Thailand: Temples, Islands, and the Best Street Food on Earth
From Bangkok’s golden spires to the Andaman’s turquoise coast. Everything you need to plan your trip.
Thailand is one of those places that ruins you for everywhere else. The food alone would be enough. Pad thai from a street cart at 2am that costs less than a coffee back home and tastes better than most restaurant meals you’ve ever had. But then you add in the temples (there are over 40,000 of them, and somehow each one is more ridiculous than the last), islands that look photoshopped, and a culture that’s genuinely welcoming rather than just politely tolerant of tourists. Bangkok is controlled chaos in the best way. Chiang Mai feels like someone built a city specifically for people who like good food and cheap massages. And the islands? Pick any one. You won’t be disappointed. This guide covers all of it.
11-12 hrs
From the UK
Nov - Feb
Best time
Thai
Main language
THB (Baht)
Currency
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See Thailand in 60 Seconds
Best Time To Visit
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.
In-depth look: Best Time to Visit Thailand: Climate Guide
What To Expect
29°C
- Temperature
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.
Worth Going? Thailand is absolutely worth visiting for its vibrant blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and affordability. From the bustling markets and ornate temples of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and the lush jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers diverse experiences for every traveller. Its world-famous cuisine, warm hospitality, and budget-friendly accommodations make it a must-visit destination that promises unforgettable memories.
Explore Thailand
From Bangkok’s temple-studded skyline to Chiang Mai’s mountain markets. Here’s everything you need.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Thailand Cost?
🎒
Backpacker
~£24/day / ~$30/day / ~€27/da
- Hostel dorms from £4.50/night / $6/night / €5/night
- Street food meals under £2 / $3 / €2.80
- Local buses and songthaews
- Free temples, beaches, and markets
🍜
Mid-Range
~£60/day / ~$75/day / ~€68/day
- Private rooms and boutique hotels
- Mix of street food and restaurants
- Domestic flights between cities
- Island tours, cooking classes, day trips
🏨
Upscale
~£130+/day / ~$165+/day / ~€150+/day
- Luxury resorts and pool villas
- Fine dining and rooftop bars
- Private boat charters and spa days
- VIP experiences and private guides
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £4.50-9 / $6-12 / €5-11 per night
- Budget guesthouse: £11-22 / $15-30 / €13-27 per night
- Beach bungalow: £6-18 / $7-22 / €6-20 per night
Mid–Luxury
- Boutique hotel: £33+ / $42+ / €38+ per night
- Resort: £65+ / $80+ / €73+ per night
- Luxury villa: £130+ / $165+ / €150+ per night
City Travel
- BTS/MRT ride: £0.40-1.30 / $0.50-1.80 / €0.45-1.70
- Songthaew: £0.20-1.10 / $0.30-1.50 / €0.30-1.40
- Grab ride (short): £1.50-4 / $2-5 / €1.80-4.50
Long Distance
- Intercity bus: £11-33 / $15-45 / €13-40
- Domestic flight: £22-55 / $30-75 / €27-68
- Sleeper train: £18-33 / $24-45 / €20-40
Eat Cheap
- Street food meal: £1.10-2.20 / $1.50-3 / €1.40-2.80
- Coffee (local): £0.90-2.60 / $1.20-3.50 / €1-3.20
- Supermarket supplies: £2-4 / $3-5 / €2.50-4.50
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: £3.30-9 / $4.50-12 / €4-11
- Rooftop bar cocktail: £6-11 / $8-15 / €7-13
- Seafood restaurant: £9-22 / $12-30 / €10-25
Budget Fun
- Temple entry: £1.10-4.40 / $1.50-6 / €1.40-5.50
- Thai cooking class: £20-44 / $27-60 / €24-55
- Night market shopping: free-£7 / free-$10 / free-€9
Big Experiences
- Island boat tour: £22-77 / $30-100 / €27-90
- Diving excursion: £33-99 / $45-135 / €40-120
- Muay Thai ringside: £11-55 / $15-75 / €13-68
10 Ways to Save Money in Thailand
💧 Water bottle — Bring a filter bottle (tap water isn’t safe here)
🍜 Fork/plate — Eat street food. Pad thai for £1.10/$1.50/€1.40.
🚶 Walking — Take free walking tours in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
🚌 Bus — Use BTS, MRT, and songthaews instead of taxis
🛏️ Bed — Hostel dorms start at £4.50/$6/€5 per night
🌙 Moon — Take overnight buses or trains to save on accommodation
🛵 Motorbike — Rent a scooter for £4.50–6.50/$6–9/€5–8 per day
📱 Phone — Use Grab instead of haggling with taxi drivers
🛕 Temple — Most temples are free or under £4.40/$6/€5.50
📅 Calendar — Visit May–October for lower prices and fewer crowds
Getting Around Thailand
Thailand’s transport is cheap, cheerful, and occasionally chaotic. Here’s how to pick the right option for every situation.
Domestic Flights
Best for covering big distances fast. Bangkok to Chiang Mai in an hour instead of twelve.
✅ Budget airlines from £22/$30/€27
✅ Fast on long routes
❌ Adds up if you’re hitting multiple cities
Motorbike/Scooter Rental
Best for islands and small towns. Total freedom for less than the price of lunch.
✅ From £4.50/$6/€5 per day
✅ Perfect for Pai, Chiang Rai, islands
❌ Need an IDP. Wear a helmet. Seriously.
BTS, MRT & City Transit
Best for getting around Bangkok. Air-conditioned, fast, and dirt cheap.
✅ Rides from £0.40/$0.50/€0.45
✅ Beats Bangkok traffic every time
❌ Only covers Bangkok’s main areas
Sleeper Trains
Best for scenic overnight travel. The Bangkok-Chiang Mai sleeper is a backpacker rite of passage.
✅ Berths from £18/$24/€20
✅ Wake up in a new city
❌ Slow. Very slow. But that’s sort of the point.
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel between cities. VIP buses are genuinely comfortable.
✅ Bangkok to Chiang Mai from £11/$15/€13
✅ Overnight options save hotel costs
❌ Bangkok to Phuket is 12-14 hours
Ferries & Long-tails
Best for island hopping. The only way to reach most of the Andaman and Gulf islands.
✅ Phi Phi from Phuket: £9-22/$12-30/€10-27
✅ Long-tail boats are an experience in themselves
❌ Rough seas in monsoon season (May-Oct)
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring one city
BTS/MRT in Bangkok, songthaew in Chiang Mai
Hitting multiple cities
Fly between them, overnight bus for shorter routes
Island hopping
Ferry + long-tail combo
Tight budget
Overnight bus or train, scooter for day trips
Quick Tips
📱
Use Grab
Cheaper and safer than negotiating with taxi drivers
🛡️
Get an IDP
Required for motorbike rental. Police fine tourists without one.
🌙
Travel Overnight
Sleeper bus or train saves a night’s accommodation
🚨
Meter First
Always ask Bangkok taxis to use the meter before getting in
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
It depends where you’re from. Citizens from 93 countries (including the UK, US, Australia, and most of the EU) can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. You used to only get 30, but they extended it. Just make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity. If you’re planning to stay longer, look into the tourist visa (TR) which gives you 60 days with an option to extend for another 30 at immigration.
Is Thailand safe for tourists?
Yes, generally very safe. Millions of tourists visit every year without any issues. The biggest risks aren’t violent crime; they’re scams (especially in tourist areas), motorbike accidents, and the occasional dodgy full moon party aftermath. Use common sense, don’t leave drinks unattended, and be careful on scooters. The Thai people are overwhelmingly friendly and helpful. It’s one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travellers.
How long do I need in Thailand?
Two weeks is the sweet spot for a first trip. That gives you enough time for Bangkok (3-4 days), Chiang Mai (3-4 days), and a beach destination like Krabi or Koh Samui (4-5 days). If you only have 10 days, cut one of those. If you have three weeks or more, you can add Pai, Koh Phangan, Ayutthaya, or explore the northeast (Isaan), which most tourists skip entirely.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February is peak season for a reason: it’s the driest and coolest weather across most of the country. That said, Thailand’s a year-round destination. The rainy season (May to October) isn’t nonstop rain. You get heavy showers for an hour or two, then sunshine. Prices drop significantly and tourist crowds thin out. For diving on the Andaman side (Phuket, Phi Phi), go November to April. For the Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Tao), it’s best February to September.
Is Thailand expensive?
No. It’s one of the most affordable countries you’ll ever visit. You can eat pad thai from a street stall for £1.10/$1.50/€1.40. A hostel dorm is £4.50/$6/€5 a night. Even mid-range travellers with private rooms and restaurant meals are looking at £60/$75/€68 per day. The only things that get expensive are domestic flights if you don’t book early and boat tours to the islands.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Yes. Thailand’s hospitals are actually excellent (Bangkok has some of the best private hospitals in Asia), but they’re not cheap without insurance. A straightforward motorbike accident can run into thousands of pounds in medical bills. And given that motorbike accidents are the single most common tourist injury in Thailand, it’s not a theoretical risk. Compare policies in our Travel Insurance section.
Is the street food safe to eat?
Mostly yes, and it’s often safer than restaurant food because you can see exactly how it’s being prepared. Look for stalls with high turnover (long queue = fresh food), where the cook is preparing everything to order, and where the cooking temperature is clearly high. Avoid anything that’s been sitting out for hours. And if a stall looks clean and busy, you’re almost certainly fine.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Don’t drink tap water in Thailand. Locals don’t either. Buy bottled water (cheap and available everywhere) or bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw or Grayl. Ice in tourist areas and restaurants is generally safe because it’s made from purified water, but if you’re at a very local spot, maybe skip it.
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