Thailand Guide Stay
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🛬Before you flyArrival CardFree and official. Fill in within 3 days before you land.→✈️Getting aroundAirport & FerriesCompare transfers, trains, buses and ferries.→🛡️Stay coveredTravel InsuranceMake sure it covers hospital care, and scooters if you plan to ride one.→

Thailand Destinations

Best for first-timers & food

Bangkok

City life, rooftop bars, shopping and street food

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Best for nightlife & easy beach breaks

Pattaya

Beach city and nightlife, just 2 hours from Bangkok

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Best for beaches & island trips

Phuket

Beaches, island trips and resorts for every budget

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Best for couples & honeymoons

Koh Samui

A relaxed island for couples, families and honeymoons

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Best for beach parties & chilled bays

Koh Phangan

Full Moon parties, quiet beaches and yoga retreats

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Best for families & easy beach breaks

Hua Hin

Long sandy beaches, water parks and great night markets

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Best for cliffs, beaches & island hopping

Krabi

Limestone cliffs, Railay beach and boat trips to the islands

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Best for a quick island escape

Koh Samet

White sand bays and fire shows, just 3–4 hours from Bangkok

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Best for temples, mountains & culture

Chiang Mai

Mountains, temples, night markets and culture

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Getting your bearings

Where everything is

From the mountains in the north to the islands in the south.

Map of Thailand showing Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Phuket
Not sure where to go?

Which city suits you?

Two quick taps and we'll match you to the right part of Thailand.

1Who's travelling?
2What do you want most? Pick one or two
★ Our picks for you
Each city guide shows the best areas, what's nearby and our hotel picks.Start over
Plan your timing

When to go

Thailand is good all year. Here's what each season is like.

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Nov – Feb

Cool & dry

The most popular time. Sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas on most beaches. Book early.

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Mar – May

Hot

The hottest months, often 35°C or more. Chiang Mai can be hazy in March and April. Songkran water festival is mid-April.

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Jun – Oct

Rainy season

Short heavy showers, usually in the afternoon. Greener, quieter and often better value. Phuket's sea can be rough.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city should I visit first?

For a first trip, most people start with a few nights in Bangkok, then add a beach. Phuket and Koh Samui are the easiest beach choices. If you prefer temples, mountains and a slower pace, add Chiang Mai.

When should I book hotels and flights?

It depends on when you go. From December to February, and especially over Christmas and New Year, hotels and flights fill up fast, so book a few months ahead. Chinese New Year and Songkran (mid-April) get busy too. In low season, roughly May to October, you can usually book later and still have plenty of choice.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Many passports, including UK passports, can visit Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days. This changed from 60 days on 15 September 2026. The rules depend on your passport, so always check the official Thai e-Visa website before you book.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

It is a free online form that every visitor fills in before arriving. You can only fill it in within 3 days (72 hours) before you land. It takes about 10 minutes, and you get a QR code within minutes. Only use the official website, never paid lookalike sites.

When is the best time to go?

November to February is cooler and drier for most of Thailand. March to May is the hottest time.

How do I get between cities?

Short flights link most cities. You can also take trains, buses and ferries. Use the Airport & Ferries button near the top of this page to compare times and book.

Do I need travel insurance?

We always recommend it. Sort it before you fly and make sure it covers medical care. Thailand's private hospitals are excellent, but treatment can be costly without cover. If you plan to ride a scooter or do adventure trips, check your policy includes them.

What about money and SIM cards?

Thailand uses the Thai baht. Cards work in malls, hotels and most restaurants, but street food, markets and small shops are cash only. Thai ATMs charge foreign cards a fee for each withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often. If an ATM or card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, always choose Thai baht. For your phone, set up an eSIM before you fly so Grab and maps work as soon as you land.

What should I wear at temples?

Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes that are easy to slip off, as you take them off at the entrance. Never point your feet at a Buddha statue.

What scams should I watch out for?

Thailand is a friendly place, and most trips go without any problems. A few tricks are worth knowing. If a stranger tells you a temple or the Grand Palace is closed today, it usually isn't, so just smile and walk on. Be wary of very cheap tuk-tuk tours that stop at gem or suit shops. If you rent a jet-ski or scooter, take photos of it before you set off. Our city guides have more tips for each place.

Why don't you show prices?

Hotel rates change by season and even by day, so any price we showed could be wrong. Tap a hotel to see today's real price on the booking site.

Does it cost more to book through your links?

No. You pay the same price. We may earn a small commission from the booking site, which helps keep this guide free.

Why use us

Why Thailand Guide Stay

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Hand-picked areas

We start with where to stay, so you pick the right part of the city or island first.

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Official arrival info

Clear, checked steps for the free Arrival Card, and a warning about paid lookalike sites.

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Free to use

No sign-up and no fees. Just open a guide and start planning.

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Book with trusted sites

We never take payment. You book directly with sites like Booking.com, Agoda and Klook.