Visiting Southeast Asia for the first time? If you’re like many travellers, there’s a good chance your first stop will be in Thailand.
As amazing as each of the subcontinent’s top destinations is in its own right, Thailand offers a little taste of the region’s most compelling features, from pristine white-sand beaches to bustling cities & towns chock-full of cultural attractions, to hiking trails meandering through tropical forests and rice paddies.
Not sure where to start planning your trip? Get some ideas from this quick and easy Thailand travel guide…
Looking to explore other countries in the region? Check out our Southeast Asia Travel Guide for more destination ideas & tips!
When to visit Thailand
Like most countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand can be considered a year-round destination with a few caveats and curveballs. Depending on the time of year you decide to travel, you should expect a marked difference between some of the country’s hotspots, particularly when comparing destinations on the east and west coasts of the southern peninsula.
Overall, the best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. In general, this is the driest time of year in Thailand. The temperatures and humidity are also a little more moderate and comfortable for most travellers.
Since there’s quite a bit of variation throughout Thailand, however, it’s best to check the weather guides for the specific destinations you’re planning to visit to know when exactly to go.
Where to go in Thailand
One of the most compelling things that travellers love about Thailand is the sheer variety of places to visit. While most itineraries start in the chaotic Thai capital of Bangkok, there’s a veritable lifetime’s worth of destinations to experience as you make your way through the country.
Whether you want to spend your days lazing along the beach, scouring markets for some of the world’s most insanely delicious food, or walking along rocky paths amid thick forests & karst landscapes, the best travel destinations in Thailand will bring your travel vision to life.
Looking for quick ideas on where to go in Thailand? Check out these travel resources:
Bangkok
Its moniker might be “The City of Angels,” but there’s, truthfully, nothing too angelic about the big, brash city of Bangkok. On first glance, you might think that there’s little to love about the Thai capital. It’s loud, congested, and more than a tad obnoxious at times.
Despite its flaws, though, Bangkok isn’t a place you’ll want to skip out on. For foodies, Bangkok is home to some of the world’s finest cuisine. Among its street-side markets, you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by the exotic smells wafting from the wok that beckon you to tackle its rich flavors.
Perhaps most popular among younger travelers is Bangkok’s nightlife, ranging from the dodgiest of dive bars to upscale clubs with rooftop bars offering spectacular views over the modern city. Or if cultural travel is more your thing, Bangkok delivers more than its fair share of temples and palaces that weave together a compelling story of the city’s illustrious past.
Chiang Mai
Next to Bangkok, no city in Thailand gets more attention from travellers than Chiang Mai. As a former royal capital, Chiang Mai is chock-full of compelling attractions that are bound to keep you busy for days.
Considering its size, Chiang Mai is a relatively calm urban retreat, especially if you’re beelining north from the chaos of the Thai capital. Besides simply moseying between temples and throwing back lattes at hip cafés, you’ll love visiting Chiang Mai for the breadth of opportunities to experience the Thai countryside. Within easy reach of the city, you’ll be dazzled by some of Northern Thailand’s most swoon-worthy natural attractions, from lush rainforests & cascading waterfalls to traditional villages.
What to eat in Thailand
For many travellers, temples and beaches are just a side attraction while visiting Thailand: The real reason to travel here is for the food! Thai food has become famous around the world for its rich, exotic flavors that combine every modality from spicy & salty to sweet & sour.
As you run through the gamut of Thai cuisine, give your taste buds a treat with these quick suggestions for what to eat in Thailand…
- Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup): One of the most classic Thai dishes, this fragrant soup is chock-full of exotic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves for a taste & smell that’s like none other.
- Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup): Another delicious soup that’s tamed down by adding a healthy dose of coconut milk to the base ingredients.
- Pad Thai (Thai-Style Fried Noodles): One of the easiest introductions to Thai cuisine, this stir-fried noodle dish—served with shrimp, chicken, and/or vegetables—differs from its Chinese cousins through the addition of fish sauce and peanuts.
- Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry): An overwhelming yummy dish cooking up juicy meats like beef or chicken in a fragrant and delicious red curry paste & coconut milk concoction.
- Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad): A fresh salad hailing from Northern Thailand that blends ingredients like green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, coconut sugar, fish sauce, carrots, dried shrimp, and tamarind.
Transportation in Thailand
Getting there
By air
For most travellers, the easiest way to get to Thailand will be by air. The most popular gateway to Thailand is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Some of the major airlines operating out of BKK include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile.
By bus
Thailand shares land borders with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Land transportation into Thailand from its neighbours, however, is generally cumbersome and slow. If your budget allows, you’ll save a ton of time entering Thailand by air. Some of the more popular routes into Thailand by bus include:
- Vientiane to Nong Kai (1h)
- Siem Reap to Bangkok (8h30m)
- Penang to Hat Yai (4h)
- Yangon to Mae Sot (8h53m)
Getting around
By air
With the large distances between many of Thailand’s top destinations and relatively affordable airfares, one of the best ways to get around the country is by air. Some of the most popular air routes include:
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai (3h)
- Bangkok to Krabi (1h20m)
- Bangkok to Koh Samui (1h5m)
By bus
Thailand has an extensive bus system that will transport you nearly anywhere you need to go. Buses tend to be cheaper and quicker than trains, even if they are less comfortable. If you have the budget, opt for the VIP buses, as they’re less crowded and safer than local, express, or second-class buses. Some of the most common bus routes in Thailand include:
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai (9h30m)
- Bangkok to Krabi (12h45m)
- Bangkok to Ayutthaya (1h30m)
- Chiang Mai to Pai (5h)
- Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai (8h40m)
By ferry
With the multitude of islands in Thailand, there’s a good chance you’ll need to take a ferry. Before you embark, be sure to check the safety records of your ferry company, as there have been several fatal accidents in recent years. If the island has an airport or land bridge connection, consider travelling by air or bus instead for safety.
- Ao Nang to Phuket (2h15m)
- Ao Nang to Phi Phi (1h30m)
- Koh Phangan to Koh Tao (1h)
