Thailand Travel Guide

Notable Places

Discover Thailand

Use the map to explore Thailand, or start with the capital city Bangkok.

Thailand Quick Guide

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Language: Thai
Emergency Number: 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance/medical)
Tipping: Not obligatory, but small tips (10–20 THB) are appreciated in restaurants and taxis
Fun Fact #1: Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power
Fun Fact #2: Bangkok’s full ceremonial name is the longest city name in the world
Fun Fact #3: The country is home to over 40,000 Buddhist temples

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand offers everything from luxury beach resorts in Phuket to chic hostels in Bangkok and jungle lodges in Chiang Mai. Bangkok’s Sukhumvit or Old Town areas are popular with travelers, while islands like Koh Samui or Koh Lanta cater to both backpackers and honeymooners alike.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

CHECK BOOKING.COM

Plan Where to Stay

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How to Get Around Thailand

Thailand has a wide range of transport options, especially between major cities and tourist hubs. Domestic flights are cheap and frequent, making long-distance travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the islands easy. Trains are scenic (especially the overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai) and buses connect most towns. In cities, Grab is the preferred ride-hailing app, though traditional tuk-tuks and taxis are common, just agree on a price or insist on the meter.

Ferries and speedboats link islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui. Renting a scooter is popular in smaller towns and islands, but roads can be chaotic, so caution is advised. Longtail boats are iconic and practical for short water journeys, especially in island areas or river-based cities like Ayutthaya.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Must-Visit Places in Thailand

Bangkok – Bustling capital full of temples, markets, and nightlife
Chiang Mai – Northern city known for temples, elephants, and digital nomads
Pai – Laid-back mountain town popular with backpackers and nature lovers
Ayutthaya – UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient temple ruins
Phuket – Thailand’s largest island with beaches, luxury resorts, and parties
Koh Phi Phi – Iconic island scenery and diving (made famous by The Beach)
Koh Samui – Palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, and wellness retreats
Krabi & Railay – Dramatic limestone cliffs and white sand beaches perfect for rock climbing and kayaking

Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Discover Thai Food

5 Reasons Why I Love Cooking Classes While Travelling

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Thai Food to Try

Thai cuisine is known for balancing sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors—every meal is a vibrant experience:

Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, peanuts, and tamarind sauce
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) – Spicy coconut milk-based curry with chicken, eggplant, and basil
Tom Yum Goong – Hot and sour soup with prawns, lemongrass, and chili
Som Tum – Spicy green papaya salad with lime, fish sauce, and peanuts
Massaman Curry – Rich, mildly spicy curry with potatoes, peanuts, and meat
Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet glutinous rice served with ripe mango and coconut cream
Satay – Grilled skewers of meat served with a creamy peanut sauce

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Thailand

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Experience two of Bangkok’s most iconic market scenes at the Maeklong Railway Market, and glide along the canal in a long‑tail boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Learn local trading traditions, and sample street snacks.
Ayutthaya Temples: Explore beyond Bangkok by visiting the ancient capital of Siam. Here you can visit four iconic temples, Wat Lokayasutharam (giant reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (royal complex), Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots) and Wat Chaiwatthanaram by the river.
Doi Inthanon National Park: Go beyond Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak. Trek the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail through forest, terraced rice fields and coffee plantations to a hidden cascading waterfall with a refreshing swim. Explore the twin King & Queen pagodas and browse the vibrant Hmong hill‑tribe market.
Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs: If you are staying in Krabi take a day to go inland into lush jungle. Swim in the crystalline Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon, relax in natural hot‑spring waterfalls, then tackle the ascent to Tiger Cave Temple for sweeping views over Krabi and spot ancient tiger paw prints in sacred caves.