Thailand Travel Guide 2026
Explore Bangkok, islands, northern hills, and travel tips across Thailand's regions.
Thailand pairs glittering temples with night markets, long-tail boats with high-speed rail projects, and fiery curries with delicate regional salads. From limestone karsts in the Andaman Sea to lantern festivals in the north, the country suits backpackers and luxury travellers alike.
Browse by State / Region
Open a state to view covered cities and dive into categories and listings.
Best places to visit in Thailand
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok
Gilded spires and ceremonial halls — arrive early for heat and crowds; dress modestly.
Chiang Mai old city temples
Northern Thailand
Moated old town with hundreds of temples, cooking schools, and mountain day trips.
Phuket & Phi Phi islands
Andaman Sea
Boat tours, viewpoints, and busy beach towns — shoulder season balances weather and crowds.
Ayutthaya historical park
Central plains
Ruined capital of a former kingdom — cycle-friendly UNESCO landscape near Bangkok.
Floating markets
Damnoen Saduak / Amphawa
Canal-side fruit, noodles, and boat traffic — go with realistic expectations about tourism.
Food & cuisine in Thailand
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Thai food balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy — regional styles differ sharply between Isaan, south, and central plains.
Must-try dishes
- Tom yum goong — hot-sour shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime
- Pad Thai — stir-fried noodles with tamarind, peanuts, and protein
- Green curry — coconut-based curry with Thai eggplant and basil
- Som tam — green papaya salad, often spicy, from the northeast
- Mango sticky rice — seasonal dessert with coconut-scented rice
Featured Cities in Thailand
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Visa & entry — Thailand
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- Thailand frequently updates visa-exempt stay lengths and visa-on-arrival rules.
- Confirm the latest rules for your passport before you travel.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): Many nationalities for short visits (length of stay varies by passport) — typical stays are often capped (visa-free lengths vary (e.g. 30 or 60 days depending on nationality and entry mode)).
- Electronic travel authorization / e-Visa (where eligible): Thailand e-Visa available for some nationalities and purposes
- Visa on arrival (where offered): Some nationalities (check current list and eligible entry points)
- Other nationalities: Longer stays or certain purposes may require a visa in advance
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: thaievisa.go.th
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting Thailand.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November–February is coolest and busiest on beaches; March–May runs hot; June–October is rainy season on Andaman coasts but deals and greener landscapes. Check regional forecasts.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Rules change by nationality and length of stay — many visitors qualify for visa exemption or visa on arrival. Verify the latest official Thai immigration guidance before departure.
Is street food safe?
Busy stalls with high turnover are often a good sign. Avoid tap ice of unknown origin; peel fruit; carry hand sanitiser.
What currency is used?
Thai baht (THB). ATMs are widespread; notify your bank for overseas withdrawals and carry cash for markets.
How should I dress at temples?
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where indicated, and avoid posing disrespectfully with Buddha images.