Thailand travel guide

Thailand Tourism | Thailand Guide

You're Going to Love Thailand

Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is a dream destination for its cuisine, sandy beaches, vibrant culture and welcoming people.

Thailand is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world, where you can have a fulfilling meal at a street food stall.

What to do in Thailand

1. Discover Thailand's Temples

Visit the monumental Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.

2. Visit the Markets

The floating markets are one of the top attractions in Thailand.

3. Explore Thailand's National Parks

Visit Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Behold the Natural Beauty

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Phi Phi Islands.

5. Take a Moment to Pause

Take a break from busy Bangkok and explore the more quiet Chiang Mai.

1. Discover Thailand's Temples

Visit the monumental Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.

2. Visit the Markets

The floating markets are one of the top attractions in Thailand.

3. Explore Thailand's National Parks

Visit Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Behold the Natural Beauty

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Phi Phi Islands.

5. Take a Moment to Pause

Take a break from busy Bangkok and explore the more quiet Chiang Mai.

When to visit Thailand

Thailand in May
Estimated hotel price
S$ 144
1 night at 3-star hotel
Thailand in May
Estimated hotel price
S$ 144
1 night at 3-star hotel

If you want to get away from the hot and humid weather, the best time of year to visit Thailand is from November to March.

In April, the country commemorates Songkran, Thailand's New Year celebrations that end in a massive water fight.

How to Get to Thailand

Entry Requirements

Nationals from over sixty countries, including the United States and Europe, can enter Thailand without a visa or with a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.

Plane

International flights to Thailand arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok or Phuket International Airport.

Other smaller international airports in Chiang Mai and Ko Samui are served by flights from other destinations in Southeast Asia like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Train

Thailand is connected by railroad to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Train travel is cheap and comfortable, but more time-consuming than flying.

Car

You can enter Thailand by car from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore. However, in most cases, you're not allowed to cross the border in a rented car.

Bus

If you choose to enter Thailand by bus, keep in mind that in some situations you have to get off the bus at the immigration checkpoint and catch another bus on the other side of the border.

Boat

There are public boat connections to Thailand from Langkawi Island in Malaysia and Kawthoung in Myanmar.

Entry Requirements

Nationals from over sixty countries, including the United States and Europe, can enter Thailand without a visa or with a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.

Plane

International flights to Thailand arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok or Phuket International Airport.

Other smaller international airports in Chiang Mai and Ko Samui are served by flights from other destinations in Southeast Asia like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Train

Thailand is connected by railroad to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Train travel is cheap and comfortable, but more time-consuming than flying.

Car

You can enter Thailand by car from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore. However, in most cases, you're not allowed to cross the border in a rented car.

Bus

If you choose to enter Thailand by bus, keep in mind that in some situations you have to get off the bus at the immigration checkpoint and catch another bus on the other side of the border.

Boat

There are public boat connections to Thailand from Langkawi Island in Malaysia and Kawthoung in Myanmar.

Popular airlines serving Thailand

Lufthansa
Good (7,107 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,348 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,650 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,827 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,615 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,919 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,106 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,437 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,798 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,510 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,656 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,329 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,288 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,525 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (847 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,334 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,304 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,879 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Thailand

Small, family-owned guesthouses are the most affordable options for accommodation in Thailand. They can range from basic rooms with shared bathrooms to more high-end options with private bathrooms.

Where to stay in popular areas of Thailand

Most booked hotels in Thailand

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
5 stars
Excellent (9.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 459+
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
S$ 175+
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 185+
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 168+
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 231+
Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 98+

How to Get Around Thailand

Public Transportation

Most large cities in Thailand have an excellent network of public transportation with city buses, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis. Some cities, like Bangkok, are also served by above-ground light rail trains and riverboats.

Trains

Trains in Thailand are operated by the State Railway of Thailand in four major lines: Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern. All lines connect to the capital, Bangkok.

Extras are added to the basic fare depending on the distance and the class. For example, a train trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can range from approximately ฿121 ($4) in third class to about ฿593 ($19) in first class.

Bus

Short and long-distance buses are operated by government-funded BKS. Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to get around Thailand and most towns are connected by the BKS network.

Avoid other bus options not identified as BKS that often depart from touristic locations. When in doubt about what bus to take, follow the lead of the locals.

Car

To get around by car in Thailand, you'll need an International Driver's Permit and will need to drive on the left-hand side of the road. In large cities, traffic is usually chaotic and compact all day long. In general, local drivers seem to take road rules more as an indication than something they really must follow.

Plane

Taking a domestic flight in Thailand is a popular time-saving and affordable option if you're staying in the country for a short time. Most domestic flights depart from Bangkok, while AirAsia is the local airline with the most connections.

Public Transportation

Most large cities in Thailand have an excellent network of public transportation with city buses, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis. Some cities, like Bangkok, are also served by above-ground light rail trains and riverboats.

Trains

Trains in Thailand are operated by the State Railway of Thailand in four major lines: Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern. All lines connect to the capital, Bangkok.

Extras are added to the basic fare depending on the distance and the class. For example, a train trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can range from approximately ฿121 ($4) in third class to about ฿593 ($19) in first class.

Bus

Short and long-distance buses are operated by government-funded BKS. Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to get around Thailand and most towns are connected by the BKS network.

Avoid other bus options not identified as BKS that often depart from touristic locations. When in doubt about what bus to take, follow the lead of the locals.

Car

To get around by car in Thailand, you'll need an International Driver's Permit and will need to drive on the left-hand side of the road. In large cities, traffic is usually chaotic and compact all day long. In general, local drivers seem to take road rules more as an indication than something they really must follow.

Plane

Taking a domestic flight in Thailand is a popular time-saving and affordable option if you're staying in the country for a short time. Most domestic flights depart from Bangkok, while AirAsia is the local airline with the most connections.

The Cost of Living in Thailand

Eating out can range from approximately ฿40-100 ($1.40-3.30) at a street food stall to around ฿150-350 ($4.95-11.55) at a western-style restaurant. A week of groceries can cost approximately ฿400 ($13). Expect to pay between approximately ฿15-42 ($0.50-1.39) for a one-way ticket on public transportation. Pay in cash at all times and use credit cards only for higher expenses.