Thailand offers it all: tropical beaches, ancient temples, the world's best street food, and friendly locals. A guide for your first trip to Thailand.
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most popular travel destinations, and for good reason. The country offers an incredibly diverse combination of tropical beaches, historic temples, bustling cities, and peaceful countryside. In addition, Thailand is an affordable travel destination where you get value for your money.
Bangkok is the first stop for most travelers. The city is a chaotic but fascinating mix of modern and traditional. Major attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Allocate time for the temples in the morning before the heat sets in.
Bangkok's street food is world-famous. Yaowarat, or Chinatown, offers the best street food experiences in the evenings. Try pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), massaman curry, and mango sticky rice for dessert. Brave tasters can try insects on Khao San Road.
In Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a paradise for culture and nature lovers. The city has over 300 Buddhist temples, and the surrounding mountains offer hiking trails and waterfalls. The Doi Suthep temple on the mountaintop is a must-visit.
The islands of Southern Thailand are divided between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Phuket is the largest island and offers everything from luxury holidays to beach parties. Those looking for a quieter atmosphere head to Krabi, Koh Lanta, or Koh Lipe.
The Phi Phi Islands are incredibly beautiful, surrounded by limestone cliffs and turquoise water. Maya Bay (the filming location of 'The Beach') is open again to a limited number of visitors. A day boat trip to Phi Phi is an unforgettable experience.
There is growing criticism of elephant tourism. Avoid elephant riding and instead choose an ethical elephant sanctuary where animals are not exploited. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is an example of responsible tourism.
Practical tips: In Thailand, they drive on the left side of the road. Shoes are always removed when entering temples and homes. The head is sacred, and you should not point your feet at anyone. Smile a lot — Thailand is the 'land of smiles' for a reason.
The best time to travel is from November to February, which is the dry season. April is the hottest month and the time of the Songkran water festival. The monsoon season (May–October) brings rain but also cheaper prices and fewer tourists. Compare Thailand to other destinations with our comparison tool and check the packing list for a tropical destination.
Budget: You can manage well in Thailand on 30–50 euros per day, including accommodation, food, and transportation. More luxurious travel costs 80–150 euros per day. The currency is the Thai baht, and cash is still a common payment method in small places. Calculate your own budget with our travel cost calculator. Traveling to Thailand alone? Read our solo travel guide and remember to get travel insurance.