Thailand — The Practical, Localized Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Thailand? This practical Thailand travel guide gives you everything you need: entry rules, the best time to visit, sample Thailand itineraries, where to go (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and beyond), how to move around, food worth trying, safety and health tips, and a simple packing checklist.

Quick Snapshot — What to know at a glance

Visa & entry: Many nationalities enjoy visa-exemption or on-arrival visa options for short tourist stays—always check the latest Thailand visa requirements before you fly.
Best time to visit Thailand: November–February is the dry, cool high season and the most popular time to travel. For quieter beaches and lower prices, consider the shoulder or green season.
Top experiences: Explore temples and street food in Bangkok, soak up culture and mountain scenery in Chiang Mai, and relax on islands like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. This guide covers best Thailand beaches, Chiang Mai temples, and sample Thailand itinerary options.

Entry, visas and practical prep

Before you book:

Check your government’s travel advisory and the Thai embassy website for up-to-date Thailand visa rules (some routes use eVisa). Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from arrival.
Have onward/return tickets and proof of funds ready if asked at immigration.
Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, theft, and water activities if you plan to dive or island-hop.

Health & safety essentials

Vaccines: Be up to date on routine vaccines; many travelers get Hepatitis A and consider Typhoid or Rabies depending on activities. Check a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Mosquito protection: Use mosquito repellent and consider a net in rural areas—dengue is present in parts of Thailand.
Food & water: Street food is a highlight—choose busy stalls with high turnover and eat hot-cooked dishes. Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking in many areas; use bottled or filtered water.
Safety: Thailand is generally safe for tourists. Use common-sense precautions around petty theft (keep valuables secure), be careful with motorbike rentals, and avoid unlicensed taxis. These are core Thailand travel safety tips.

When to go — season and weather

High season (best weather): November–February — ideal for island and city travel.
Hot season: March–May — great for festivals (Songkran in April) but expect high temperatures.
Rainy/green season: May–October — intermittent heavy showers, fewer tourists and lower prices; some islands have seasonal ferry or boat changes. If you search “best time to visit Thailand” you’ll often see high season recommended, but the green season is better for budget travelers and lush scenery.

Must-visit places & what to do

Below are the headline destinations and the things to do in Bangkok and beyond.

Bangkok (2–3 days)

Do: Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), a Chao Phraya River cruise, street-food crawl in Chinatown, and shopping at Siam or Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Tip: Use the BTS/MRT for fast travel across central Bangkok and book a river taxi for a scenic commute.

Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand (2–4 days)

Do: Doi Suthep temple at sunrise, walk the old city, try khao soi (northern curry noodles), and visit a reputable elephant sanctuary (no riding). Search “Chiang Mai temples” for temple suggestions.
Tip: Rent a scooter only if you have experience—roads and traffic rules can be different from home.

Ayutthaya / Sukhothai (day trips or 1-day stops)

Do: Rent a bicycle to explore ancient ruins—both sites are UNESCO World Heritage locations and great for history buffs.

Thailand beaches & islands (3–6 days)

Popular picks: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan. Look up “best Thailand beaches” to match vibe: party beaches, family resorts, or quiet coves.
Do: Snorkeling, diving, rock climbing in Railay (Krabi), or simply relaxing on white sand.

Khao Sok National Park (2–3 days)

Do: Jungle treks and overnight lake bungalows for a nature reset away from the crowds.

Sample itineraries you can copy

4 days — Bangkok + Phuket: 2 days in Bangkok (temples, river, market) → fly to Phuket for 2 days (beach + island speedboat trip).
7 days — Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Bangkok: 2–3 days Bangkok → 3 days Chiang Mai (temples + a day trip) → return to Bangkok. This is a classic Thailand itinerary for first-time visitors.
10 days — Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi/Phuket: combine culture and beach time with internal flights for time efficiency.

Getting around Thailand

Domestic flights: Fast and affordable for long distances; budget airlines cover most routes.
Trains: Overnight trains (Bangkok–Chiang Mai) are comfortable options if you like scenic travel.
Ferries & speedboats: Island connections; schedules are weather-dependent. Book ahead in high season.
City transport: Grab (ride-hail), local taxis (ask for the meter), tuk-tuks for short fun rides, and public transit where available.

Budget expectations (rough)

Backpacker: $20–40/day (hostels, street food, buses).
Mid-range: $50–120/day (3-star hotels, mixed transport).
Luxury: $150+/day (resorts, private transfers). These are simple Thailand travel budget estimates—actual costs vary with timing and style.

Food to try — short list

Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry, Som Tam (papaya salad), Mango Sticky Rice, Khao Soi. Food is a major reason people search for “Thai food to try” — and you should dive in.

Cultural tips & etiquette

Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes before entering worship areas.
Wai (palms together) is a polite greeting—return it when appropriate.
Avoid touching someone’s head and be cautious about joking about the monarchy—Thai law is strict about royal defamation.

Scams & common tourist traps

Be cautious of overly cheap tour offers that route you through specific shops (gems, tailor, massage) where hard selling occurs.
Confirm taxi meters or use Grab. If a tuk-tuk driver promises a super-cheap full-day tour, get specifics in writing. These notes are part of basic Thailand travel tips to avoid typical pitfalls.

Practical packing checklist

Passport, travel insurance, copies of important docs, lightweight clothing, modest cover for temples, rain jacket, comfortable shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, basic medications, and an adapter (Thailand uses 220V).