The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Thailand has a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it’s the chaos of Bangkok’s street markets, the neon glow of Chiang Mai’s lantern festivals, or the way the Andaman Sea turns every sunset into a cliché. Whatever pulls you in, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need more than a beach towel and a Lonely Planet to make sense of it all.

This guide is your launchpad for everything Thailand—how to get around, what to eat, where to go, and what not to do if you want to make it out alive (or just without food poisoning). Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family on holiday, or someone looking for a little luxury, you’ll find what you need right here.

Quick Facts

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB) — Check live rates with this currency converter
• Language: Thai (but English is common in tourist spots)
• Best time to visit: November–February (cool, dry season; fewer mosquitoes and pleasant breezes)
• Visa: Most Western passports get 30 days on arrival; always double-check. For official visa info, visit the U.S. Department of State Thailand page or the official Thai eVisa portal.
• Travel updates: See the Tourism Authority of Thailand for news and events.
• Transportation tips: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is now required for incoming travelers, speeding up your airport process.

Where to Go in Thailand

Bangkok: The Gateway Drug

If you’re flying in, you’re probably landing in Bangkok. Don’t skip it. Give yourself at least two or three nights to eat at a night market, ride a tuk-tuk, and sweat through the Grand Palace. Don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market—one of the largest in the world—or take a boat on the Chao Phraya River for a different view of the city.

Read more: How to Get Around in Thailand: A Solo & Adventure Traveler’s Guide

Chiang Mai & The North: Temples, Mountains, Lanterns

Chiang Mai is temple central and the base for jungle treks and elephant sanctuaries (ethical ones only, please). Go during November for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and watch the sky fill with floating lanterns. Head further north for Pai’s hippie scene or Chiang Rai’s White Temple—one of Thailand’s most Instagrammable spots.

The Islands: Andaman vs. Gulf

Thailand’s islands are a choose-your-own-adventure game. Want all-night parties? Go to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. After romance? Try Koh Lipe’s quiet beaches. Dreaming of limestone cliffs? The Phi Phi Islands are your spot for snorkeling and dramatic scenery.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Phi Phi Leh Island Hopping: Discover Andaman’s Jewel

Getting Around Thailand

Thailand’s transportation is a trip in itself. Trains are scenic and affordable—try the overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai for a classic experience. Buses connect every city and town, with varying levels of comfort. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are speedy ways to avoid traffic jams.

Taxis are everywhere, but always ask the driver to use the meter or agree on a price before you hop in. Tuk-tuks are fun for short trips; just be ready to negotiate. Songthaews (red pickup trucks with benches) are a cheap local way to get around in many towns.

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a scooter—but always wear a helmet and know the rules (accidents are common). For inter-island hops, ferries and speedboats are the norm. Domestic flights are surprisingly cheap if you want to cover more ground.

Full breakdown here: How to Get Around in Thailand: A Solo & Adventure Traveler’s Guide

What to Eat (and Where)

Street food is king. Try pad thai from a cart, mango sticky rice at midnight, or tom yum soup that blows your head off. Don’t be afraid of the busy places—locals know where to go. Night markets like Bangkok’s Rot Fai Market or Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street are foodie heaven.

For a deeper dive into Thai food culture, you can browse the Bo.Lan Thai food blog for authentic stories and chef insights, or check out the Thai Foundation’s cultural features for a history of classic dishes like khao chae.

Famous Local Thai Foods

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and lime -Read on its history and a classic recipe here! 
• Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and sour shrimp soup- Read about this dish’s history and recipe here!
• Som Tum – Green papaya salad, fresh and spicy- Read our take on this dish’s history here!
• Massaman Curry – Rich, mildly spicy curry with potatoes and peanuts – Read on its history and a recipe here!
• Green Curry – Fragrant coconut curry with chicken or beef and Thai eggplant. Read about its history and a recipe here!
• Khao Soi – Northern Thai curry noodle soup, often with crispy noodles on top. Read about its history and a recipe here!
• Satay – Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut sauce. Read about its history and a recipe here!
• Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet sticky rice with ripe mango and coconut milk. Read about its history and a recipe here!
• Moo Ping – Grilled pork skewers, a street food favorite. Read about its history and a recipe here!
• Kanom Jeen – Fermented rice noodles with spicy curry sauce
• Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) – Creamy coconut milk-based curry with meat and herbs
• Laab – Spicy minced meat salad from the northeast
• Sai Ua – Northern Thai herbal sausage

Feeling hungry yet? These dishes are just the tip of the iceberg—Thailand’s street food and local restaurants are a true culinary adventure!

Tip: If it’s got a line and plastic stools, you’re golden.

Culture, Festivals, and Etiquette

• Respect the King. Seriously. It’s a legal (and social) must.
• Shoes off. At temples, some restaurants, and often in homes.
• Don’t touch heads. It’s considered rude; the head is the most sacred part of the body.
• Smile. It’s called the Land of Smiles for a reason—smiling is a universal icebreaker.
• Dress modestly at temples—cover shoulders and knees, and avoid flashy clothes.
• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.

Must-see festivals:

• Songkran (April): The Thai New Year water festival—prepare to get soaked!
• Loy Krathong (November): Release floating baskets onto rivers and lakes for good luck.
• Yi Peng (November, Chiang Mai): Thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky.

Check the official Thailand festival calendar for up-to-date dates and locations.

Budgeting: How Much Will You Spend?

Thailand can be dirt cheap or five-star fancy. Backpackers can get by on $30-50/day for hostels, street food, and local buses. Mid-range travelers ($80-150/day) can enjoy boutique hotels, guided tours, and air-conditioned taxis. If you want rooftop pools, private villas, and spa days, the sky’s the limit.

ATMs are everywhere, but tell your bank you’re traveling to avoid card blocks. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and large restaurants, but cash is king at markets and small shops.

Top Thailand Experiences

• Hopping between islands in the Andaman Sea-Read our guide on it here!
• Visiting ancient cities like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
• Taking a Thai cooking class (many towns offer half-day courses)
• Watching (or joining) a Muay Thai fight—Thailand’s national sport
• Exploring night markets and tasting new foods
• Getting a traditional Thai massage at a local spa

Safety Tips

• Watch your belongings in big cities and touristy areas; pickpocketing can happen in crowded markets.
• Don’t rent scooters without insurance, and always wear a helmet.
• Respect the ocean—currents can be deadly, especially in the rainy season.
• Tap water: don’t drink it. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
• Beware of scams, especially in tourist hotspots—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• The emergency number in Thailand is 191 for police and 1669 for medical emergencies.

More Thailand Guides From My Favorite Blogs!

• Thailand’s Top Entertainment: A Traveler’s Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Phi Phi Leh Island Hopping: Discover Andaman’s Jewel
• How to Get Around in Thailand: A Solo & Adventure Traveler’s Guide
• Thailand Official Travel Guidebook – for local laws, customs, and travel news

Final Word

No matter how much you plan, Thailand will surprise you. That’s kind of the point. So read up, pack light, and get ready for the ride—you’ll want to come back.

Before you go, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand for travel updates, local events, and inspiration for your next adventure.