Planning a trip to Thailand? I’ve lived in Thailand for 8 years now and started this Thailand travel blog to help visitors plan a Thailand trip, visit the best places in Thailand and explore this amazing country!

Travel Thailand Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa free. There are 30 day and 60 day options. Some passport holders can extend at an immigration office, like in Bangkok or Phuket. It is best to check with your government website before travelling for your latest visa requirements.

What is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. However, with the climate crisis things are changing and Novembers can be wet. February is my favourite month to recommend for visitors to Thailand. If visiting in rainy season then know it is rare to rain every day and you can still have an amazing time!

Bear in mind burning season in the North from January-April (approx) when farmers burn fields and the pollution is intense. There are also some regional differences—for example, the east coast islands like Koh Samui have different weather patterns and are usually rainy over December.

How long should I spend in Thailand?

It depends on what you want to see and how much time you have. I have multiple itineraries for as little as one week up to a month which can help guide you and you can adapt to create the perfect Thailand itinerary for you.

One month Thailand itinerary

What are the best places to visit in Thailand?

There are SO many places to visit in Thailand, I am discovering new ones even after years of living and exploring here. It really depends what you want to see and do so I recommend using this Thailand travel blog to research!

Bangkok: Crazy city life, nightlife, culture, temples, museums, skybars, shopping, food – read here for my Bangkok 2 day itinerary

Chiang Mai: discover the north of Thailand with ethical elephant sanctuaries, trekking, temples, food, markets, shopping, nature, waterfalls – read here for my top Chiang Mai recommendations
Krabi: Province in the south, amazing for beaches, island hopping, scuba diving, national parks, beaches, food, caves, viewpoints
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan: Tropical islands for relaxation, beaches, the famous Full Moon Party, scuba diving spots. Check out all the island information here.

National Parks: Floating bungalows, wild elephants, jungle treks, gibbons, hornbills, nature, waterfalls, caves – check out the best national parks in Thailand here
Thailand islands: I have created a whole article here with mini summaries of all the different islands to help you pick the best islands for you

Money & Budgeting for Thailand

What is the currency in Thailand?

Thai currency is the Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it’s always good to carry cash for markets, street food, and to support small businesses.

How much money do I need per day?

Budget travelers can get by on $30-$50 USD per day, while mid-range travelers might spend $50-$100 USD. Luxury travelers can expect to spend $150+ USD. Thailand offers great value for every budget, you can read more about different Thailand prices here.

What’s the best way to exchange money?

ATMs are an option but come with high withdrawal fees that can really add up. For better rates, exchange money at local currency exchange offices (such as SuperRich in Bangkok).

Transport & Getting Around

How do I get from Bangkok to the islands?

You can fly, take a train, or use a bus-and-ferry combo – it depends on how much time you have and your budget. The only islands that have airports on them are Phuket and Koh Samui. For the others you can fly to Krabi, Surat thani or Hat Yai on the mainland and then onwards transport to the islands.

Is public transport good in Thailand?

It depends. Bangkok has excellent public transport with the BTS skytrain, MRT underground train and airport rail link systems. Thailand has a network of minivans and bigger buses which serve as public transport from Bangkok to other destinations around Thailand. Sleeper buses and night trains are options for the more adventurous. Domestic flights are not expensive and it is common to fly to Krabi, Phuket or Chiang Mai from Bangkok in just over an hour.

Should I rent a scooter?

Scooter rental is popular as it is cheap but it comes with risks. Many tourists have never driven a scooter before and do so here for the first time which results in frequent accidents. Thailand has a very high rate of road accident fatalities. If you choose to rent, always wear a helmet, take pictures of the bike before hand in case you are accused of damage, have an international driving permit, and check your travel insurance covers scooter accidents.

Accommodation & Areas to Stay

Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok?

Stay in areas like Sukhumvit which is more the centre of Bangkok for nightlife, Old Town for temples and culture, Khao San for backpackers, or riverside for scenic views. Leave me a comment as I am working on my Bangkok hotel guide shortly!

What’s the best island for backpackers or luxury travelers?

Backpackers: Many places in Thailand have hostels and cheap options.
Luxury: Koh Samui and Phuket offer upscale resorts and fancier restaurants

Is it better to stay in Phuket or Krabi?

It depends on your travel style, both are huge areas with a lot of different activities on offer. Phuket is well known for nightlife and bigger resorts but also has many secluded beaches and quieter areas. Krabi also has some nightlife, many bars and restaurants, national parks and huge limestone cliffs. Both are good places to island hop from. Here is my full Krabi guide.

Thailand Culture & Etiquette

What should I wear in Thailand?

Thailand has a very tolerant culture and usually you can wear whatever you want. For temples, men and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees – sarongs/scarves are often available at popular tourist temples. If you are going off the beaten track into very rural areas I would recommend covering up more. I have a full Thailand packing list here.

Are there any cultural dos and don’ts?

Do: Greet people with a wai (hands together, slight bow).
Don’t: Touch someone’s head or point your feet at people or sacred objects.

Do: Remove shoes before entering temples or homes.
Don’t take selfies with Buddha or point your feet towards any Buddha statues.

For more on cultural dos and donts in Thailand read this article.

Food & Drinks

Is street food safe to eat?

Yes, street food is safe if it’s freshly cooked and served hot. Look for busy stalls and avoid food that has sat out for a long time.

What are the best vegetarian options?

Thai cuisine is not the easiest for vegetarians but I wrote this article here about being vegetarian in Thailand with my best tips for travelling as a vegetarian in Thailand.

Can I drink tap water in Thailand?

No, stick to bottled water. You can brush your teeth in the water but I do not recommend drinking any tap water in Thailand. Use refill stations where available and bring a reusable bottle as Thailand has a large plastic problem.

Safety & Health

Is Thailand safe for solo female travelers?

I think Thailand is one of the best places for solo female travel and I have travelled around Thailand many times by myseklf. As always we need to take precautions. I wrote a whole article about solo female travel here.

What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?

There are no strict requirements for Thailand vaccinations. However it does depend which country you live in so consult with a medical professional. Thailand is generally malaria free unless you are on the borders.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! Travel insurance is always essential for covering unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Make sure it includes coverage for activities like scuba diving or scooter riding. Thailand has excellent private healthcare which you should be able to access with your health insurance.

Activities & Attractions

What are the best ethical wildlife experiences?

Thailand has incredible nature and amazing opportunities for wildlife. Some of my favourite ethical recommendations are below:

Where can I go scuba diving?

Thailand has some lovely scuba diving and is still considered a cheap place to learn. Many people learn to dive on Koh Tao. My favourite places for scuba diving is Koh Lipe and the Similan islands are also popular for liveaboards. Read here for more dive sites in Thailand.

What are some hidden gems in Thailand?

Koh Kood: A quiet island with stunning beaches. Read my full guide here
Phang Nga Bay: Breathtaking limestone karsts and viewpoints.
Quiet beaches – read my article for the best quiet beaches in Thailand

Final Tips for Traveling Thailand

If it is your first time in Thailand I recommend reading this post for first time visitors which has many more of your questions answered. My Thailand travel blog is full of advice to help you. I am always open to answering questions so please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to respond with helpful tips!

Beach Bum Adventure

Thailand FAQ: Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand Travel: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go