Thailand
"Beaches, temples, and the best street food on Earth"
Thailand at a glance
- Best time to go
- Roughly November to February is the coolest, driest and most popular window nationwide. March to May is hot, and the southwest monsoon (roughly May to October) brings rain to the west coast and the interior, while the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) has a different pattern and can be wetter around October to December instead. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and most of the country's tourist circuit are unaffected by periodic border tensions near Cambodia, which are confined to specific provinces.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest two weeks to combine Bangkok, the north (Chiang Mai) and an island or beach region, since Thailand's regions differ enough to reward spreading time across them.
- Who it's for
- First-time Southeast Asia travellers, backpackers and food lovers who want temples, jungle, islands and street food all in one country.
- Might not be for you if
- You're planning to cross the land border into Cambodia without a backup plan. Land crossings have closed periodically during border tensions in recent years; flying between the two countries is the reliable fallback.
Thailand is the easy button of Asia travel — cheap, delicious, wildly varied. Bangkok's chaos, Chiang Mai's temples and jungles, and the postcard islands of the south all in one country, with an infrastructure built for backpackers and honeymooners alike.
Best Time to Visit
November to February (cool, dry season)
November to February (cool, dry season)
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Thailand's transport is cheap and varied — from bullet-fast Bangkok trains to long-tail boats between islands.
🚇 Bangkok BTS & MRT
Skytrain and Metro dodge Bangkok's notorious traffic. Air-conditioned bliss.
✈️ Domestic Flights
AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Smile link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi for $30–50.
🚂 Overnight Trains
Bangkok–Chiang Mai and Bangkok–Surat Thani sleepers save a hotel night and are surprisingly comfy.
⛴️ Ferries & Long-tails
Speedboats and traditional long-tails link the Andaman and Gulf islands.
💡 Use Grab (not street taxis) in Bangkok — no haggling, metered fares, and English-speaking drivers.
Suggested Itineraries
Bangkok Arrival
Chinatown street food.
Bangkok Temples
Wat Pho, Grand Palace, khlong tour.
Ayutthaya
Day trip to the ruined capital.
Fly to Chiang Mai
Old city walk, night bazaar, khao soi dinner.
Doi Suthep & Cooking
Morning at the mountain temple, afternoon Thai cooking class.
Elephant Sanctuary
Ethical elephant sanctuary day visit.
Departure
Morning market, fly back via Bangkok.
🎈 If it starts feeling like homework, delete a day. Wander a market. Eat a second pastry. That's the itinerary now.
Highlights
Must See
- Grand Palace Bangkok
- Chiang Mai Old City
- Railay Beach
- Phi Phi Islands
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Go to ethical elephant sanctuaries only — anywhere that lets you ride or bathe elephants is not the good kind.
Thailand travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Roughly November to February is generally the coolest, driest and most popular time nationwide. March to May gets hot, and the southwest monsoon (roughly May to October) brings rain to Bangkok, the north and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi). The Gulf coast islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) run on a different pattern and can see their wettest weather around October to December instead, so check the specific region you're headed to.
Is it safe to travel between Thailand and Cambodia right now?
The main tourist circuit in both countries, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Siem Reap, is unaffected by periodic tension along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Land border crossings in specific provinces have closed for periods during flare-ups in recent years, so flying between the two countries is the more reliable option if your plans involve both. Check current advice before planning any overland crossing.
Do you need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities, including the US, UK, EU countries, Canada and Australia, can currently enter Thailand visa-free for tourism, typically for 30 to 60 days depending on nationality and how you arrive. Rules have changed more than once in recent years, so check current requirements for your passport before booking.
How many days do you need in Thailand?
Two weeks lets you combine Bangkok, the north around Chiang Mai, and an island or beach region without spending most of the trip in transit. A shorter week-long trip works well if you focus on just one or two regions.
Details last checked 23 September 2026.
More sparks for Thailand
Stories, films and books to keep the daydreaming going.
AI-generated editorial illustration — Unofficial AI-generated editorial illustration inspired by the destination and atmosphere of the film or series. Not an official poster or promotional image.
The Beach
Discover the pristine beaches and emerald waters of Thailand that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Beach
by Alex Garland · Thailand