Thailand Travel Guide
Sawadee ka! Welcome to the Land of Smiles – Thailand. With its stunning tropical beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural traditions, Thailand is a must-visit destination for any traveller seeking an adventure in Southeast Asia. Get ready to indulge in the delicious cuisine, immerse yourself in ancient temples, and experience the warm hospitality of the Thai people. Despite the hoards of tourists that visit the country every year, Thailand remains welcoming, and, to date, it’s one of my favourite countries.
When to Travel to Thailand
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons – hot, cool, and wet. The best time to travel to Thailand depends on which region you plan to visit and your personal preferences.
The hot season runs from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. This is a great time to hit the beaches and soak up the sun, but keep in mind that it can be quite humid and uncomfortable in some parts of the country.
The cool season runs from November to February, with milder temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This is the peak tourist season in Thailand, with plenty of festivals and events taking place. However, it’s also the busiest time of year, and prices for accommodation and flights tend to be higher.
The rainy season runs from June to October, with heavy downpours and occasional flooding in some parts of the country. However, the rains usually come in short bursts and can be a welcome relief from the heat.
The upside of visiting during the rainy season is that the crowds are thinner, and prices are lower. If you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable time to visit, consider travelling during the low season, which runs from May to October. While the weather may be less predictable, you can still enjoy the country’s lush green landscapes, and you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds at popular attractions.
Where to travel in Thailand
Northern Thailand is known for its mountainous landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Highlights include the city of Chiang Mai, the ancient city of Sukhothai, and the stunning temples of Chiang Rai. You can also trek through the hills, and learn about the local hill tribe cultures.
Central Thailand is the heartland of the country. It’s home to the bustling capital city of Bangkok, as well as historical sites such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Bangkok is a vibrant city with a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class shopping malls. Other popular destinations in Central Thailand include Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, and Pattaya.
Eastern Thailand borders Cambodia and is known for its beautiful islands, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Popular destinations include Koh Samet, Koh Chang, and Pattaya, which offer a range of water activities, beachside relaxation, and nightlife entertainment.
Southern Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Southern Thailand is also known for its stunning marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkelling.
Common Questions for Thailand Travel
- Currency: The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht.
- Language: The most common language is English.
- Time Zones: The time zone in Thailand is GMT+7.
- Entry Requirements: British, US, and EU citizens can enter Thailand for at least 30 days without a visa (45 days from the UK).
- Plug: USA plugs are type A, B, and C with a typical voltage of 230 V and frequency of 60Hz. This adaptor may come in pretty handy.
- Must-try cuisine: Pad Thai (noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup), Kaeng Lueang (yellow curry), Khao Pad (fried rice), Som Tum (spicy papaya salad).
Average daily budget – Between ฿2500-฿3200 per person per day. This is around £68/€78/$85pp (Note: This is an estimated budget assuming you’re staying in a mid-range double room hotel with another person, eating at averagely priced restaurants, and using public transportation. Using budget tips you can definitely lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation and eat at posh restaurants, expect to pay more than this.)
Typical Travel Costs
Accommodation: Often thought of as a backpacker’s heaven, Thailand is one of the cheapest places to visit around the world. On the ultimate budget, you can get by on about £20 per day. Even without staying in a hostel, you can find some very cheap hotels for about £10-15 per night. Luxury in Thailand doesn’t cost a fortune – unless, of course, you want it to!
For budget accommodation, expect to pay less than ฿300 per night. For mid-range accommodation, expect between ฿300-฿600 per night. If you want true luxury accommodation, you can easily spend ฿700+ per night.
Click here to search for accommodation in Thailand.
Eating Out: Food in Thailand is on another level. You can find street food for pennies – I’m not kidding! Plus, most people will agree that food from the street stalls is the best in the country. You can find noodles or soup for under £1 in most cases. The average you’ll spend in a restaurant is around £10 for a full meal including alcohol, so once again totally affordable prices.
Transportation: Getting around Thailand is equally affordable. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and it’s very easy to flag one down. Always agree on a price before you get in, but you can usually haggle them down to a very reasonable figure. As well as tuk-tuks the other options for getting around are taxis and, in Bangkok, the Skytrain, and MRT (underground).
Fast and efficient, the MRT runs from 6am until midnight and has 18 stations from Hua Lamphong in the south to Bang Sue in the north. Tickets cost between ฿16 – 70 which is under £1. The Skytrain can be purchased for a similar price and is a much more scenic way to navigate the city. I use 12Go to book public transport in Asia.
Fun facts about Thailand
Formally known as Siam, Thailand is a fascinating country. The biggest city in Thailand is Bangkok, with an estimated population of over 12 million people. It’s also one of the most travelled-to places in the world, welcoming over 16 million tourists into the country each year.
When it comes to culture, Thailand is overflowing with things to see. The temples are gorgeous – honestly, you could temple hop around cities for hours – but there are also islands, forests, mountains, and stunning beaches.
Plus, the food. Thailand has been named the street food capital of the world, with Bangkok claiming first prize. When Thai families sit down to eat, the food is shared communally, and this tradition has spread to the markets. And since the food is so inexpensive and delicious, it’d be silly not to stuff your face!
Generally speaking, Thais only use chopsticks to eat Chinese food. Instead, meals are typically eaten with a spoon and a fork.
Thailand has an incredibly long coastline – a total of 3219km. That’s a whole lot of sunbathing!
The word “Thailand” means ‘Land of the Free’. The country is also nicknamed the ‘Land of the Smiles’ as it was voted the world’s fifth friendliest country.
