Welcome to Thailand
The land of smiles
Thailand has something for everyone. It’s a country of untouched wilderness, Buddhist traditions, progressive values, and a huge capital city where anything is possible. Thailand has some of the world’s best food, and no end of amazing things to get up to as you sample it all.
Travel tip
Beautiful beaches and world-class diving
In the north of Thailand, you’ve got jungle and traditional culture. But in the south, you’ll find endless coastline and incredible islands with some of the best diving in Southeast Asia. The beaches and islands in Thailand always have a great atmosphere, with beachside bars to relax at and amazing diving spots. Maybe you want to learn how to scuba dive? Thailand is the perfect place for it.
[fusion_separator style_type=”single|dotted” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”70%” alignment=”center”][/fusion_separator]
Amazing food
Thai food is absolutely amazing. Period. One of the immediate best things about the Thai cuisine is how healthy it is. There’s no gluten because everything is made with vegetables, meat, and rice. There’s very little red meat, and the spices are healthy. Best of all, local food in Thailand is super cheap, meaning you can try everything without ever thinking about the price.
Tropical jungles
While the south of Thailand is all beaches and islands, the north is dense jungle. Within the jungles surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you can find hill tribes who still live and exist beyond the modern ways of life in the rest of Thailand. The jungles are lush and thick, full of exciting wildlife and plant life.
Island hopping
One of the best things to do in Thailand is hop from island to island to see how each one feels unique. Different islands are designed for different things. Some are for quiet relaxation, others for diving, and others again for partying. It’s a fun experience to go island hopping and watch how the vibe and scenery of Thailand shifts.
Amazing experiences in Thailand
Island hopping
A must in Thailand
Ayutthaya
An easy day trip from Bangkok
Kanchanaburi waterfalls
Also an easy day trip from Bangkok
Bangkok
Eat, shop and get a massage
Best sights in Thailand
Bangkok (capital)
Bangkok is a city of diversity, with traditional Thai food restaurants which blend with excellent Chinese cuisine, as well as great (and affordable) shopping and majestic temples like the Grand Palace.
Chiang Mai (695km from Bangkok)
This Northern town is where much of Thailand’s authenticity remains intact. Local tribes live not far away, and Chiang Mai is famous for its festivities and food. Northern Thailand is the most authentic part of the country.
Koh Tao (413km from Bangkok)
Koh Tao is a small island on the East coast, perfect for diving. It’s the smallest of the three (Koh Pha nang and Koh Samui) and has a more chilled vibe.
Koh Lipe (818km from Bangkok)
Koh Lipe is located in the south, not far from the Malaysian border. What you get here is coral-rich waters and massive white sandy beaches. If you’re in Thailand for the beaches, this is one of the best places to visit!
Chiang Rai (793km from Bangkok)
A city very similar to Chiang Mai, but even smaller and more traditional. Not far from the border to Laos, it’s a great place to stop for a day or two on a trip through Southeast Asia.
Ayutthaya (81km from Bangkok)
This incredible ancient area is a very easy day trip from Bangkok. Here, you’ll find ruins of Buddhist temples which include the famous and often-photographed Buddha head in the banyan tree roots.
Where to
How to get around
I always use 12Go for travelling Asia. This site is so easy to use. It quickly comes up with a variety of transport options to suit your time and budget. All costs are shown, even taxis.
Map of Thailand
Asia (Thailand)
Best time to visit
The best time to visit in Thailand is in the cool season, also the driest season, between November and April. The days are long and sunny and the temperatures hovers nicely around 30 degrees.
Thailand is pleasant most of the year, however, so there’s no particularly bad time to go but it does rain more between July and September and you’ll find many of the islands busier due to the school holidays.
Practical info
- Language: Thai
- Currency: Baht
- Plugs: Thailand uses two-pronged outlets which can support both US and European two-pronged plugs. If you’re coming from elsewhere, definitely pick up a universal adapter
- Population: 69 million
- Important telephone numbers: 1155 for tourist police, 1554 for ambulance and rescue, 199 for fire
- Visa: If you have a return ticket or proof of an onward flight, you don’t need a visa to visit Thailand.
Rough Budget
- Hotel: $20-100
- Food: $2-20
- Activities: e.g. $55 to care for rescued elephants
- Transportation: $1-10 for a bus
Thai Phrases
- Hello: Sawadee khrup/ka
- Thank you: Khop khun (khrup/ka)
- Yes: Chai (khrup/ka)
- No: Mai (khrup/ka)
- Bye: La gorn khrup/ka
