Thailand

Thailand packs an unusual amount of variety into one country: gilded Buddhist temples and a frenetic capital in the centre, cool forested mountains and Lanna culture in the north, and two separate coastlines of warm-water islands to the south. It is one of Asia's most practised travel destinations, with an established network of guesthouses, domestic flights, ferries and English-signed transport that makes independent travel genuinely easy. The food alone justifies the trip — from a 50-baht (about US$1.50) plate of pad thai at a street cart to fiery southern curries and northern khao soi. Add famously friendly locals, a favourable exchange rate for most visitors, and the practical Buddhist calm that gives the country its nickname, the Land of Smiles, and you have a place that suits first-time travellers to Asia and seasoned backpackers in equal measure.

Most trips begin in Bangkok, the riverside capital, where the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun cluster along the Chao Phraya and the street food runs late in Chinatown. North lies Chiang Mai, the old Lanna capital ringed by temples and mountains, and quieter Chiang Rai with its white and blue temples. The southern coasts split in two: the Andaman side holds Phuket, Krabi and the limestone cliffs of Railay and Phi Phi, while the Gulf side has Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and the dive island of Koh Tao. Between them sit the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, the bridge over the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi, and the beach towns of Hua Hin and Pattaya within easy reach of Bangkok. A first trip often pairs the capital with the north, or the capital with one island group.

Thailand has three broad seasons, and the timing matters more than many visitors expect. The cool, dry season from November to February is the most comfortable and the busiest — warm days, lower humidity and little rain across most of the country. March to May is genuinely hot, often above 35°C, peaking around the Songkran water festival in mid-April. The rainy (green) season from June to October brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, lush scenery and softer prices. One regional catch: the two coasts have opposite weather. The Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) is wettest from roughly June to October, while the Gulf islands (Koh Samui) see their heaviest rain later, around October to December — so there is good island weather somewhere in Thailand for most of the year.

Distances are long but transport is cheap and well organised. Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover the country — carriers such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Bangkok Airways connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket and the islands for as little as US$30–60 one way if booked ahead. Overnight sleeper trains and long-distance buses are slower but scenic and inexpensive. To reach the islands you combine a flight or bus with a ferry or speedboat. Within cities, the ride-hailing app Grab gives fixed, transparent fares and spares you the taxi-meter negotiation; Bangkok adds an efficient BTS Skytrain and MRT metro. Tuk-tuks are fun for short hops, but agree the price first. Renting a scooter is common on the islands and in the north, though traffic and road conditions demand real caution and a proper licence.

The currency is the Thai baht (THB), and Thailand remains very affordable by global standards. A street-food meal runs about US$1.50–3 (50–100 baht), a simple guesthouse room US$15–25, and a comfortable mid-range hotel US$40–90. Budget travellers can get by on roughly US$30–50 a day, while a mid-range style of travel sits closer to US$60–120. Cash is still king for markets, street stalls and small towns — ATMs are everywhere but charge a fixed foreign-card fee of around 220 baht (about US$6.50) per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often. Cards work in hotels, malls and chain restaurants, and the local PromptPay QR system is spreading fast. Tipping is not expected, though rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. Prices everywhere are quoted in baht; the US-dollar figures here are a guide at typical exchange rates.

Entry rules depend entirely on your nationality, so treat this as orientation and confirm the current policy for your own passport before you travel. Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for short tourist stays — commonly around 30 to 60 days — while others are eligible for a visa on arrival or must apply for an e-visa in advance. You will generally need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel, and an address for your first night. Thailand has trialled various arrival systems and tourist fees over the years and adjusts the rules periodically, so the official Thai e-visa and immigration websites are the only reliable source. For longer or repeat stays, look into the specific tourist, education or long-stay visa categories rather than relying on visa-free entry, which is intended for genuine short-term tourism.

A little cultural awareness goes a long way here. The country is overwhelmingly Theravada Buddhist, and temples are active places of worship: cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering a shrine, and never climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images. The monarchy is deeply revered and protected by strict lèse-majesté laws, so avoid any comment or gesture that could be read as disrespect toward the king or royal family. Thais greet one another with the wai, a slight bow with palms pressed together; a smile and a returned wai are always well received. By custom the head is considered the highest part of the body and the feet the lowest — so do not touch people's heads or point your feet at a person or a Buddha image. Keeping your composure rather than raising your voice helps everyone save face.