Thailand travel guide

Thailand travel guide

Thailand is a country of contrasts, from lively markets and tropical beaches to quiet temples and mountain trails. Traveling here is not about racing through a checklist but about finding rhythms that fit your pace, whether that means exploring historic cities, tasting food at street stalls, or slowing down on an island.

Thailand through the seasons

Frequently asked questions

Best vacation rentals

The must-sees in Thailand

Thailand’s highlights are spread across the country, each with its own flavor. These four must-sees give a sense of the variety, from sacred architecture to natural viewpoints.

Bangkok

Ko Tao

Ko Samui

Ko Pha-ngan

Visiting Thailand in one week

One week is enough to sample three distinct rhythms, city energy, northern culture, and island downtime. Keep transfers simple, travel light, and group activities by neighborhood or coast so you are not wasting hours in traffic.

Bangkok skyline

Days 1–2: Bangkok without the rush

Land, rest, and work in wide circles rather than zigzags. Use the river boats for a cheap orientation loop at sunset, then pick one core area for the night. The next morning, ride the Skytrain for air-conditioned hops between neighborhoods, budgeting roughly 17–62 THB per ride or a 1-day pass if you expect 3–4 trips.

Days 3–4: Ayutthaya and a northern change of pace

Take a morning train to Ayutthaya for ruins by bike, then connect on to the north. Fly late afternoon to Chiang Mai for minimum transfer friction, or ride the overnight 2nd-class air-con sleeper and trade a hotel night for a berth, typically around 900–1,050 THB if bought at the station.

Days 5–7: Slow island time on Koh Lanta

From the south’s gateway airports, ferries run to calmer islands like Koh Lanta where roads are easy and beaches spread out. Keep one day empty for weather wiggles, plan a tide-aware snorkeling trip, and finish with a low-key dinner feet-in-sand before your return leg.

Why visit Thailand with family

Thailand is a fantastic pick for families, with something to keep everyone happy. Picture long stretches of sandy beaches where kids can splash safely in shallow waters, and parents can actually relax. Plus, Thai food is a win for all ages, with plenty of mild, kid-friendly options alongside bolder flavors for adventurous eaters. Best of all, the famously warm and welcoming Thai hospitality makes families feel right at home from the moment they arrive.

Book your vacation rental

Top 3 activities in Thailand

1. Explore Koh Kret (near Bangkok) by bike + pottery village

In the Nonthaburi area just outside Bangkok, you can take a boat to Koh Kret. Then rent a bicycle and ride through small lanes that pass local homes, orchards, and the clay-pots workshop(s). Locals make pottery and small ceramics; watching (or even trying) the craft offers a low-key but rich insight into riverside village life.

2. Check out the Tribal / Highland People Museum in Chiang Mai

This ethnographic museum is tucked just behind a park, and it showcases life, crafts, and daily practices of hill tribes (Akha, Lahu, Mien, etc.). It gives cultural depth without being overrun with crowds.

3. Ride longtail boats through Thonburi’s canals (khlongs)

Rather than just the main river, take a 2-hour longtail boat tour deeper into Thonburi’s canals. You’ll see stilt houses, small markets, children playing, and everyday life along waterways that many visitors miss.

Clay pots (Koh Kret)

Local tips

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In Khon Kaen I start at a morning market for sticky rice and grilled pork, then I do errands while it is still cool. Lunch is a tiny shop with a one-page menu, the kind where the auntie cooks and you point. Late afternoon I walk tree-lined streets near the university because students bring good coffee and it is never crowded.

“

Along the Chanthaburi coast I drive the scenic road, stop at fruit stalls for mangosteen in season, and end at a small pier to watch fishermen come in. If you want quiet, avoid big weekends, choose a weekday homestay, and read the tide chart so the sea is where you expect it.

Top 3 beaches in Thailand

Beach in Phuket

1. Freedom Beach, Phuket

A small bay with fine white sand and usually gentle water. Arrive by longtail when seas are calm, bring snacks, and leave no trace.

2. Ao Prao, Koh Samet

Western exposure means calm mornings and photo-friendly sunsets. Resorts sit back from the sand so evening walks stay quiet.

3. Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe

Shallow turquoise shelves suit long wades at first light. Snorkel just off the beach on clear days, and keep fins away from coral heads.

Thailand through the seasons

Seasons matter for heat, rain timing, and festivals. Build flexible days, book cancellable boats in wet months, and use early mornings year-round.

SPRING 🌷

Enjoy Thai New Year water festivities in mid-April, plan dry bags and sun protection.
Northern valleys are hot, so shift hikes to dawn and pick shaded temple walks.
Mango season arrives, which makes smoothies and sticky-rice desserts excellent.

FALL 🍂

Shoulder-season deals appear, ferries and tours are less crowded.
Loy Krathong lantern and water offerings fall in early November 2025, with riverside events.
Rural roads are lush, making scenic drives and train windows greener.

SUMMER 🏝️

Afternoon showers cool central and northern regions, so plan indoor stops from 2–4 pm.
Gulf islands often see calmer seas on some weeks, which helps with snorkeling visibility.
City rooftop evenings can be breezy after rain, an easy no-ticket outing.

WINTER ❄️

Northern nights are cool enough for light jackets, ideal for outdoor night markets.
Seas settle in many Andaman spots, which helps island-hopping plans.
Clear early mornings suit city cycling and slow canal walks.

Frequently asked questions about Thailand

These answers reflect the most common planning questions and the practical details travelers usually need to firm up an itinerary.

How much cash do I need daily for food and small transport?

For simple local meals, plan around 60–70 THB per dish at street stalls or basic shophouses, and 120–200 THB at casual sit-down places. City trains run roughly 17–62 THB per ride on the Skytrain or 17–45 THB on the MRT, so two or three hops add up to a few dollars.

Are taxis affordable and how do I avoid scams?

Metered cabs start at 35 THB, then rise per kilometer, with recent adjustments lifting per-km rates slightly. Always ask for the meter, expect drivers to decline long trips during rush hour, and be ready to try the next cab or a ride-hailing app if needed. Typical cross-town rides are only a few dollars unless traffic stalls.

Do I need a visa as a U.S. traveler for a short trip?

Under the current exemption policy, U.S. citizens visiting for tourism can stay up to 60 days visa-free, with an online pre-arrival step sometimes required. Always check the latest entry rules a few weeks before flying.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water is generally not consumed. Use sealed bottles or refill stations, which are common in cities and many hotels. Carry a reusable bottle to cut plastic and stay hydrated in the heat.

How do I time my day around heat and rain?

Plan outdoors from sunrise to about 10:30 am, then move indoors or shaded during early afternoon. In rainy months, showers often hit mid- to late-afternoon, so keep flexible slots for museums, cafés, or naps, then head out again near dusk when streets cool.

When are the big cultural festivals?

Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, runs April 13–15. Loy Krathong, the lantern and floating-offering festival, falls on the evening of November 6 in 2025. Book rooms early and pack waterproof pouches.