- CapitalBangkok
- CurrencyThai baht (THB)
- LanguageThai
- Best timeNovember to March
- Plug typesA, B, C, O
Thailand is the classic entry point to Southeast Asia. Bangkok is a sprawling, food-obsessed capital; Chiang Mai and the north offer temples, mountains and cooler evenings; and the Andaman and Gulf coasts are lined with islands for every taste, from party beaches to quiet coves. Infrastructure is good, prices are fair and the hospitality is famous.
Top destinations in Thailand
Bangkok
Temples, rooftop bars, canals and the world's greatest street-food city.
Explore →
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand's laid-back hub of temples, cooking schools and mountain trips.
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Phuket
Thailand's biggest island, the base for Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands.
Explore →Landmarks & things to see
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The dazzling former royal residence and home of the revered Emerald Buddha.
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Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, its porcelain-studded spire rising from the Chao Phraya.
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A golden hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai, reached by a 300-step naga staircase.
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Phang Nga Bay
Limestone towers rising from emerald water, best explored by sea kayak.
Discover →Map of Thailand
Travel tips for Thailand
- Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off.
- Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok to beat traffic.
- The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best November to April; the Gulf islands (Koh Samui) are driest roughly February to August.
Where to stay in Thailand
Bangkok
Sukhumvit: Skytrain access, endless restaurants and nightlife; Riverside / Silom: Grand hotels on the Chao Phraya and easy boats to the temples; Old Town / Banglamphu: Walking distance to the Grand Palace and Khao San Road on a budget.
Chiang Mai
Old City: Temples on every corner, inside the moat; Nimmanhaemin: Cafés, boutiques and modern condos; Riverside: Quieter boutique hotels near the night bazaar.
Phuket
Kata & Karon: Family-friendly beaches with good surf in season; Patong: Nightlife central, busy and loud; Phuket Old Town: Sino-Portuguese shophouses and cafés, away from the beach.
Getting there and around
Most international visitors arrive by air via Bangkok or the main city gateways. Compare fares early for peak season, then use trains, buses, ferries or domestic flights between destinations.
Thailand FAQ
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is generally November to March. Conditions vary by region, so check each destination.
What currency is used in Thailand?
The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Which plugs are used in Thailand?
Thailand uses plug types A, B, C, O. A universal travel adapter covers them.
What should I combine with Thailand?
Thailand combines well with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change regularly. Check your government's travel advice and the official immigration website before you travel.
