Thailand Travel Guide: How To Plan Your Trip

Thailand has a habit of overturning whatever you expected. Golden temples give way to jungle, jungle gives way to limestone cliffs dropping into turquoise water, and somewhere in between there’s always another bowl of something delicious.

It’s also an enormous country to try to cover in one trip, stretching from the mountains of the north to islands on two different coastlines with two different monsoon seasons. Trying to do all of it in a week rarely works.

This guide covers how long to stay, when to go, where to base yourself, and the practicalities that catch first-time visitors out – entry rules, costs, getting between regions, and the mistakes worth avoiding.

For deeper dives into specific places, I’ve linked out to my dedicated guides on the Phi Phi Islands, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi and solo travel in Thailand throughout.

This post contains affiliate links.

👀 Thailand at a glance

🗺️ Map of Thailand’s key regions

Use the interactive map to see where everything in this guide sits, from Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north down to the Andaman and Gulf coast islands in the south.

🇹🇭 Why visit Thailand?

Thailand earns its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most complete destinations. You can move from a bustling capital to jungle to beach without ever feeling like you’ve left the same trip.

It’s also remarkably good value for the quality on offer, particularly if you’re coming from the UK or US – a seriously luxurious stay costs a fraction of the equivalent in Europe.

The food alone is worth the flight. Between street stalls, night markets and fine dining, it’s one of the few countries where eating well is never really in question.

🧳 Planning your Thailand trip

How long to stay

10 days is enough for Bangkok plus one region beyond it – either the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands) or the Gulf coast (Koh Samui and its neighbours).

Two weeks lets you add Chiang Mai and the north, which is a very different side of Thailand to the beaches and worth the extra flight.

Three weeks or more is what you need to fully combine Bangkok, the north and both coasts, given the distances involved and Thailand’s two separate monsoon patterns.

Where to base yourself

Bangkok works as a start and end point for almost every trip, given it’s where most international flights land, but few people base themselves there for the whole visit.

Chiang Mai and the north suit travellers who want temples, mountains and ethical elephant experiences without the beach crowds – it’s a different pace entirely to the south.

The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) is Thailand’s best-known beach region, with the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island as day trips from either base.

The Gulf coast (Koh Samui and its neighbouring islands) is trickier to reach but is worth the extra effort for a more laid-back pace and different monsoon timing to the Andaman side.

Sample trip styles

• 10 days: Bangkok, then either the Andaman coast or the Gulf coast – enough time to settle into one coastline rather than rushing between two.
• 2 weeks: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one coast – the classic first-timer’s route, and the one I’d recommend if this is your first trip to Thailand.
• 3 weeks or more: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and both coasts, timed around whichever coastline’s dry season your dates fall into.

🪪 Entry requirements for Thailand

Thailand’s entry rules changed significantly in 2026, so it’s worth checking these carefully rather than relying on older advice.

🇬🇧 UK passport holders currently get 30 days visa-free entry. This followed a Thai Cabinet decision on 19 May 2026 to scrap the previous 60-day exemption for the UK and 53 other nationalities. The 30 days can be extended once, for a further 30 days, at any Thai immigration office for a fee of ฿1,900.

🇺🇸 US passport holders currently get 60 days visa-free entry, unchanged for 2026, also extendable once by 30 days for ฿1,900.

Everyone entering Thailand – regardless of nationality – must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. It’s free, replaces the old paper TM6 form, and must be submitted within 72 hours of your arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th. It’s single-entry, so a border run to a neighbouring country means completing a fresh one on your way back in.

Your passport should have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry.

There’s also been long-running talk of a 300 baht (around £7) arrivals fee for air travellers, intended to part-fund traveller insurance and tourism infrastructure.

It’s been discussed and delayed for several years and still hasn’t been formally confirmed as of mid-2026, so don’t be surprised either way when you arrive.

✈️ How to get to Thailand

Most international flights land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok’s main airport. Though budget and regional carriers often use Don Mueang (DMK) instead. Both are well connected, so it’s worth checking which one your flight actually uses.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Asia – Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong, for example – it can be worth flying directly into a regional airport such as Phuket (HKT) or Chiang Mai (CNX) instead, depending on where your trip starts.

🛺 How to get around Thailand

🛫 By plane is the quickest way to cover Thailand’s considerable distances, with domestic airports at Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi among others. A flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 70 minutes, versus 10-12 hours by train or bus.

🚂 By train is the more budget-friendly option for longer overland journeys, and there’s still a touch of comfort available if you book a first-class sleeper for routes like Bangkok to Surat Thani (the gateway for Koh Samui and Khao Sok).

🚌 By bus covers the routes trains don’t, and overnight buses are a cheaper (if less comfortable) alternative to a sleeper train.

🚕 By private car gives you the most flexibility if your budget allows, letting you stop wherever catches your eye rather than sticking to a fixed timetable.

🛺 By tuk-tuk is best for short hops within a town or city – agree the price before you get in, as they aren’t metered.

🛥️ By boat is how you’ll move between islands – speedboats and ferries connect the mainland to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, the Phi Phi Islands and beyond, with speedboats faster but pricier than the public ferries.

🇺🇸 Visiting Thailand from the US

A few things are worth factoring in if you’re planning this trip from North America rather than the UK.

There’s no nonstop flight from the US to Thailand. United’s LAX–Bangkok route via Hong Kong (resumed in October 2025) is the closest thing to a one-stop option; otherwise you’re routing through Tokyo, Seoul or Taipei on carriers like JAL, ANA, Korean Air or EVA Air.

Either way, budget for a long journey and build in a day either side to recover before diving into a packed itinerary.

Driving is on the left here, which takes more adjustment for American visitors than it does for British ones. It’s something to weigh up if you’re considering self-drive beyond Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s organised tours and transfers.

One pleasant surprise: Thailand’s hybrid sockets mostly accept US-style flat-pin plugs without an adapter, so you may not need to pack one at all (though it’s still worth checking your specific device’s voltage rating, since Thailand runs on 230V against the US’s 120V).

📍 Where to stay in Thailand

Given how spread out a typical Thailand trip is, where to stay really comes down to which regions your route includes. Here’s a pick for each:

Bangkok

For riverside grandeur, The Peninsula Bangkok sits on the Chao Phraya with its own ferry service and views over the water and the city – a serious contender for the best hotel in Bangkok.

For a central, practical base, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is directly connected to Asok BTS station, putting the whole Skytrain network and Sukhumvit’s restaurants within easy reach.

Looking for something more boutique? My guide to boutique hotels in Bangkok has 10 further picks.

Chiang Mai and the north

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is set among rice paddies just outside the city, with villas that come with private pools and butler service.

For history alongside the luxury, 137 Pillars House occupies a 19th-century former trading company headquarters, with a small museum on-site telling the building’s story.

Phuket and the Andaman coast

The Surin on Pansea Beach is one of Phuket’s original five-star resorts, and still one of its most idyllic beachfront settings.

Anantara Layan on Layan Beach is the pick for real seclusion, with private balconies, gardens and direct beach access throughout.

Krabi

Rayavadee can only be reached by boat, set among tropical gardens between three separate beaches – a real escape from the mainland.

For somewhere closer to Ao Nang’s restaurants and nightlife, Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort is where I stayed on my own trip to Krabi, with three infinity pools overlooking the coastline and spacious, well-located rooms.

Koh Samui and the Gulf coast

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui sits above a private beach on the Gulf of Thailand, with villas offering up to five bedrooms and private infinity pools.

Melia Koh Samui on Choeng Mon Beach is the more contemporary pick, blending classic Thai style with sleek modern design.

Looking for more across the whole country? My guide to the best luxury hotels in Thailand covers further picks in Koh Kood, Khao Lak and beyond.

A note on the Phi Phi Islands

I’d recommend against staying overnight on the Phi Phi Islands themselves. They’re beautiful but heavily overdeveloped, and Phi Phi Don in particular has become a party island.

Base yourself in Phuket or Krabi instead and visit on a day trip; my Phi Phi Islands guide explains why in more detail.

🍜 Where to eat and drink in Thailand

Street food

Thai street food is one of the best reasons to visit on its own, and it’s worth building your itinerary around eating rather than treating meals as an afterthought.

Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, green curry, tom yum soup and mango sticky rice are the essentials, and you’ll find good versions of all of them at street stalls for a fraction of restaurant prices.

Use a little common sense when picking a stall – busy, popular ones with a visible turnover of food are generally the safest bet.

Fine dining in Bangkok

Bangkok has a serious fine dining scene, with several Michelin-starred restaurants alongside destination hotel dining rooms. It’s worth booking ahead for anywhere well reviewed, as Bangkok’s best tables fill up fast.

Cooking classes

Thai cookery schools are dotted across the country, particularly around Chiang Mai and Krabi, and are a good way to take a little of the trip home with you.

Most cover a handful of classics – usually including Pad Thai and a green or red curry – and end with you eating your own creations.

🌴 Top things to do in Thailand

🏙️ Bangkok

Bangkok is worth a couple of days at least, ideally more if you can spare them.

• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Bangkok’s most famous sight, and deservedly so, though it’s always busy – arrive at opening time and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) to get through the entrance without a fuss.
• Wat Arun and Wat Pho: Two more of the city’s essential temples, both easily combined with a Grand Palace visit and a short river crossing between them.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world’s largest markets, with thousands of stalls covering everything from clothing to homeware to food.
• The BTS Skytrain and river boats: Not attractions exactly, but one of the best ways to see the city while avoiding Bangkok’s notorious traffic.

For more unconventional options, my guide to quirky things to do in Bangkok covers 10 further ideas, from an edible insect tasting menu to a snake farm.

🐘 Chiang Mai and the north

Chiang Mai moves at a different pace entirely – expect temples, mountains and considerably cooler evenings than the south.

• The Old City: A walled, moated square packed with temples, including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, both easily covered on foot in a day.
• The Sunday Walking Street Market: Widely considered one of Thailand’s best markets, filling the Old City’s streets every Sunday evening with food, crafts and street performers.
• An ethical elephant sanctuary: Look specifically for a no-riding sanctuary such as Elephant Nature Park, which focuses on rescue and rehabilitation rather than performance or riding.
• The Golden Triangle: A worthwhile overnight trip further north, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong.

🏝️ The Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands

This is Thailand’s best-known stretch of coastline, and for good reason.

• The Phi Phi Islands: Six islands including the postcard-famous Maya Bay, best visited on a day trip rather than an overnight stay – my Phi Phi Islands guide has the full picture.
• Railay Beach, Krabi: Accessible only by boat, with no roads in or out, and a serious draw for rock climbers thanks to its towering limestone cliffs.
• James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan): A short boat trip from Krabi or Phuket to see the famous rock formation from The Man with the Golden Gun.
• Khao Sok National Park: Rainforest, limestone karsts and the man-made Cheow Lan Lake, best experienced with a night in a floating raft house – covered in full in my Khao Sok guide.

My Krabi guide covers 20 further things to do in the area, from the Emerald Pool to the Tiger Cave temple climb.

🐚 The Gulf coast: Koh Samui and beyond

Thailand’s other coastline runs on a different monsoon calendar to the Andaman side, and has its own distinct character.

• Koh Samui: The Gulf’s main island, with a good mix of resorts, beaches and a lively-but-manageable nightlife scene around Chaweng.
• Koh Phangan: Famous for its Full Moon Party, held monthly on Haad Rin beach, though the island has plenty to offer beyond it too.
• Koh Tao: A smaller island with some of Thailand’s best and most affordable diving and snorkelling.

🤫 Quieter corners of Thailand

If you’ve done the highlights before, or would simply rather avoid the biggest crowds, these three are worth the extra effort to reach.

Koh Kood and Koh Mak

Tucked away in the Gulf near the Cambodian border, Koh Kood is one of Thailand’s least developed larger islands, with jungle waterfalls like Khlong Chao a short scooter ride from the beach.

Its smaller neighbour, Koh Mak, has even less going on – which, for some travellers, is exactly the point. Both are best visited from November to April, reached by ferry from Laem Sok pier near Trat.

Koh Lanta

An hour and a half by boat from the Phi Phi Islands, but a different island entirely. Long, largely uncrowded beaches, a laid-back pace, and nightlife that stays firmly in the background.

It’s a good base for the same snorkelling and island-hopping as Krabi, without quite so much competition for a sunbed.

Pai

A mountain town north of Chiang Mai, reached via the notorious Route 1095 – 762 hairpin bends through the hills, so pack travel sickness tablets if you’re prone like me.

Hot springs, waterfalls and rice-paddy views await at the other end, along with a noticeably slower pace than Chiang Mai itself.

🏞️ Day trips from Bangkok

Ayutthaya: Thailand’s former capital, around 80km north of Bangkok, scattered with atmospheric ancient temple ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: A classic, colourful boat-based market, though it’s worth going early to beat both the heat and the tour groups.

Kanchanaburi: Home to the Bridge on the River Kwai and moving WWII history, roughly two hours from Bangkok.

Khao Yai National Park: One of Thailand’s largest national parks, home to waterfalls, monkeys and elephants, around three hours from the city.

📅 Best time to visit Thailand

If your trip is confined to one coast, plan around that coast’s dry season rather than Thailand’s as a whole.

The Andaman and Gulf coasts run on opposite monsoon patterns, and getting this wrong is one of the most common planning mistakes.

🥵 Hot season: March to June

Thailand’s hottest, most humid stretch, and also a shoulder season for prices. It’s a good period for beach days and not much else, as the heat and humidity make sightseeing hard going.

☔ Rainy season: varies by coast

The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands) sees its heaviest rain from May to October, particularly July to September, with calmer seas and more reliable weather returning from November.

The Gulf coast (Koh Samui and neighbours) stays comparatively dry through the middle of the year and doesn’t hit its wettest stretch until October to December – meaning there’s usually a good beach option somewhere in Thailand whatever the month.

☀️ Dry season: November to February

The most popular time to visit nationwide, with milder temperatures and the most reliable weather for hiking, swimming and island-hopping. Expect higher prices and bigger crowds at the main attractions as a result.

💰 Thailand travel costs

Thailand remains excellent value, particularly for UK and US visitors, though costs vary hugely by travel style.

• Budget travellers (hostels or guesthouses, street food, local transport) can get by on roughly £20-£40 per day.
• Mid-range travellers (private rooms, a mix of restaurants, the odd paid tour) should budget £45-£80 per day.
• Luxury travellers, staying in the resorts featured above, can expect £150-£300 or more per day.

At the time of writing, £1 buys roughly 44-45 Thai baht, though it’s worth checking a live rate before you travel. Cards are increasingly accepted in cities and resorts, but cash remains useful for street food, markets, tuk-tuks and more rural areas.

🏨 Accommodation in Thailand: what to expect

Thailand’s hotel standards are excellent for the price, particularly compared with an equivalent spend in Europe. A mid-range hotel here often comes with a pool and a level of service you’d pay considerably more for elsewhere.

Air conditioning is close to essential outside the coolest months, so it’s worth checking this is included and working before you settle in, especially at cheaper guesthouses.

Book well ahead for the hotspots – the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Phangan around the Full Moon Party, and anywhere over Songkran (mid-April) or Christmas and New Year.

🤦 Common mistakes to avoid in Thailand

🌧️ Planning around the wrong coast’s dry season. The Andaman and Gulf coasts have opposite monsoon patterns – check which coast your trip covers before committing to dates.

✈️ Assuming Chiang Mai is a day trip from Bangkok. It’s roughly an hour’s flight away and deserves at least two or three days in its own right.

📇 Skipping the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. It’s mandatory for every nationality and needs to be completed within 72 hours of arrival – don’t leave it until you’re at the gate.

🚰 Drinking the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip; ice is generally fine, as it’s usually made from purified water.

🍻 Underestimating Thai drink strength. Cocktails and the infamous bucket drinks are often considerably stronger than their equivalents back home – pace yourself, particularly at full moon parties and beach bars.

🛵 Riding a scooter without experience. Thai roads are chaotic and scooter accidents are a leading cause of tourist injury. Save it for somewhere quieter if you’re not confident, and always wear a helmet.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Thailand?

Not for stays of up to 30 days, following a change to the visa exemption rules in May 2026. Longer stays require a visa arranged in advance, and everyone must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival regardless of nationality.

What language is spoken in Thailand?

Thai is the official language, though English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas, hotels and most restaurants. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated but rarely essential.

What is the currency in Thailand?

The Thai baht (THB) is the only legal currency. At the time of writing, £1 buys roughly 44-45 baht, though it’s worth checking a live rate before you travel.

Is Thailand expensive to visit?

No, not by UK or US standards – it remains one of the better-value destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly outside the most popular islands. Flights are usually the single biggest expense of the trip.

Is Thailand a safe country to visit?

Yes, generally – Thailand is considered one of the safer Southeast Asian countries for travellers. The most common issues are petty theft, tourist scams and drink-related incidents on nights out, rather than anything more serious, so ordinary precautions go a long way.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No – stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip, even at nicer hotels and resorts. Ice is usually fine, as it’s typically made from purified water.

Is Thailand a good destination for solo travellers?

Yes, very much so – it’s one of the most popular solo travel destinations in the world, with plenty of infrastructure and other solo travellers to meet along the way. My guide to solo travel in Thailand covers this in full.

What are the best day trips from Bangkok?

Ayutthaya, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai National Park are all manageable in a day. Chiang Mai is not a realistic day trip and deserves its own multi-day visit.

Do I need to tip in Thailand?

Not strictly, though it’s appreciated. Upscale restaurants often add a 10% service charge automatically; elsewhere, rounding up or leaving small change is a nice gesture rather than an obligation.

What is the weather like in Thailand?

Hot and humid year-round – it’s the rain, not the temperature, that shifts most by season. The Andaman coast is wettest from May to October, the Gulf coast from October to December, and November to February is the driest, most popular window nationwide.

📝 Planning the rest of your Thailand adventure

Thailand’s size and variety are exactly what make it worth the long-haul flight – few countries let you swap temples for jungle for beach quite this easily.

Whether you’re planning 10 days around Bangkok and one coast or a longer loop taking in the north as well, I hope this guide has given you a solid starting point for putting the trip together.

You may also like:

• Ultimate guide to visiting the Phi Phi Islands
• Khao Sok National Park: guide and things to do
• 20 fun things to do in Krabi
• 11 tips for solo travel in Thailand
• 20 beautiful luxury hotels in Thailand
• 10 quirky things to do in Bangkok
• 10 boutique hotels in Bangkok