Thailand Travel Guide

Introduction to Thailand

Thailand travel guide

Thailand is undoubtedly a gem of a country. It has so much to offer if you are open to its mysteries and many great memories can be made there.

Let’s take a look at a brief history of this charming country.

In its earliest history, what is now called Thailand was a collection of smaller, distinct kingdoms, one of the first being established in 1238 in Sukhothai, which reached its high point in the 14th century. However, it later fell under the control of Ayutthaya, another kingdom in the area.

Ayutthaya also absorbed the kingdom of Lanna, in the area that is now Chiang Mai, to the north of the territory. Ayutthaya grew stronger and larger over the centuries and was largely responsible for contributing much to the culture and development of Thailand.

The Burmese managed to sack the kingdom in 1767, but King Taksin led the recovery and founded a new capital at Thonburi. After him, General Chakri moved the capital across the Chao Phrya River to Bangkok. He soon after became king and the founder of the Chakri dynasty that rules Thailand to this day.

Thailand was known as Siam until 1939. It is the only nation in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized or occupied by a foreign country.

After World War II, Thailand experienced a string of military dictatorships, which overthrew the elected prime ministers, but the nation has had some limited success as a democracy.

However, in September 2006, the democratically elected but highly divisive Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was overthrown in a bloodless military coup, setting off a series of spats between Bangkok’s urban elite that has strong influence in the nation’s government, and the less powerful but far more numerous rural masses that supported Thaksin.

Thaksin has been in exile and a series of unstable governments have come and gone over recent years.

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Thailand Today

Things to do in Thailand

Bangkok today is a world-class city and a major center for business in Asia.

Today, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with King Maha Vajiralongkorn as current Head of State. In May 2014, the sitting prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra (the youngest sister of Thaksin Shinawatra), was overthrown in a military coup and martial law was declared until April 2015.

Currently, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former chief of Thailand’s military, serves as prime minister.

Politics aside, there is little argument that Thailand is one of the most popular countries to visit in the world. Its lands are beautiful, the people are warm, friendly, and welcoming, and the food is second to none. In fact, Bangkok came in as the most visited city in the world on the 2019 Global Destination Cities Index, published by MasterCard, and has for most of the past five years. It’s an easy country to travel in and is often a port of entry for travelers starting a visit to Southeast Asia.

Thailand is the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with both elements peacefully co-existing.

Thailand at a Glance

Capital

Bangkok

Other Notable Cities

Chiang Mai

Surat Thani

Udon Thani

Nonthaburi

Currency

Thai Baht

For the most up-to-date currency exchange rates, I recommend XE’s Currency Converter.

Major Holidays

Songkran (Traditional Thai New Year, April 13-15)

Coronation Day (May 5)

The Queen’s Birthday and Mother’s Day (August 12)

The King’s Birthday and Father’s Day (December 5)

Population

69.8 million (2020), ranked 20th worldwide

Predominant Faith

Buddhism

Drives on the

Left

Official Language

Thai

Geography

Area: 198,115 square miles (513,120 km), ranked 51st worldwide

Population Density: 354 people per square mile (137 people per square km), ranked 88th worldwide

Terrain: Mountainous in the north, plateau in the northeast, flat in central and south, except for limestone rock formations in the waters near southern islands

Geography of Thailand

Thailand has four distinct regions, north, northeast (Isaan), central, and south.

In northern Thailand, the Thai Highlands are mountainous, with the highest point being  8,410 feet (2,561 meters) at Doi Inthanon in a national park by the same name.

Places to visit in Thailand

Napamaytanidol Chedi at Doi Ithanon National Park

Northeast Thailand, in the area known as Isaan, is a giant plateau, spanning to the west of the Mekong River.

Isaan has its own language (Isaan), which is more closely related to Lao than to Thai. It is Thailand’s poorest region.

Central Thailand is very flat, and its primary waterway is the Chao Phraya River, which flows into the Gulf of Thailand. Central Thailand is where Bangkok is located and where most travelers begin their journey.

Finally, southern Thailand is a large isthmus, known as the Kra, that eventually becomes the Malay Peninsula. This is the region where many travelers feel the best beaches in the nation are located. From here, you can get to Thailand’s numerous islands (called koh in Thai).

Major Holidays in Thailand

The holidays in Thailand are fun and festive, especially during the New Year celebrations. Banks and government buildings are closed for nearly all these holidays, so be sure to plan ahead with your banking, visa, and other official needs.

Songkran: The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated April 13-15. This is the major holiday of the year. Most people try to return home for family gatherings during this time. In fact, April 14 is also celebrated as Family Day.

Coronation Day: This holiday is celebrated May 4 and commemorates the coronation of the current king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, in 2016.

The Queen’s Birthday: Celebrated on August 12. Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932. This day is also observed as Mother’s Day.

The King’s Birthday: Celebrated December 5 (though the date sometimes varies). Commemorates the birthday of former king Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927. This day is also observed as Father’s Day.

Holidays in Thailand

Traditional dancers performing during Songkran

Visa Requirements for Thailand

As of this writing, rules and policies regarding visas and entry into various nations are change quickly and furiously due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The best advice I can give you is to always consult with official sources of information, such as the Thai Embassy, for the most accurate information.

Currently, nationals of 64 countries may enter under Thailand’s visa exemption policy. Visitors must be able to produce an onward or return airline ticket to be permitted entry. Also, your passport must have at least six months validity remaining to be permitted to enter.

Click here for countries on Thailand’s visa exemption list.

When you enter, immigration officers will stamp a visa into your passport, giving you a 30-day stay (45 days for US citizens until September 30, 2021) if arriving by air, and a 15-day stay if arriving by land, at no charge. If you need more time, you may extend for an additional seven days for a fee of 1,900 baht at the nearest Thai Immigration Bureau office.

Also available are 60-day tourist visas, giving you much more time in Thailand. For these, you must apply at a Thai embassy for consulate at least a week or two in advance of your departure. When you apply, you must be able to show evidence of having a flight booked to exit Thailand before the 60-day period expires. The fees for tourist visas are as follows:

  • Single entry: US$40
  • Two entries: US$80
  • Three entries: US$120

Fees must be paid via money order only, payable to “Royal Thai Embassy.” They do not accept cash, checks, or credit cards.

It usually takes a few days for the visa to be processed, so be sure to apply at least a few weeks before your trip so there is plenty of time to get your passport/visa returned in time for your trip’s departure.

As fees and policies for applying for a visa change often, please be sure to get the latest information at the Thai embassy or consulate near you. For US citizens, the Thai Embassy in DC can be contacted here.

Traveling to Thailand

Things to do in Bangkok

 

There is never a shortage of things to do in Thailand. Whether it’s exploring a beautiful temple, sampling new street food, or spending a day at a modern mall, you will find Thailand a place that offers it all!

What to do in Thailand

Traveling to Thailand is easy and efficient, with many international airlines flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports. There are also airports in Chiang Mai, as well as in Phuket.

If you are planning your own trip, you should book ahead by using a service like Agoda, where you can find good rates on hotels. Sometimes it becomes difficult to find good hotels during the busy seasons, so booking ahead is highly recommended.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is very much set up for tourism and there are many very memorable things to do in this charming country.

A well-rounded itinerary when traveling to Thailand is to begin in Bangkok, the nation’s capital and by far largest and most dynamic city.

Then a slower-paced visit to Chiang Mai, in the north, and then to one of the Thai islands further south, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samet, would make for a great trip!

Bangkok is the nation’s capital and business center and there is never a lack of things to see and do in this booming town. It is modern and efficient, with an impressive transportation system and dining, shopping, and entertainment offerings. Here you can tour the Grand Palace, visit a few of the many famous Buddhist temples, or just relax by taking a stroll in one of the city’s beautiful parks.

If you are a foodie, you will be in paradise in Bangkok, as the city has some of the best street food to be found anywhere.

Chiang Mai, to the north, is one of those places that simply should not be missed. Its natural scenery is breathtaking and the vibe there is as welcoming as it is relaxing. The city itself is inviting and there are many good restaurants to enjoy. The Chiang Mai Night Market is legendary and is one of the most popular attractions for visitors.

From Chiang Mai, you can visit the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, built on top of a forested hill, and the Doi Inthanon National Park.

Finally, no trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to one of the nation’s spectacular islands, or koh, as they say in Thai. Koh Samui is Thailand’s largest and Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Precautions When Traveling in Thailand

During the Thai new year, Sonkran, which is a three-day celebration from April 13-15, prices for accommodations usually shoot up quite a bit.

Also, during this time, when out in the streets, expect to get soaked by both locals and tourists alike blasting everything that moves with a water rifle.

What was originally a celebration of cleansing using water in small doses has today degenerated into a giant water flight in Thailand’s larger cities.

In Thailand, people drive on the left! Always be very careful when crossing streets if you are from a nation where you drive on the right. Habit will have you look left first, then right. It’s the other way around in Thailand. Be sure to look right then left.

Also, note that the Skytrain and Metro system in Bangkok stop operating at midnight. After that, the only options are taxis or tuk-tuks. Be sure to firmly set a price with the tuk-tuk driver. Never just hop in and wait until you arrive at your destination to determine a fare; you will invariably be unpleasantly surprised.

All legitimate Taxis are metered. Always insist that the driver run the meter. Don’t let them try to set a fixed price. The fixed price will undoubtedly be much higher than the meter would have totaled.

Thai Food

Thai food is an art in itself. Many of the world’s most discerning food critics praise Thai cuisine for its rich and delicious flavor and the wide variety of meats, vegetables, spices, and side dishes that are used to create these memorable meals.

Larger cities offer a wide range of choices in Thai food, from high-end restaurants with world-famous chefs, to family-run street-food stalls with incredibly cheap prices. Most of the Thai food stalls will specialize in one or two dishes but a particular area will have several stalls nearby.

Starter Menu

If you are unfamiliar with Thai cuisine, here is a starter menu for you to try.

Pad Thai: An old favorite consisting of stir-fried rice noodles, chopped tofu, eggs, chili pepper, and fish sauce. Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts are served on the side. It can be ordered with chicken or shrimp and is also often available as a vegetarian option, with tofu as the primary ingredient.

Curry (chicken, pork, beef, or vegetable): One thing is for sure. There are not many things that excite the taste buds like a good curry dish! There are three main types of curry: green (the hottest), red (less spicy), and panang (the creamiest and least hot). Usually served with rice, curry is a delectable taste enormously popular in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts: You can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a simple dish consisting of chicken stir fried with vegetables and soy sauce and served with rice.

Som Tam: A delicious spicy salad originally from Isaan (northeast Thailand) made with shredded green papaya, carrots, onion, chili, dried shrimp, lime, and diluted fish sauce. Some variations include crushed salted crabs, but you can ask to have them omitted. It can be spicy, but there is no problem to ask your server to tone it down for you. Som tam practically has a cult following throughout Thailand. It goes great with BBQ chicken and sticky rice.

Khao man tai (chicken with rice): A very popular favorite found both in restaurants and street food stalls alike. This dish consists of tender boiled chicken breast served with rice cooked in the broth from the chicken. It’s served with a side bowl of broth and a special spicy sauce.

Bangkok Street Food

Serving up some great Thai street food in Bangkok

Best Thai street food

Pad Thai is a very traditional street food in Thailand.

Thailand Weather

Thailand is in the tropical climate zone and humidity is high throughout most of the country during the year. In the part of Thailand north of Bangkok, there are three climate seasons, whereas the southern peninsular region of the country has only two.

In the northern part the seasons are defined clearly. The dry season runs from November through May. Rain is scarce during this time. Temperatures are generally higher from March to May. The other period, November to February, is the cooler dry season, during which time temperatures are much lower.

The northern season running from May to November is the rainy season.

The southern region of Thailand, on the other hand, has only two seasons, the wet and the dry. These seasons run differently depending on which side of the peninsula you are interested in.

On the west coast, heavy storms are common from April through to October, whereas on the east, September to December sees the heaviest rainfall.

Generally, the rainiest parts of Thailand are in the southern region, which sees 94 inches (2,400 mm) of rain, whereas the northern region sees about 55 inches (1,400 mm).

It’s always hard to know exactly what the weather will be in Thailand, at any time of the year. The best advice I can give you is to always carry light rain gear with you, especially if you are venturing out from a major city.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket with you, as trains, planes, and automobiles tend to be quite well air conditioned in Thailand.

Learn More About Thailand Travel

I hope you enjoyed my Thailand Travel Guide. For more great information and tips for Thailand travel, please see my blog posts below.

Travel to Southeast Asia

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