Thailand
Golden temples, street food paradise, and white-sand dream beaches — your complete guide to Thailand.
Our Thailand Checklist
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Flair
Exotic, welcoming, and seriously one of the best countries for first-time travelers.
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Travel season
November through March (dry season).
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Travel duration
Two to three weeks if you want to cover the north and the islands.
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Currency
Thai Baht — bring cash, especially for street food stalls.
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Tipping
At street food stalls, tipping isn't expected. At sit-down restaurants, around 10% is appreciated.
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Getting around
Domestic flights, ferries between islands, and tuk-tuks for short hops.
Where to go in Thailand?
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and borders Myanmar and Laos to the north, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south.
The most popular destinations in Thailand are the capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai in the mountainous north, and the south with its islands and stunning beaches.
Most travelers land in Bangkok first and spend a few days exploring the city before heading north toward Chiang Mai or south to the islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand expensive?
Thailand is a really affordable destination — there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular places to travel in Asia, especially among backpackers.
What we love about Thailand is that it works for every budget. You can eat incredibly well for next to nothing, but there are also fantastic high-end restaurants if you want to splurge.
A simple beach hut or basic hotel in Bangkok starts at around 10 to 20 euros a night. For about 50 euros, you’ll already get a solid mid-range hotel — the kind that would cost you significantly more at comparable spots in other countries.
Is Thailand safe?
Thailand isn’t a dangerous destination, but there are a few rules you really need to know. Criticizing the king or the royal family is strictly forbidden — and we mean strictly. It can result in actual prison time, so don’t do it, even as a joke.
It’s also worth knowing that corruption among local police can be an issue. Avoid unnecessary run-ins if you can.
That said, Thai people are genuinely warm and welcoming, and we’ve never felt unsafe there during any of our visits.
Do you need vaccinations for Thailand?
It depends on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there, so ideally check with a travel medicine specialist before you leave — the sooner the better.
If you’re sticking to tourist areas for a few weeks, vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B are generally considered sufficient.
What should you pack for Thailand?
Pack light — seriously. You can buy almost anything you’d need from home in Thailand, often at a lower price than back home.
A backpack is a much better choice than a rolling suitcase, since streets and sidewalks are often uneven.
It’s also warm year-round, so lightweight clothing is all you’ll need.
For the full rundown, check out our Southeast Asia packing list.
What currency does Thailand use?
Thailand uses the baht (THB). As a rough guide, 40 baht is around 1 euro.
ATMs are easy to find in any tourist area, and you can withdraw cash with a credit card. Just note that Maestro cards are generally not accepted.
