Destination Guide

Thailand Travel Guide

The Land of Smiles, straight from a local expat.

Thailand is more than just a holiday destination for me; it is my home. Whether you are hunting for the best Pad Kra Pao in Bangkok, island hopping in the south, or exploring the countryside of Isan, this country offers a freedom that is hard to find anywhere else. Use this guide to plan your trip, understand the culture, and avoid the tourist traps.

  • Best time to visitNovember to April
  • CurrencyThai Baht (THB)
  • Visa60-day exemption (most UK/EU/US)
  • Postcard beachesKrabi
  • Best family islandKoh Chang
  • Best nightlifeBangkok

Best Areas to Visit in Thailand

Essential Thailand Travel Tips

When to Go

Thailand has three seasons: hot, wet, and cool.

  • Cool season (Nov to Feb): Peak season. The weather is perfect (25 to 30°C), but prices are higher and the islands are busy.
  • Hot season (March to May): Temperatures hit 40°C. Great for splashing water at Songkran (Thai New Year), but tough for sightseeing in Bangkok.
  • Wet season (June to Oct): Do not let the name scare you. It usually rains heavily for an hour or two, leaving the rest of the day fresh and green, and hotels are cheaper.

Getting Around

  • In Bangkok: Skip the traffic and use the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway: air-conditioned, cheap, and faster than any car stuck on Sukhumvit Road.
  • Taxis & bikes: Never get in a taxi that refuses to use the meter. Download Grab or Bolt, which work like Uber and guarantee a fixed price.
  • Inter-city: Domestic flights are incredibly cheap (often £20 to £30). For a scenic route, the overnight sleeper trains to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani are an adventure in themselves.

Culture & Etiquette

  • The Wai: Thais, especially the older generation, greet with a prayer-like gesture called a Wai. A slight nod is fine as a tourist, but returning a Wai if given is polite.
  • Cleanliness: Thai people are incredibly clean. Practice basic hygiene and try to look presentable, even in the humid heat.
  • Respect: Thailand has a respect-driven culture. Be polite and do not raise your voice; it goes a long way here.
  • Temples: Cover your shoulders and knees, take off your shoes before entering the main hall, and bow in the presence of a monk.

Money & Budget

  • Cash is king: While malls take cards, you will need cash for street food, tuk-tuks, and local markets.
  • 7-Eleven: The lifeline of Thailand: pay bills, buy toasted sandwiches, and get SIM cards. Most only accept cards for purchases over 200 THB.
  • ATMs: Thai ATMs charge a 220 THB fee for foreign cards.

Highlights

Bangkok

Explore & Walks

  • Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen The Giant Buddha
  • The Artist House Baan Silapin
  • Song Wat Road Trendy historic street
  • Talat Noi Street art & engine parts
  • Chinatown Yaowarat
  • Benchakitti Park Forest park in the city
  • Nong Bon Lake Park Sail a boat or hire a bicycle
  • Bang Krachao Bangkok's Green Lung

Bars & Nightlife

  • Mutual Bar Live music in the city
  • Tropic City Award-winning cocktails
  • Havana Social Cuban speakeasy
  • Abandoned Mansion Underground jazz bar
  • Jack's Bar Cheap beers on the river
  • The Commons Thonglor Community mall & craft beer
  • Khao San Fun if you're young

Night Markets & Street Food

  • Banthat Thong Road The new street food capital
  • Train Night Market Srinakarin Vintage finds & classic cars
  • Jodd Fairs The popular, small central market

Chiang Mai

Coffee, culture, and the best noodles of your life.

Explore & Culture

  • Wat Pha Lat The Jungle Temple
  • Baan Kang Wat Artist village
  • Doi Suthep Go at sunrise to beat the vans
  • Sunday Walking Street Chaos, but essential
  • Huay Tung Tao Lake Bamboo huts over water
  • Jing Jai Market Organic weekend market

Bars & Nightlife

  • North Gate Jazz Co-Op Speakeasy with live music
  • The Riverside Classic live music
  • Bar San Incredible cocktails
  • Warm Up Cafe Younger crowd
  • Rise Rooftop Bar Fancy sunset drinks in Nimman
  • Beer Lab Craft beer selection

Thailand Blog Posts

Thailand Travel Guide FAQs

Do I need a visa?

For most passport holders (UK, USA, EU, Australia) you currently get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival (recently increased from 30 days). To stay longer, you can extend for another 30 days at a local immigration office for 1,900 THB.

Is street food safe to eat?

Yes, and you can often watch it cooked fresh in front of you. My golden rule: eat where the locals are queuing. High turnover means fresh ingredients; if food is sitting there with no customers, skip it.

Do I need a scooter license?

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to ride legally in Thailand. Many tourists rent without one, but police checkpoints are common and your travel insurance is void if you have an accident without a license.

Which SIM card should I get?

Thailand has incredibly fast 5G. AIS and TrueMove are the best providers. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport, a 7-Eleven, or an AIS shop, or install an e-SIM online before you arrive.

Is it safe for solo travellers?

Incredibly safe. Violent crime against tourists is very rare; the biggest danger is road accidents, so always wear a helmet.