Thailand travel guide: trip costs, safety and exchange rates

November to February is the best time to visit most of Thailand: cool, dry and reliably sunny. The Gulf islands are the exception, because Koh Samui is wettest from October to December while the Andaman coast is at its best. September is the quietest and cheapest month of the year.

Population

65,951,210 DOPA · 2024 (registered)

International visitors

32,974,321 (2025) -7.2% YoY MOTS · Last updated: 2026

Annual visitors per resident

0.50× Annual international visitors divided by the population

Currency

Thai baht (THB)

Language

Thai; English widely spoken in Bangkok and major tourist areas

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Time zone

ICT (UTC+7)

Power plug

Type A / B / C / F / O, 220V

Dialing code

+66

Driving side

Left

Tipping

Not expected at local places, but upscale restaurants often add a 10% service charge. Rounding up or leaving 20-50 THB is common for good service.

Internet

Fast 4G and 5G in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and most tourist areas. Fibre and cafe Wi-Fi are usually reliable, but speeds drop on smaller islands and remote rural routes.

Emergency

191 police emergency, 1155 Tourist Police, 1669 ambulance and rescue

• Skip Songkran if you hate chaos

  Mid-Apr · shifts yearly

  Thailand more or less shuts into festival mode during Songkran. Roads clog with domestic travel, hotels spike in price, and entire tourist zones turn into all-day water fights whether you join or not. It's fun if you're there for the party, but terrible for a calm beach trip, cultural sightseeing, or moving around the country efficiently.

  Go here instead:

  • Malaysia Far calmer regional alternative during Thailand's busiest festival week.
  • Indonesia Easier island travel and fewer transport disruptions during mid-April.

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

  35 km east of Bangkok city center

  The Airport Rail Link is the fastest and cheapest way into the city if your accommodation is near a BTS or MRT station. Taxis are readily available 24/7, but expect potential traffic delays and ensure the meter is used. Grab is a reliable alternative, with upfront pricing.

  • Airport Rail Link: 30 min, ฿45
  • Taxi: 40 min, ฿500
  • Grab: 40 min, ฿500
  • Airport Bus S1: 60 min, ฿60

• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

  24 km north of Bangkok city center

  DMK is primarily for domestic flights and some regional international routes. Taxis and Grab are convenient, but traffic can be heavy. The A1 bus connects to Mo Chit BTS, and the A4 bus goes to Khao San Road, offering budget-friendly options.

  • Taxi: 30 min, ฿300-500
  • Grab: 30 min, ฿350-700
  • Airport Bus A1/A2/A4: 20-60 min, ฿30-50
  • SRT Red Line train: 50 min, ฿40-120

• Phuket International Airport (HKT)

  38 km north of Patong Beach

  Taxis from HKT often have fixed prices to popular areas like Patong. Grab is widely used and offers competitive pricing. The Phuket Smart Bus is the cheapest option but makes multiple stops and may not drop you directly at your hotel.

  • Taxi: 50 min, ฿800
  • Grab: 50 min, ฿750-1250
  • Shared Minibus: 80 min, ฿180
  • Phuket Smart Bus: 80 min, ฿100

• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

  3-4 km southwest of Chiang Mai Old City

  CNX is very close to the city, making transfers quick and easy. Airport taxis offer a flat rate, while Grab provides convenience with upfront pricing. Red songthaews are a local, budget-friendly option, but expect shared rides and potential detours.

  • Airport Taxi: 15 min, ฿150
  • Grab: 15 min, ฿120-180
  • Red Songthaew: 20 min, ฿40
  • Airport Shuttle Bus (R3): 20 min, ฿20

• Overland from Malaysia

  Several crossings available, including Padang Besar and Sungai Kolok.

  The Padang Besar crossing is easily accessible by train. Be aware of potential questioning if you have a history of frequent visits to Thailand when entering from Langkawi.

  • Train from Padang Besar: 1 hr, MYR 15 to Butterworth (Malaysia side)

• Overland from Laos

  Multiple Friendship Bridges across the Mekong River, including Nong Khai-Vientiane and Chiang Khong-Huay Xai.

  The Nong Khai-Vientiane Friendship Bridge is the busiest crossing. Not all land border crossings into Laos are open to foreign nationals, and a visa for Laos may be required in advance.

• Overland from Cambodia

  Major crossings at Aranyaprathet-Poipet and Hat Lek-Koh Kong.

  The Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing is notorious for scams and long lines; it's advisable to sort out your Cambodian visa beforehand. Land borders with Cambodia have experienced tensions and closures in the past, so check current conditions.

Thailand is going cashless fast, but two things still quietly cost travelers money: the flat fee Thai banks add to every foreign-card ATM withdrawal, and the gap between a good money changer and the airport counter. Get those two right and paying here is easy.

• Cards, cash and PromptPay

  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, malls, chains and city restaurants, but street food, markets, songthaews and many smaller islands still run on cash. PromptPay QR is everywhere locals pay, but it needs a Thai bank account, so it rarely helps a visitor directly.

• Beat the ฿220 ATM fee and bad exchange rates

  Nearly every Thai bank adds a flat fee of about ฿220 to a foreign-card withdrawal, on top of your own bank's charge. Withdrawing the maximum in one go and changing cash at SuperRich rather than the airport both save more than most people expect, and our guide compares the current ATM fees bank by bank.

Best option for most travelers: an eSIM you set up before you arrive. You'll be online the moment you land, with no airport line and no tourist pricing.

Prefer a local SIM?

Thailand has extensive 4G LTE coverage across most tourist areas, with 5G readily available in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While rural and mountainous regions may occasionally experience weaker signals or 3G-only zones, speeds are generally reliable for navigation, ride-hailing, messaging, and video streaming.

• AIS

  AIS is Thailand's largest network and offers strong nationwide coverage, including remote areas and islands. A 15-day unlimited data plan costs around 699 THB.

• TrueMove H

  TrueMove H provides excellent 4G and 5G coverage in cities and popular beach destinations, having merged with dtac in 2023. An 8-day unlimited 5G internet plan costs about 499 THB.

• dtac

  dtac, now part of True Corporation, offers good coverage in major tourist centers and competitive pricing for shorter trips. An 8-day plan with 15GB at max speed costs about 299 THB.

Thinking about living in Thailand? Here is what the visa routes, the tax rules and the everyday costs look like before you commit.

Planning & moving around

• How do you travel between cities in Thailand?

  Domestic flights are efficient and widely used for intercity travel, especially for longer distances like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or the southern islands. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways are known for reliability, while AirAsia and Nok Air offer budget-friendly options. Long-distance buses and trains are also available, particularly for routes within regions or for those on a tighter budget, though they take considerably longer. Driving yourself is generally not recommended due to chaotic traffic and varying road quality, plus you need a specific license.

• How reliable are domestic flights in Thailand, and which airline should I use?

  Domestic flights in Thailand are generally reliable and punctual, with good amenities at airports. For full-service and comfort, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways are solid choices, often operating from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you are looking for lower fares, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet Air are good budget options, though they might have less legroom and occasionally glitchy websites. Booking in advance and using comparison sites helps secure the best deals.

• Do I need an International Driving Permit for Thailand?

  Yes, you absolutely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive any vehicle in Thailand, including scooters and motorbikes. Your national driving license alone is not sufficient; the IDP acts as a translation and must be accompanied by your original license. For motorbikes or scooters, your IDP must specifically have the 'A' category endorsement, regardless of the engine size.

• How much does Thailand change between regions?

  Thailand is a country of significant contrasts, with distinct differences between its northern, central, and southern regions. Northern Thailand, centered around Chiang Mai, offers a cooler climate, mountainous landscapes, ancient temples, and a focus on culture and trekking. The central region, dominated by Bangkok, is dense and fast, with skyscrapers next to old temples. Southern Thailand is all about tropical beaches, island hopping, and marine activities, with variations in rainfall patterns between the Andaman Sea and Gulf coasts.

• Do you need a license to rent a scooter in Thailand?

  Yes, you need a full motorcycle license from your home country, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the 'A' endorsement, to legally rent and ride a scooter or motorbike of any engine size in Thailand. While some rental shops may not strictly check for the correct license, riding without one means you're uninsured and liable for fines and serious legal consequences in case of an accident.

• Is English widely spoken in Thailand?

  English is widely spoken in major tourist areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and popular islands, especially within hotels, restaurants, and tour operations. However, outside these areas and in more rural settings, English proficiency drops significantly. Translation apps are helpful for navigating local markets or communicating with non-English speakers.

• Do I need to fill out Thailand's digital arrival card?

  Thailand has been moving toward digital arrival systems, and the rules have changed more than once recently. Depending on when you travel, you may need to complete an online arrival form before boarding or before immigration. Airlines are inconsistent about checking, so do not assume you can sort it out after landing. Check the latest immigration requirements a few days before departure rather than relying on old blog posts or YouTube videos.

• How bad is air pollution in Thailand during burning season?

  In northern Thailand it can get genuinely awful. Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces regularly hit hazardous air quality levels during burning season, with smoke hanging in the mountains for weeks at a time. Some travelers cut their trips short because hiking, scooter rides, and even sitting outside become unpleasant after a few hours. Southern islands are usually a much safer bet during that period.

Safety & medical

• What natural hazards should I plan around in Thailand?

  Thailand experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which means a distinct rainy season from roughly June to October, bringing heavy downpours and potential localized flooding, especially in the North and along the Andaman coast. The southern coasts can also experience cyclones, though less frequently. Always check regional weather forecasts if you plan to travel during these months, as persistent rain can impact island travel and outdoor activities.

• Are there any regions or areas of Thailand I should avoid entirely?

  Generally, Thailand is safe for tourists, but exercise caution in the far southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla due to ongoing civil unrest and occasional violence. These areas are not typical tourist destinations and travel advisories often recommend against non-essential travel there. Stick to established tourist routes and areas for a trouble-free trip.

• What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?

  Before traveling to Thailand, ensure your routine vaccinations like MMR, polio, and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis are up to date. Travel-specific vaccines to consider include Hepatitis A and Typhoid, both transmitted through contaminated food and water, especially if you plan on eating street food or visiting rural areas. Depending on your itinerary, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (for longer stays or rural exposure), and Rabies (if around animals) may also be recommended. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4 to 6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.

• Are Thai islands safe for swimming year-round?

  No, and people underestimate this constantly. During monsoon periods, beaches on the Andaman side like Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Lanta can get dangerous rip currents even when the water looks swimmable from shore. Red flags are there for a reason. Every year tourists ignore them and drown within sight of the beach bars.

Laws & local norms

• What are the drug laws in Thailand?

  Thailand has strict drug laws, despite some recent changes regarding cannabis. Cannabis was decriminalized in 2022 but sharply restricted again in 2025: it is now legal only for medical use with a Thai prescription, and recreational use is prohibited. The rules keep changing, so check the current situation before you travel. Possessing or trafficking other recreational drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, or heroin carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and even the death penalty. Do not assume your home country's rules apply, and avoid any involvement with illegal substances.

• Can I vape in Thailand?

  No, vaping and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand. This includes importing, selling, and using them. If caught, you can face significant fines and even imprisonment. It is best to leave all vaping devices and e-liquids at home to avoid any legal issues.

• What is the dress code for temples in Thailand?

  When visiting temples and other religious sites in Thailand, you must dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees, for both men and women. Avoid tank tops, shorts, mini-skirts, and revealing clothing. Many popular temples, like the Grand Palace, will deny entry if you are not appropriately dressed, though some may offer sarongs for rent. It is also customary to remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall.

• What is the LGBTQ+ friendliness like in Thailand?

  Thailand is generally considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, with a visible and largely accepted LGBTQ+ community, particularly in major cities and tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. Same-sex marriage has been legal since January 2025, and there is strong social tolerance and a lively gay scene in many destinations. Public displays of affection might still draw stares in more conservative or rural areas, but outright hostility or harassment is rare.

• What are common local etiquette mistakes tourists make in Thailand?

  Tourists often forget to remove their shoes before entering homes or temples, which is a significant sign of disrespect. Pointing your feet at people or a Buddha image, or touching someone's head (considered sacred), are also major faux pas. Keep your emotions in check, as public displays of anger or loud behavior are frowned upon. When greeting, use the 'wai' (hands pressed together with a slight bow) and a polite 'sawasdee kha' (female) or 'sawasdee krap' (male).

• Is it true that bringing playing cards into Thailand can cause problems?

  Technically yes, though tourists almost never get stopped over it. Thailand has old gambling laws that historically restricted large quantities of playing cards because cards were tied to illegal gambling operations. Carrying a normal travel deck is not something most visitors need to worry about, but importing large amounts commercially without permission is where the law originally applied.

• Why are there cannabis shops everywhere in Thailand now?

  Thailand decriminalized cannabis, and thousands of dispensaries opened almost overnight, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and tourist islands. A lot of them feel more like Amsterdam-style weed cafes than medical dispensaries, despite the official framing. The rules keep shifting, though, and enforcement changes fast. Public smoking still causes problems, and some shops are far more legitimate than others.

Money & costs

• Is Thailand expensive?

  It costs more than its neighbors for most of what we price. Compared with Vietnam, a taxi ride and a hostel bed cost about two thirds more and a 3-star hotel about a quarter more, while a local meal costs only a little more. The Costs in Thailand section on this page lists each price with its source.

  See our Vietnam travel guide →

• Do you tip in Thailand?

  Tipping is not expected, but leaving small change at a restaurant or rounding up a taxi fare is common. Upscale restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge and 7% VAT, shown as ++ next to menu prices, so there is no need to tip on top.

Families & kids

• Is Thailand a good place to travel with kids?

  Thailand is an excellent destination for families, offering a welcoming culture where children are often treated like VIPs. The country provides a diverse mix of activities from calm beaches and ethical elephant encounters to exciting city tours and interactive cultural experiences. While the heat and occasional long journeys can be challenging, friendly locals and a well-developed tourist infrastructure make it a joyful and memorable trip for all ages.

Staying longer

• Which Thai islands are better for a quieter trip?

  A lot of first-time visitors accidentally book party islands and end up hating them. Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Phangan can be exhausting if you want calm evenings and empty beaches. Koh Lanta, parts of Koh Yao Yai, and quieter stretches of Koh Samui suit slower trips much better, especially for couples or families who are not interested in beach clubs every night.

Pets

• What are the requirements for bringing pets to Thailand?

  Bringing a pet to Thailand requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. You'll need an import permit, applied for at least 7 days and no more than 60 days before departure, from the Animal Quarantine Station at your port of entry. Pets must be at least four months old, have up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and possess an official health certificate endorsed by your government's veterinary authority within 10 days of travel. While quarantine is generally not required if all documents are in order, authorities can impose it for health concerns or incomplete paperwork.