Travel Guides for Thailand

Practical, no-nonsense guides — how to get around, when to go, what it costs, and the small things that make the trip.

Practical, no-nonsense guides for travellers to Thailand — how to get around, when to go, what it costs, and the small things that make the trip.

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Thailand Travel Guides — Everything You Need Before You Go

Thailand rewards the prepared traveller. Whether you’re figuring out which SIM card to grab at Suvarnabhumi, deciding between a tourist visa and a visa exemption, or trying to work out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta without losing half a day, the right information changes the whole trip. These guides cut through the noise and give you the practical knowledge that actually matters on the ground.

Getting There and Getting Around

Thailand has two major international airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — plus regional hubs in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Budget carriers like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air connect the country internally for often under 1,000 THB if you book a few weeks ahead. For overland travel, the State Railway of Thailand runs sleeper trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and overnight buses connect most provincial capitals. On the islands, ferries, speedboats, and the occasional longtail are your options — schedules and operators shift with the season, so always confirm before you commit.

Visas, Money, and the Practical Stuff

Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days (extended to 90 days from late 2024 for many nationals). If you’re planning a longer stay, a tourist visa or the Thailand Destination Card (available since mid-2024) are worth exploring. For money, ATMs are widespread in cities and tourist areas — Kasikorn Bank and Bangkok Bank ATMs tend to have lower foreign transaction fees than smaller machines. A 200 THB withdrawal fee is standard; exchange booths at Superrich or licensed money changers in Bangkok usually beat airport and hotel rates significantly.

Connectivity and SIM Cards

Thailand has excellent mobile coverage from the three main carriers: AIS, DTAC (now True Move H after the merger), and NT (formerly TOT). Tourist SIMs with 15–30 days of unlimited data start from around 300 THB and are available at every airport arrival hall and 7-Eleven. AIS tends to edge out on coverage in remote areas like Mae Hong Son province and the northern hills; True Move H often wins on urban 5G speeds in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Pick up your SIM the moment you land — the airport booths are straightforward and staff speak English.

Temple Etiquette and Cultural Respect

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and temples (wat) are active places of worship, not just Instagram backdrops. Cover your shoulders and knees before entering — sarongs are usually available at major temples if you forget. Remove shoes before stepping inside any building within the temple complex. Don’t point your feet toward Buddha images or monks, and women should not hand anything directly to a monk. These aren’t arbitrary rules; they reflect genuine cultural values that Thais appreciate when visitors take seriously.

Health, Safety, and Insurance

Thailand is a relatively safe destination for travellers, but a few basics apply. Drink bottled or filtered water — tap water in most of the country is not safe for foreigners unused to local bacteria. Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist injury; if you do hire a scooter, wear a helmet and stick to areas you know. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended — private hospitals like Bumrungrad in Bangkok are world-class but expensive without cover. Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are common, well-stocked, and staff are typically knowledgeable in English in tourist areas.