Thailand travel guide

About Thailand

Thailand is in South-Eastern Asia. Its capital is Bangkok, the main language is Thai and the currency is the Thai baht (THB). Our guides cover 8 destinations across Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. The most comfortable time to visit is generally May to February.

Cheap flights to Thailand

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in Thailand in the last 30 days.

• BKK Vancouver to Bangkok8 Apr – 27 Sep · Round trip from$752

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

Must-see sights in Thailand

1. 

   Grand Palace

   Landmark · Bangkok

   The former royal residence with dazzling halls and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and arrive early to avoid crowds.

2. 

   Big Buddha

   Religious · Phuket

   A huge white marble Buddha statue on a hilltop with sweeping views over the island. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and visit in the late afternoon for softer light.

3. 

   Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

   Religious · Chiang Mai

   A golden hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred sites in northern Thailand. Climb the dragon-lined staircase of over 300 steps or take the funicular, and dress with covered shoulders and knees.

4. 

   Railay Beach

   Beach · Krabi

   A peninsula of beaches cut off by limestone cliffs, reachable only by boat and popular with rock climbers. Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang, and walk to nearby Phra Nang Beach for its cave and views.

5. 

   Similan Islands

   Nature · Khao Lak

   A protected archipelago of granite boulders, white beaches and coral reefs off the coast of Khao Lak. The park is open only part of the year, and daily visitor numbers are limited, so book trips early.

6. 

   Big Buddha Temple

   Religious · Koh Samui

   A large golden Buddha statue on a small island linked to Koh Samui by a causeway. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before climbing the steps.

7. 

   Sanctuary of Truth

   Religious · Pattaya

   A huge temple-like building carved entirely from wood, still under construction since 1981. Visitors must wear helmets in some areas, and guided tours explain the carvings.

8. 

   White Temple

   Religious · Chiang Rai

   Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling white temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, covered in mirrored glass and surreal details. Dress modestly, and arrive early in the morning to beat the large tour groups.

Things to do in Thailand

582 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Thailand. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

• Day Trips & Excursions205 experiences
  • Phuket 56
  • Bangkok 46
  • Khao Lak 31
  • Chiang Mai 29
• Outdoor activities & Adventure100 experiences
  • Krabi 22
  • Bangkok 20
  • Chiang Mai 19
  • Phuket 16
• Art & culture91 experiences
  • Bangkok 39
  • Chiang Mai 34
  • Chiang Rai 6
  • Phuket 6
• City tours85 experiences
  • Bangkok 44
  • Chiang Mai 13
  • Chiang Rai 8
  • Phuket 8
• Zoo, Aquarium & Nature53 experiences
  • Phuket 17
  • Bangkok 11
  • Koh Samui 7
  • Chiang Mai 6
• Cruise & Water Tours49 experiences
  • Phuket 20
  • Bangkok 19
  • Krabi 6
  • Koh Samui 4
• Gastronomy & nightlife43 experiences
  • Bangkok 29
  • Chiang Mai 10
  • Krabi 3
  • Koh Samui 1
• Tour & activities25 experiences
  • Phuket 13
  • Bangkok 12

Best time to visit Thailand

Based on recent weather records across 8 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Thailand are May to February. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Know before you go

Currency

Thai baht (THB)1 US dollar ≈ ฿33.6

Language

Thai

Capital

Bangkok

Calling code

+66

Driving

On the left

Time zone

Asia/BangkokUTC+7

Getting to Thailand

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Thailand.

• DMK Don Mueang International Airport13 mi from Bangkok
• CNX Chiang Mai International Airport5 mi from Chiang Mai
• KBV Krabi Airport5 mi from Krabi
• HKT Phuket International Airport36 mi from Khao Lak
• USM Samui Airport5 mi from Koh Samui
• PYX Pattaya Airpark9 mi from Pattaya
• CEI Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport5 mi from Chiang Rai

Thailand travel FAQ

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