Thailand has been one of the world's most popular travel destinations for decades — and for good reason. Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities on earth; the northern mountains around Chiang Mai offer trekking, temples, and elephant sanctuaries; and the southern islands have some of the finest beaches and diving in Southeast Asia. Add extraordinary street food, warm hospitality, and prices that make Western Europe feel extortionate, and you have one of travel's great destinations.
Visas & Entry
Thailand offers visa-free entry or visa on arrival for most nationalities. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, and many others can enter visa-free for 60 days (extended from 30 days in 2024) — no advance application required. Some nationalities receive 30 days visa-free; check the Thai immigration website for your specific passport. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at major airports and land borders for nationalities not on the visa-free list — 30 days, THB 2,000 fee, requires a passport photo and proof of onward travel. The Thailand e-Visa is available for longer stays or multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Thailand uses 220V electricity with Type A, B, and C plugs — a universal adapter is recommended. The emergency number is 191 (police) or 1669 (medical).
Currency & Money
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). 1 GBP ≈ THB 45; 1 USD ≈ THB 35; 1 EUR ≈ THB 38 (2026). Thailand is excellent value by Western standards. Budget: THB 800–1,200/day (£18–27; guesthouse, street food, local transport). Mid-range: THB 2,000–4,000/day (£45–90; hotel, restaurant meals, activities). A street food meal: THB 50–100 (£1–2). A beer in a bar: THB 80–150 (£2–3). A mid-range hotel: THB 1,000–2,500/night (£22–55). ATMs are widely available but charge a fee of THB 220 per withdrawal — use a fee-free card (Wise, Revolut, Starling) to minimise costs. Card payments are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but cash is essential for street food, markets, and tuk-tuks. Exchange money at banks or authorised exchange booths (SuperRich is the best rate in Bangkok) — avoid airport exchange counters.
Getting Around Thailand
Thailand has good transport links between its main destinations. Bangkok: the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro cover most tourist areas — buy a Rabbit Card for discounted fares. Tuk-tuks and taxis are available but always agree the price before getting in (or insist on the meter for taxis). Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) is the most reliable and transparent option. Intercity: overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours, from THB 600) and to the south are comfortable and good value — book at thairailwayticket.com. Buses: air-conditioned coaches connect all major destinations — reliable and cheap. Domestic flights: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (1 hour, from THB 800), Bangkok to Phuket (1.5 hours, from THB 900) — Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Bangkok Airways are the main carriers. Islands: ferries and speedboats connect the southern islands — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and the Krabi area are all well-served.
Thai Culture & Temple Etiquette
Thailand is a deeply Buddhist country — temples (wats) are sacred spaces and require respectful behaviour. Dress code: cover shoulders and knees when entering temples — carry a sarong or lightweight trousers. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. The head is considered sacred; never touch anyone on the head. The feet are considered the lowest part of the body — never point your feet at a Buddha image or a person. The monarchy is deeply revered — never make disrespectful comments about the royal family (lèse-majesté laws are strictly enforced). The wai (pressing palms together and bowing slightly) is the traditional greeting — return it when offered. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in shops with fixed prices. Be patient and good-humoured — losing your temper ("losing face") is considered very poor form in Thai culture. The phrase "mai pen rai" (never mind / it's okay) captures the Thai approach to life — adopt it and you'll have a much better time.
Street Food & Food Safety
Thai street food is one of the world's great culinary traditions — and eating from street stalls is both safe and essential. The rule of thumb: eat where the locals eat. A busy stall with high turnover is safer than a quiet one. Must-try dishes: pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, and peanuts — the most famous Thai dish), som tam (green papaya salad — spicy and refreshing), tom yum goong (spicy prawn soup), massaman curry (rich, mild curry with potatoes and peanuts), khao man gai (poached chicken on rice — Thailand's best comfort food), mango sticky rice (the finest dessert in Southeast Asia), and pad kra pao (stir-fried basil with meat and a fried egg — the Thai worker's lunch). Spice: Thai food can be extremely spicy — "pet nit noi" means "a little spicy" and "mai pet" means "not spicy". Vegetarian: "jay" means vegan/vegetarian in Thai — look for yellow flags outside restaurants during the Vegetarian Festival (October).
Best Islands & Regions
Thailand divides into three main regions for travellers. Bangkok & Central Thailand: the capital is unmissable — the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, the floating markets, Chinatown (Yaowarat), and the street food of Silom and Sukhumvit. Allow 3–4 days. Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of the north — the old city moat, Doi Suthep temple, the Sunday Walking Street market, and the ethical elephant sanctuaries (Elephant Nature Park is the best). Chiang Rai has the extraordinary White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). The Gulf Coast (east coast): Koh Samui (most developed), Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party, but also beautiful beaches), and Koh Tao (the best budget diving in Asia). The Andaman Coast (west coast): Phuket (most developed), Krabi (the best base for island hopping), Koh Lanta (relaxed and beautiful), and the Similan Islands (world-class diving). The Andaman coast is affected by the southwest monsoon (May–October) — the Gulf coast is the better option in this period.
