Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand Overview

Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized, welcomes 35–40 million visitors each year. Famous for its Buddhist temples, delicious cuisine, exotic wildlife, and paradise islands like Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui, it truly lives up to its name - Amazing Thailand.

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: ~70 million people
Capital: Bangkok
People: Thai (Thailand has more than 70 ethnic groups)
Language: Thai (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Telephone Code: +66

Transportation in Thailand:
Thailand offers many ways to get around, from budget-friendly to comfortable options.

Plane: Low-cost airlines connect major cities and islands quickly and cheaply.
Train: Scenic and affordable, especially the overnight trains to the north and south.
Bus & Minivan: Extensive network for long or short trips, with varying comfort levels.
BTS Skytrain & MRT (Bangkok): Fast, clean, and reliable for city travel; Airport Rail Link connects to Suvarnabhumi. Stored-value cards available.
Tuk-tuk & Taxi: Fun but often overpriced-agree on a fare or use the meter.
Ferry & Boat: Essential for island hopping, with frequent services to Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi.
Motorbike: Popular for short trips, but traffic can be tricky-ride with caution.

Top Thailand Destinations

The most common and reliable apps to book rides and food delivery are:

Grab – the most popular ride-hailing app (like Uber) for taxis, private cars, and motorbikes.
Bolt – available in Bangkok and some major cities, often cheaper than Grab.
LINE MAN Taxi – another option, though less common for foreign tourists.

For trains, buses, and ferries, travelers can also use 12Go Asia to book tickets in advance.

Cool Season: Only in the North (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai) from Nov–Feb (best for travel, dry & pleasant).
Hot Season: Nov–Apr (very hot, especially inland).
Rainy Season: May–Oct (short heavy showers, lush scenery).

The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency.
ATMs are widely available but charge fees.
Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange counters for better rates than airports.

Sim: Buy a local SIM card from providers like AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC at airports or 7-Eleven stores.
Data Packages: Provided by local SIM card providers like AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC when you purchase a tourist SIM.
Wi-Fi: Free in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants, but a SIM gives you more flexibility.

Traditional Taxis/Tuk-tuks: Agree on price or insist on the meter.
Gem Shops & Tailors: Avoid being lured into overpriced stores.
Tourist Attractions: Some “closed” temples are scams to redirect you elsewhere.
Jet Ski & Scooter Rentals: Take photos to avoid false damage claims.
Pickpockets: Be careful in crowded areas and markets.

Famous for a balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Must-try dishes: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Som Tam (papaya salad), Tom Yum soup, Mango Sticky Rice.
Street food is cheap, and an essential part of the Thai experience.
Many dishes can be adjusted for spice level-just ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) if needed.

Predominantly Buddhist, with thousands of temples across the country.
Major festivals: Songkran (Thai New Year, April) and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival, November).
Known as the “Land of Smiles” for its warm and welcoming people.
Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering, and avoid touching people’s heads (considered sacred).