THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything you need to know before travelling to Thailand.
Make the most of your trip to Thailand with expert tips, ideas and recommendations
Thailand Travel Guide
Why visit Thailand on holidays?
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for good reason. With an abundance of natural beauty, it also offers a plethora of amazing activities, sights and experiences for all preferences.
Known as the land of smiles, be ready for friendly people, delicious spicy food, affordable drinks and an abundance of shopping in the cities. Nature or adventure-seekers may have a problem with the amount of choice available to them with some of the most beautiful beaches for sports, surfing or just lazing about to national wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries.
The country offers something for everyone, so it is a perfect destination for a boy’s or girl’s trip, a yearly family vacation or even a spiritual journey to find yourself.
- Where is Thailand?
Thailand is in Southeast Asia and borders Cambodia and Laos to the east, Malaysia to the south, and Myanmar (Burma) to the north and west. The coastline opens out to the Gulf of Thailand. - What is the size of Thailand?
The country is 513,120 km2 or 198,120 sq mi, which is about 19 times smaller than the United States of America. It is the 50th largest country in the world by land mass. - How many people live in Thailand?
The population of Thailand is 66~68 million people, which makes it the 21st most populous nation in the world. - What is the capital of Thailand?
The capital and most populous city of Thailand is Bangkok. In its local language it is known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep. Over 8.2 million people live in Bangkok. - What is the main religion in Thailand?
The main religion practised in Thailand is Buddhism with almost 95% of the population identifying as such. There are also other religious groups in the country such as Muslims and Hindus. - What language is spoken in Thailand?
There are over 74 languages in Thailand, including local dialects. However, the official language is Thai or Siamese Thai, and is spoken by over 80% of the population. - What is the currency of Thailand?
The official currency is the Thai baht (sign: ฿; code: THB). Currently (June 2020) the currency conversion rate is ~31 baht to 1 USD. - What plugs are used in Thailand?
There are three commonly used plug types in Thailand, types A and B as well as type C. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. - What is the country code of Thailand?
The country code for calling Thailand is +66 as a prefix. Domains for websites in Thailand usually end with .co.th.
Preparing your trip to Thailand
Getting ready for a trip of a lifetime can be quite stressful, because there is quite a lot to understand before you head on over. From being vaccinated to budgeting the right amount, there are a lot of variables to consider before your trip. To be fully prepared, we have a few suggestions that will help you get prepared for a potentially life-changing trip.
Thailand Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Thailand. Some travellers may not require a visa or be able to get a visa-on-arrival. We recommend visiting the Thailand embassy or high commission website to find out if you require a visa or not.
Travelling to Thailand: Best ways to get there
There are numerous ways to get to Thailand – from the most common, which is flying there to driving across the border or docking at one of the many ports in the country.
Thailand Trip Cost
Thailand can be quite affordable, but depending on what experience you are looking for, your budget for the trip can vary. We explore the different budget alternatives available to travellers.
Thailand Vaccination
Make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. While Thailand has a good reputation for quality healthcare services in Southeast Asia, there are some health risks associated with travelling to any new country. Find out what vaccinations are required for your trip to Thailand here.
What to pack for your trip to Thailand
Make sure to pack the right things for your trip to Thailand. Winter wear is not necessary as Thailand is a tropical country for the most part, but packing bug spray, sunscreen and other necessities for a sunny getaway will not go amiss.
What not to do during your Thailand trip
Though Thailand is a friendly country, there are a few taboo topics or activities that you should avoid at all costs to avoid offending the people or in some extreme cases, to avoid going to jail.
Imagine going to Thailand for a lad’s weekend only to find out that it is a dry weekend, because it is the King’s birthday. This might put a bit of a dampener on your weekend plans, but with a little bit of planning you can avoid having your trip derailed.
To help you plan your best Thailand trip, we put together a simple guide on the best times to visit Thailand for all types of travellers.
Where to go in Thailand?
Deciding where to go in Thailand might be a headache due to the almost unlimited choices that you have on offer. From bustling cities, to natural wonders, beautiful islands or even historical getaways, Thailand has something for everyone.
To help you decide, we have highlighted some of the best cities, islands and hidden gems in Thailand that are a must-visit for any traveller.
What to do in Thailand?
Thailand is a country that offers everyone something that they will fall in love with. From amazing beaches, regional delicacies, unmatched shopping options, awe-inspiring nature and much more. To help first-time travellers or those unfamiliar with other parts of Thailand other than the major cities, we have put together some of the top activities for travellers in Thailand.
What to expect in Thailand?
Don’t you hate going to a foreign country and falling for the tourist traps that almost everyone else seems to know about? Well, to help you avoid those issues, this section covers the important day-to-day things you should know when you travel to Thailand.
From the different types of food, to getting around the different cities and islands, how to get the best out of the nightlife and how to avoid the scams and stay safe when you travel.
Thailand food and drinks
If there is one thing you shouldn’t miss out when travelling to Thailand is the amazing food that is unique to this country. From the fresh and exciting street food that Thailand is famous for to the luxurious and delectable Michelin-worthy restaurants that will make your mouth water, there is a culinary surprise awaiting you at every turn.
Get ready to learn about Pad Thai, green or red curry, Tom Yum soup and so much more, as we explore Thai cuisine.
+ Thailand food: Exploring the flavoursome tastes of Thai cuisine
Getting around Thailand
Should you rent a car, take public transport or haggle about taxi fares when travelling around Thailand’s many cities?
We put together a practical list of things that you should consider and use as a tourist in this foreign land when it comes from getting to Point A from Point B. Get out your smartphone to download some usual apps, maps and more, as we show you how to best get around the country.
+ Thailand transportation: The ultimate getting around Thailand guide
Thailand Nightlife
Beers, bars, babes and beaches is the misconception about Thailand’s nightlife. Some of the negative stereotypes of the country’s nightlife may have some truth, but it does not define the excitement and fun of a night out in the land of smiles.
We explore the intricacies of Thailand’s vibrant nightlife and put a spotlight on the good, bad and ugly side of one of the most fun countries in the world.
+ A guide to Thailand nightlife: How to make the best of your time in Thailand after dark
Thailand Scams and Safety
Tourist scams are a common problem in Asia and the rest of the world and unfortunately, Thailand is not immune to these issues. However, a well-prepared traveller need not to be worried.
To help you stay safe and ensure you have a good time on your trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common scams as well as tips on how to avoid them and stay safe.