Thailand Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide for Thailand includes information on the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. The country has a unique mix of modern cities and traditional villages, offering visitors a range of experiences. From bustling Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

List of Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand has numerous attractions to explore, including culturally important museums and historical places, natural attractions, outdoor adventures, scenic views, and more. Here are some of the best places to visit in Thailand:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
  • Sukhothai Historical Park
  • Chiang Mai’s Old City
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park
  • Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok

Natural Attractions of Thailand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Railay Beach, Krabi
  • Phang Nga Bay
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Erawan National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Thailand

Thailand has some of the best hiking and biking routes in Southeast Asia. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • Mae Hong Son Loop
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to Luang Prabang
  • The Golden Triangle
  • Samoeng Loop
  • Chiang Mai to Pai

Best Things to Do in Thailand: Activities and Tours

Thailand has a range of activities and tours on offer, allowing visitors to explore the country’s culture and natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand:

  • Visit a Thai cooking class and learn to cook traditional dishes
  • Experience a Thai massage at a spa
  • Visit a floating market
  • Go on an elephant trek
  • Attend a Muay Thai boxing match

Week-Long Itinerary for Thailand

A week-long itinerary for Thailand could include:

Day Destination Activity
1 Bangkok Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
2 Chiang Mai Explore the Old City and Doi Suthep temple
3 Pai Drive through the scenic Mae Hong Son Loop
4 Phuket Relax on the beach at Patong
5 Krabi Visit Railay Beach and Phi Phi Islands
6 Khao Yai National Park Go on a safari and visit waterfalls
7 Bangkok Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market and visit Wat Arun

Food and Drink Scene of Thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious food and local drink. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pad Thai
  • Tom Yum Soup
  • Green Curry
  • Massaman Curry
  • Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

Local Beverages

  • Singha Beer
  • Chang Beer
  • Thai Iced Tea
  • Coconut Water
  • Mekhong Whiskey

Where to Stay in Thailand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Thailand offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some popular options:

  • Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
  • Four Seasons Tented Camp - Golden Triangle
  • So Sofitel Bangkok
  • Lub d Hostel in Bangkok
  • Hua Hin Loft Guesthouse

What to Buy in Thailand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of local products on offer. Here are some popular options:

  • Thai Silk
  • Elephant Pants
  • Wood Carvings
  • Art Pieces
  • With Massage Oils

Local Culture and Customs of Thailand

Thailand has a unique culture and set of customs. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home
  • Don’t touch anyone’s head, as it is considered to be a sacred part of the body
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and other holy places
  • Always greet someone with the wai, which is a traditional greeting
  • Don’t point your feet at anyone, as it is considered to be rude

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. The weather is dry and pleasant during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring.

Do’s and Don’ts of Thailand

Here are some things to do and avoid when traveling to Thailand:

Do:

  • Try the street food
  • Learn some basic Thai phrases
  • Be respectful of the culture and customs
  • Dress appropriately when visiting temples and other holy places
  • Take a tuk-tuk ride

Don’t:

  • Touch someone’s head
  • Pat animals on the head, as it is considered to be disrespectful
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting temples and other holy places
  • Show public displays of affection
  • Be rude to the local people

Safety and Health

Thailand is a safe country to travel to, but like any other tourist destination, it is essential to take some precautions. Here is some safety and health information to keep in mind when traveling to Thailand:

Safety in Thailand

  • Be aware of pickpockets and keep your belongings safe
  • Use licensed taxis and tuk-tuks
  • Be cautious when exploring at night

Health in Thailand

  • Drink bottled water and avoid tap water
  • Get vaccinated before traveling to Thailand
  • Wear mosquito repellent to prevent Dengue Fever and Zika Virus

Getting to Thailand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Thailand is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. Here are some transportation options and logistics to consider:

Airports Near Thailand

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
  • Phuket International Airport
  • Chiang Mai International Airport
  • Hat Yai International Airport
  • Chiang Rai International Airport

Bus Stations Near Thailand

  • Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit)
  • Chiang Mai Bus Station
  • Surat Thani Bus Terminal
  • Phuket Bus Terminal 2
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Ferry from neighboring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia
  • Train from nearby countries or neighboring cities, such as Malaysia and Singapore

How to Get Around in Thailand

Thailand has a range of transportation options on offer, from taxis to tuk-tuks. Here are some popular options:

  • Tuk-tuks
  • Songthaews (small trucks converted into communal taxis)
  • Taxis
  • Motorbikes and scooters
  • Buses

Where to Go Next from Thailand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Thailand is a great base for exploring other nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some popular options:

  • Laos, a neighboring country
  • Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • The Mekong Delta in Vietnam
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore

Conclusion

Thailand is a beautiful country with a unique culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure, there is something for everyone in Thailand. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re well-prepared to explore all that the country has to offer.

Garlanded statue, Bangkok/Rattanakosin Garlanded statue, Bangkok/Rattanakosin Beach on Ko Tao Beach on Ko Tao Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya Bilingual street sign Bilingual street sign Visa policy of Thailand Visa policy of Thailand Thai Airways Airbus A380 Thai Airways Airbus A380 A Bangkok Airways plane A Bangkok Airways plane SRT railway network SRT railway network 1st class intercity bus, Krabi Town 1st class intercity bus, Krabi Town 2nd class intercity bus, Rayong 2nd class intercity bus, Rayong Local bus, Chiang Saen Local bus, Chiang Saen A typical rural ''songthaew'', Mae Salong A typical rural ''songthaew'', Mae Salong Tuk-tuks on the prowl, Bangkok Tuk-tuks on the prowl, Bangkok Long-tail boats, Ao Nang, Krabi Province Long-tail boats, Ao Nang, Krabi Province Chaweng beach, Ko Samui Chaweng beach, Ko Samui Surfing in Phuket Surfing in Phuket Racks of clothing at Siam Square, Bangkok Racks of clothing at Siam Square, Bangkok Meditating Thai Buddhas Meditating Thai Buddhas A platter of ''miang kham'' (leaf wrap) ingredients A platter of ''miang kham'' (leaf wrap) ingredients Green curry (''kaeng khiao wan'') with chicken, served with ''roti'' Green curry (''kaeng khiao wan'') with chicken, served with ''roti'' A classic Isaan meal: ''som tam'' papaya salad, ''larb'' meat salad and sticky rice A classic Isaan meal: ''som tam'' papaya salad, ''larb'' meat salad and sticky rice Go-go bar in Soi Cowboy, Bangkok Go-go bar in Soi Cowboy, Bangkok Thai craft beer can only be bought from their breweries Thai craft beer can only be bought from their breweries A bottle of Chang in Bangkok A bottle of Chang in Bangkok Saeng Som rum with soda water (แสงโสม โซดา ''saengsom sohda''), a common local drink. Mosquito coil optional. Saeng Som rum with soda water (แสงโสม โซดา ''saengsom sohda''), a common local drink. Mosquito coil optional. Thai iced tea Thai iced tea Khao San Road is likely the best place in Bangkok to find budget accommodation Khao San Road is likely the best place in Bangkok to find budget accommodation Luxury villa in Ko Samui Luxury villa in Ko Samui The The "Hunger Games" protest gesture Tuk-tuks in Phuket Tuk-tuks in Phuket Fishing Village in Narathiwat Fishing Village in Narathiwat Ronald McDonald showing how a wai is done Ronald McDonald showing how a wai is done Dress code for Wat Phra Kaew Dress code for Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist prayer flags, Bangkok/Rattanakosin Buddhist prayer flags, Bangkok/Rattanakosin Floating market in Hat Yai Floating market in Hat Yai


    Central Thailand
    Eastern Thailand
    Isaan
    Northern Thailand
    Southern Thailand