Country Guide
Thailand
Golden temples, island-hopping, and legendary street food.
Overview
Thailand is often a first stop on a longer Southeast Asia trip, and it earns that reputation — Bangkok's energy, Chiang Mai's temples and mountains, and a southern coastline scattered with islands for every travel style, from backpacker parties to quiet luxury resorts.
Best Time to VisitNovember–February (cool, dry season)
CurrencyThai Baht (THB)
LanguageThai
WeatherTropical; hot Mar–May, rainy Jun–Oct
Top Cities & Regions
Bangkok for temples and street food, Chiang Mai for a laid-back mountain base, and Krabi or Koh Lipe for island time.
Must-See Attractions
- Grand Palace & Wat Arun, Bangkok
- Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai
- Railay Beach & the Krabi cliffs
- Phi Phi Islands
- Sukhothai Historical Park
Food & Drink
Street food is genuinely some of the best in the world — pad thai, mango sticky rice, and regional curries that vary dramatically between north and south.
Getting Around
Overnight trains link Bangkok and Chiang Mai comfortably. Ferries and short flights connect the southern islands.
Safety & Travel Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting temples — shoulders and knees covered
- Agree on tuk-tuk fares before you get in
- Street food stalls with long local queues are usually the safest bet