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Asia / Southeast Asia

Thailand

Bangkok temples, Chiang Mai, and island beaches. As part of Southeast Asia in Asia, Thailand suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Thailand

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Nov – Mar

Bangkok

Plan at least a full day in Bangkok to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Chiang Mai

Plan at least a full day in Chiang Mai to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Phuket

Phuket is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Thailand, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Krabi

Krabi pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southeast Asia route through Thailand.

What it is known for
facts
  • Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai temples and Yi Peng lantern festival
  • Phi Phi Islands limestone karsts and beaches
  • Ayutthaya UNESCO ruined capital day trips
  • Pad thai, tom yum, green curry, and mango sticky rice
key City
name
Bangkok
label
Capital
why
Temples, floating markets, rooftop bars, and flights to every beach and northern city radiate from the chaotic capital.
Places to visit
  • area
    Bangkok
    attractions
    • name
      Grand Palace
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Wat Pho
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Wat Arun
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Chatuchak Weekend Market
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Chiang Mai
    attractions
    • name
      Doi Suthep Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Old City Temples
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Elephant Nature Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Sunday Walking Street
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Phuket
    attractions
    • name
      Patong Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Big Buddha Phuket
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Phi Phi Islands
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Phang Nga Bay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Krabi
    attractions
    • name
      Railay Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Tiger Cave Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Hong Islands
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Thailand Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bangkok
    • Chiang Mai
    • Phuket
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Bangkok
    • Full day discovering Chiang Mai
    • Full day discovering Phuket
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bangkok
      description
      Land in Bangkok, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Thailand trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Chiang Mai
      description
      Dedicate the day to Chiang Mai: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Phuket and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Phuket visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Thailand
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Bangkok
    • Chiang Mai
    • Phuket
    • Krabi
    highlights
    • Cover Bangkok and Chiang Mai
    • Explore Phuket
    • Explore Krabi
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bangkok
      description
      Land in Bangkok, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Thailand trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Chiang Mai
      description
      Dedicate the day to Chiang Mai: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Phuket
      description
      Dedicate the day to Phuket: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Krabi and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Krabi visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Thailand Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bangkok
    • Chiang Mai
    • Phuket
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Bangkok
    • Coastal day in Chiang Mai
    • Coastal day in Phuket
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bangkok
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Bangkok.
    • day
      2
      title
      Chiang Mai coast
      description
      Spend the day on Chiang Mai's shoreline: Doi Suthep Temple, Old City Temples, Elephant Nature Park, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Phuket and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Phuket, visiting Patong Beach, Big Buddha Phuket, Phi Phi Islands before you depart Thailand.
  • title
    Thailand Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Bangkok
    • Chiang Mai
    • Phuket
    • Krabi
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Bangkok
    • Rural stop: Chiang Mai
    • Rural stop: Phuket
    • Rural stop: Krabi
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bangkok
      description
      Reach Bangkok, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Chiang Mai countryside
      description
      Explore Chiang Mai at an easy pace: Doi Suthep Temple, Old City Temples, Elephant Nature Park with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Phuket countryside
      description
      Explore Phuket at an easy pace: Patong Beach, Big Buddha Phuket, Phi Phi Islands with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Krabi and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Krabi, stopping at Railay Beach, Tiger Cave Temple, Hong Islands before heading home.
  • title
    Thailand Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bangkok
    • Chiang Mai
    • Krabi
    highlights
    • Must-see: Grand Palace
    • Must-see: Wat Pho
    • Must-see: Doi Suthep Temple
    • Must-see: Old City Temples
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Bangkok
      description
      Start in Bangkok with Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Chiang Mai monuments
      description
      Focus on Chiang Mai's tourist favorites: Doi Suthep Temple, Old City Temples, Elephant Nature Park with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Krabi landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Krabi, including Railay Beach, Tiger Cave Temple, Hong Islands, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
November through March is cool dry season in Thailand, ideal for Bangkok temples, Chiang Mai trekking, and Andaman beach hopping with low humidity and calm seas. Loy Krathong and Chinese New Year add festivals, though December-January is peak tourist season.
typical Weather
Bangkok Nov-Mar: highs 30-33°C (86-91°F), lows 20-24°C (68-75°F), 10-30 mm rain, humidity 60-70%. Chiang Mai: highs 28-32°C (82-90°F), cooler nights. Phuket: sea 27-29°C (81-84°F), minimal rain.
details
  • Dec-Jan and Songkran (Apr) are busiest; book islands and trains early.
  • Apr-May pre-monsoon heat exceeds 38°C (100°F); smoke haze in north Mar-Apr.
  • Jun-Oct monsoon hits Andaman harder than Gulf coast; Koh Samui drier Jul-Sep.
  • Shoulder Nov and late Feb offer best balance of weather and rates.
most Affordable
period
May – Oct
summary
Monsoon green season offers Thailand's steepest resort discounts when Phuket and Krabi properties cut rates 40-60% despite Andaman rain and occasional storms.
details
  • Phuket beach resorts discount 40-60% in Sep-Oct monsoon.
  • Chiang Mai guesthouses cut rainy-season rates.
  • Bangkok boutique hotels offer mid-year promotions.
  • Thai Airways and AirAsia fares often lower in wet season.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Jan
summary
Cool dry-season peak fills Thailand when Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok see highest demand from European and Chinese New Year holiday travelers.
details
  • Phuket and Koh Samui resorts sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Chiang Mai boutique hotels premium in cool dry season.
  • Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb) spikes Bangkok and island demand.
  • Songkran (Apr) second-priciest nationwide travel period.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, plus Phuket for beach holidays.
airports
  • name
    Suvarnabhumi Airport
    code
    BKK
    location
    Bangkok
    distance From Center
    30 km (19 mi) east of central Bangkok
    transfer Note
    Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai
  • name
    Don Mueang International Airport
    code
    DMK
    location
    Bangkok
    distance From Center
    24 km (15 mi) north of central Bangkok
    transfer Note
    SRT Red Line and buses reach the city
  • name
    Phuket International Airport
    code
    HKT
    location
    Phuket
    distance From Center
    32 km (20 mi) north of Patong
    transfer Note
    Taxis and buses serve beach resorts
Getting around
overview
Thais use BTS and MRT in Bangkok, intercity trains, and buses; Grab dominates ride-hailing.
trains
  • name
    State Railway of Thailand
    description
    National rail including Bangkok-Chiang Mai routes.
    ticketing
    Book at dticket.railway.co.th or stations.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      BTS Skytrain
      description
      Elevated rail in central Bangkok.
      ticketing
      Buy Rabbit card or single-journey tokens.
    • name
      MRT Bangkok
      description
      Underground metro across Bangkok.
      ticketing
      Use stored-value cards at station machines.
    public Transit
    • name
      Bangkok Buses
      kind
      public
      description
      City buses including air-conditioned routes.
      ticketing
      Pay cash to conductor or use transit card.
    ride Share
    • name
      Grab
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Dominant ride-hailing across Thailand.
      ticketing
      Book via Grab app.
    Currency
    code
    THB
    name
    Thai baht
    symbol
    ฿
    note
    Carry some thai baht in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Thailand is Buddhist, smile-famous, and hierarchy-aware, with royal respect laws and temple modesty rules. Head is sacred; feet are low. Beach parties differ sharply from rural village norms.
    customs
    • Wai greeting with palms together shows respect.
    • Remove shoes before temple buildings and many shops.
    • Monks receive priority seats; women do not touch monks.
    dos
    • Dress modestly at wats with covered shoulders and knees.
    • Use sawasdee and khop khun in service settings.
    • Stand quietly during royal anthem in cinemas.
    • Use Grab in Bangkok rather than unmarked taxis at night.
    • Tip guides and masseuses modestly where appropriate.
    donts
    • Do not disrespect images of the king; lese-majeste laws are strict.
    • Do not touch people's heads or point feet at Buddha images.
    • Do not fly drones over royal sites and crowds without permits.
    • Do not ride elephants at unethical camps; research welfare standards.
    • Do not overstay visa; fines and detention apply.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Thai
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      กรุณา
      pronunciation
      Karuna
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      ขอบคุณ
      pronunciation
      Khob khun
    • english
      Yes
      local
      ใช่
      pronunciation
      Chai
    • english
      No
      local
      ไม่
      pronunciation
      Mai
    • english
      How much?
      local
      เท่าไหร่?
      pronunciation
      Thao rai?
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      ร้านอาหารหรือบาร์ที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่ไหน?
      pronunciation
      Ran ahan rue bar thi klai thisut yu thi nai?
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      สนามบินอยู่ที่ไหน?
      pronunciation
      Sanam bin yu thi nai?
    • english
      I need help
      local
      ฉันต้องการความช่วยเหลือ
      pronunciation
      Chan tong kan khwam chuay leua
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      ฉันต้องการโรงพยาบาล
      pronunciation
      Chan tong kan rong phayaban
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      เรียกตำรวจ
      pronunciation
      Riak tamruat
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism under current temporary and long-term policy adjustments, or apply for tourist visas for longer initial stays. Non-immigrant visas for work, retirement, marriage, and the Long-Term Resident program support relocation with financial and sponsorship requirements. Thailand revises visa-free durations and LTR criteria frequently, so confirm with the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau.

    Practical tips.

    • Use Grab or official airport taxi counters in Bangkok rather than accepting touts offering flat-rate rides.
    • Dress modestly when visiting temples by covering shoulders and knees and removing shoes at entrances.
    • Book Full Moon Party ferries and Gulf island speedboats early in peak season because seats sell out on holiday weekends.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Thailand.

    Location map of Thailand

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Thailand ↗