Thailand
Everything you need to plan a great trip — from Bangkok's temples to the southern islands — without the guesswork.
Thailand pairs well with any trip length: 10 days minimum, 14–21 days ideal. Combine Bangkok (2–3 days), the culture-and-mountains North around Chiang Mai (3–5 days), and one or two southern islands (5–10 days). Best months are November–February (cool and dry). Most nationalities get a visa-free stay of up to 60 days as of mid-2026, though a shorter 30-day rule is pending — verify before booking. Budget from $35/day backpacking, $80–150/day mid-range.
Thailand is basically the gateway drug of travel — cheap enough that you stop watching your budget so closely, easy enough that plenty of people do it solo on their very first trip abroad, and good-looking enough that you'll be planning your next trip back before you've even left. It's rich, too: vibrant cities, green mountains, hundreds of islands, and food you'll be thinking about long after you're home.
This guide covers everything: where to go, how many days, when to fly, what it actually costs in USD, and the visa rule for your specific passport — not a generic one-size-fits-all answer. Written to be genuinely useful, and updated through the season.
Destinations
All Destinations ←
Bangkok
2–3 nights, stay near a BTS station — let the trains handle the traffic.
Chiang Mai
3–4 days, ethical elephants nearby, cooler air, serious coffee culture.
Ayutthaya
Bangkok's ruined former capital, easily done in a single day.
Chiang Rai
Thailand's northernmost city — three wild, totally different temples and the Golden Triangle an hour up the road.
Pai
The laid-back mountain town north of Chiang Mai — canyon views, hot springs, a night market, and a legendarily winding road to get there.
Kanchanaburi
The Bridge on the River Kwai, WWII history, and Erawan's seven-tiered waterfalls — about 2 hours from Bangkok.
Beaches & Islands
All Beaches & Islands ←
Phuket
Thailand's biggest island — beaches, nightlife, and easy day trips.
Krabi
Dramatic limestone cliffs, a quieter pace than Phuket.
Koh Samui
Family-friendly beaches on the Gulf coast, with wilder islands nearby.
Koh Phi Phi
Limestone cliffs, a legendary bay you can't swim in anymore, and one of Thailand's rowdiest beach nightlife scenes.
Koh Tao
Thailand's diver-training island — cheap PADI courses, Sairee Beach nightlife, and some of the Gulf's best pinnacle dives.
Koh Lanta
A laid-back island escape: long beaches, an Old Town on stilts, a national park, and noticeably fewer tour buses than Phuket or Krabi.
Attractions
All Attractions ←Thailand's Best Temples and Attractions
What's genuinely worth the entry fee — and what to skip.
Khao Sok National Park
Ancient rainforest, limestone karsts, and floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake — Thailand's best jungle escape between Phuket and Krabi.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's single busiest sight — here's how to actually enjoy it.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Thailand's first capital, quieter and less touristed than Ayutthaya.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A vibrant market that comes alive at night with shopping and street food.
Phang Nga Bay
Famed for its dramatic limestone karsts and emerald green waters.
Food
All Food ←
Thai Street Food: What to Eat and What It Costs
Must-try dishes, real prices, and how to eat safely.
Regional Thai Food: Isaan and Southern Curry
Som tam, larb, and fish curries hot enough to clear your sinuses.
Bangkok Street Food and the Michelin Guide
Jay Fai's crab omelette, and where else the Michelin Guide points.
Practical Info
All Practical Info ←
Thailand Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
The real answer, broken down by passport — not one generic rule.
Money, Safety & eSIM in Thailand
Cash, cards, real safety risks, and staying connected.
Articles & Comparisons
All Articles & Comparisons ←
Phuket or Koh Samui: Which Thai Island Is Right for You?
An honest head-to-head — not just 'both are great.'
How Many Days in Thailand? Real Itineraries
7, 10, 14, and 21-day routes that actually make sense.
Best Time to Visit Thailand: Monsoon by Region
Thailand doesn't have one season — here's the real regional breakdown.
The Biggest Mistakes First-Timers Make in Thailand
Visa runs, scooter insurance, and the dress code that gets enforced.