | ~€68 | ~£60
A midrange budget gives you more comfort and flexibility:
- Stay in private rooms in hostels, boutique hotels, or budget Airbnbs.
- Eat at mid-range restaurants with a mix of street food and sit-down meals.
- Take domestic flights or comfortable long-distance buses.
- Visit national parks, temples, and cultural sites, plus enjoy boat tours or day trips. Thailand’s Best Tours.
- Enjoy drinks at rooftop bars or trendy night markets.
Extra Costs:
- Domestic flights within Thailand can cost 1,000–3,000 THB ($30–$90) depending on the route.
- Full-day guided tours, such as an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai or an island-hopping tour in Krabi, range from 1,500–3,500 THB ($45–$100).
🏨 Upscale – 5,500+ THB Per Day
💲 ~$165+ | ~€150+ | ~£130+
A luxury budget allows you to fully indulge in Thailand:
- Stay in boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or high-end Airbnbs.
- Dine at fine-dining restaurants and international eateries.
- Use private transfers, Grab Premium, or hire a driver for sightseeing.
- Join exclusive experiences, such as a private long-tail boat tour, luxury spa day, or a VIP elephant conservation experience.
- Enjoy high-end nightlife, including rooftop cocktails and beach clubs in Phuket or Bangkok.
Extra Costs:
- Private yacht or speedboat charters in Phuket or Koh Samui start at 10,000+ THB ($300+).
- Luxury train journeys (e.g., Eastern & Oriental Express) can cost 50,000+ THB ($1,500+) for multi-day trips.
Thailand Money-Saving Tips
Thailand is one of the most affordable travel destinations, but if you want to stretch your budget even further, here are some smart ways to save money while enjoying the best of the country.
1 – Bring a Water Bottle with a Filter – Tap water in Thailand isn’t safe to drink, and constantly buying bottled water adds up. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter, like LifeStraw or Grayl, can save money and reduce plastic waste.
2 – Eat Street Food – Thailand’s street food is cheap, delicious, and authentic. Dishes like pad Thai, som tam (papaya salad), and khao man gai (chicken rice) cost as little as 50 THB ($1.50) at local food stalls.
3 – Take Free Walking Tours – Many cities, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai, offer free walking tours that cover cultural and historical highlights. They’re a great way to explore for free—just remember to tip your guide.
4 – Use Public Transport – Instead of taxis or private cars, take the BTS (Skytrain), MRT (metro), local buses, and songthaews (shared pickup trucks). Fares start at 10 THB ($0.30) and are much cheaper than taxis.
5 – Stay in Hostels or Budget Guesthouses – Thailand has an amazing hostel culture, with dorm beds starting at 200 THB ($6) from Hostelworld. Guesthouses from Booking.com in smaller towns offer private rooms for under 500 THB ($15).
6 – Travel Overnight by Bus or Train – If you’re going long distances, opt for an overnight bus or train instead of a domestic flight to save on accommodation. Sleeper trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai start at 800 THB ($24).
7 – Rent a Motorbike for Cheap Transport – Renting a motorbike (200–300 THB per day / $6–$9) is a budget-friendly way to explore places like Pai, Chiang Rai, or the Thai islands. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
8 – Use Grab Instead of Taxis – Grab (Thailand’s Uber) is cheaper and safer than regular taxis, and you won’t have to haggle over prices. In Bangkok, a Grab ride can cost 50% less than a metered taxi.
9 – Visit Free or Cheap Attractions – Many of Thailand’s best experiences are free, including temples (like Wat Arun & Wat Phra Singh), national parks, markets, and public beaches. Some temple entries cost just 20–50 THB ($0.60–$1.50).
10 – Travel in the Off-Season – Visiting Thailand during May–October (rainy season) means cheaper hotels, fewer tourists, and lower prices on flights and activities. The rains are often short, so it’s still a great time to travel!
How to Get Around in Thailand
Thailand has a well-developed transport system, making it easy and affordable to travel around the country. Here’s a guide to navigating Thailand efficiently, whether you’re in Bangkok, the islands, or the northern mountains.
🚶 Walking
In major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, walking is possible but not always ideal due to heat, humidity, and chaotic traffic. However, pedestrian-friendly areas like Chiang Mai’s Old City, Hoi An Night Market, and Bangkok’s Chinatown are great for exploring on foot.
🚌 Public Transportation
- City Buses – Bangkok has an extensive bus network with fares starting at 10–30 THB ($0.30–$1). However, they can be slow due to traffic and are best for budget travelers familiar with routes.
- BTS Skytrain & MRT Metro (Bangkok) – The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, efficient, and air-conditioned, with fares from 17–60 THB ($0.50–$1.80) per ride. They are the best way to get around Bangkok.
- Songthaews (Shared Pickup Trucks) – Found in cities like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Krabi, songthaews are a cheap way to get around, with fares between 20–50 THB ($0.60–$1.50).
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
- Metered Taxis (Bangkok & Major Cities) – Fares start at 35 THB ($1), but many drivers refuse to use the meter, so always ask first. In tourist areas, be cautious of inflated prices.
- Grab (Ride-hailing App) – Grab is a safer and more reliable alternative to taxis. Prices are slightly higher than metered taxis but cheaper than negotiated fares.
- Motorbike Taxis – Found in cities and towns, motorbike taxis are great for short distances, with fares from 20–100 THB ($0.60–$3).
🛵 Motorbike & Scooter Rentals
- Renting a motorbike is one of the cheapest ways to explore Thailand, especially on islands and in smaller towns.
- Costs range from 200–300 THB ($6–$9) per day, but you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive.
- Always wear a helmet, check brakes before renting, and be mindful of road conditions—especially in busy cities or mountainous areas.
🚌 Long-Distance Buses & Sleeper Buses
Buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel between cities, with both budget and luxury options available.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 500–1,000 THB ($15–$30) (10–12 hours, overnight options available).
- Bangkok to Phuket – 700–1,500 THB ($20–$45) (12–14 hours).
- Luxury buses (e.g., VIP 24-seat buses) cost more but offer reclining seats, food, and blankets.
🚂 Trains
Thailand’s railway network is a great way to travel long distances at an affordable price.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai (Sleeper Train) – 800–1,500 THB ($24–$45) for a sleeper berth (12–14 hours).
- Bangkok to Surat Thani (Gateway to Koh Samui & Koh Phangan) – 600–1,200 THB ($18–$36).
- Trains are slower than buses but more comfortable, especially overnight sleeper trains.
✈️ Domestic Flights
If you’re short on time, domestic flights are fast and affordable. Budget airlines like Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Bangkok Airways offer cheap flights.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 1,000–2,500 THB ($30–$75) (1 hour).
- Bangkok to Phuket – 1,200–3,000 THB ($35–$90) (1.5 hours).
- Booking in advance often gets you flights for under $25!
- Use Trip.com Thailand for discounted flights!
🚗 Car Rentals
- Renting a car is best for road trips in northern Thailand, Isaan, or less-touristy areas.
- Costs start at 800–1,500 THB ($24–$45) per day, but you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Driving in Bangkok is not recommended due to heavy traffic and aggressive driving habits.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Thailand
🛳️ Ferries & Boats
If you’re heading to Thailand’s islands, ferries are the main transport option.
- Bangkok to Koh Samui (via Surat Thani ferry) – 600–1,200 THB ($18–$36).
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi – 400–1,000 THB ($12–$30) (2 hours).
- Krabi to Koh Lanta – 350–800 THB ($10–$25) (1.5 hours).
🚲 Cycling
Cycling is a great way to explore Thai islands, Chiang Mai, or Ayutthaya, but not recommended in Bangkok due to traffic. Bike rentals cost 50–150 THB ($1.50–$4.50) per day.
🚀 Final Travel Tips
- Use Grab or metered taxis to avoid getting overcharged.
- Book sleeper buses and trains in advance, especially during peak season.
- Wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, as police often fine tourists for not having one.
- Be mindful of scams, especially overpriced taxi fares and fake ticket sellers.
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