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Asia

Thailand

The Land of Smiles: Buddhist temples, paradise islands and some of the world's best street food, all in one kingdom.

★ 4.70Capital : BangkokTHB
Capital
Bangkok
Currency
Baht thaïlandais (THB)
Languages
Thaï
Budget
From €45/day/person

Thailand at a glance

Thailand is arguably the most complete destination in Southeast Asia: in a single trip, you can wander the gilded corridors of Chiang Mai's temples, lose yourself in Bangkok's exhilarating chaos and unpack your bags on the powder-white sands of Phuket or Krabi. This geographical range — from the misty, mountainous north to the turquoise islands of the south — is matched by an exceptional cultural depth, inherited from centuries of Buddhist kingdoms and from a civilisation that famously remained independent through the colonial era.

What strikes most travellers from the very first day is the warmth of the welcome: the Thai smile is no tourist cliché, but a genuine expression of an art of living rooted in Theravada Buddhism. Thailand also stands out for its sheer accessibility — robust tourism infrastructure, dependable transport links between the major cities, accommodation for every budget, and a street food scene that is among the most flavour-packed and affordable in Asia. Between the night markets of Chiang Mai, the flower offerings floating in Bangkok's temple pools and the sunsets blazing over the Phi Phi Islands, every day in Thailand holds a new promise.

Few countries offer so much variety for so little money. Backpackers stretch their bahts in cheerful guesthouses for under €30 a day; honeymooners settle into infinity-pool villas in Phang Nga for ten times that and still feel they're getting a deal. Foodies follow the smoke of curry pots through Yaowarat at midnight; divers chase whale sharks at Richelieu Rock; trekkers shoulder light packs into the hill-tribe villages north of Chiang Mai. Throughout it all, the kingdom remains overwhelmingly safe, easy to navigate and quietly proud of its singular identity — a country that has been showing the rest of Southeast Asia how to do hospitality for decades.

What we love

  • ✅Exceptional diversity: from the cultural, mountainous north to the postcard beaches of the south, all in a single country
  • ✅Legendary street food: pad thai, som tam, massaman, khao pad — an explosion of flavour for every budget
  • ✅Tourism infrastructure among the best in Asia: transport, hotels and organised tours that just work, at low cost
  • ✅Dazzling Buddhist temples: Wat Pho, Doi Suthep, Wat Rong Khun
  • ✅Accessible budget: around €45/day in comfort mode, under €30/day for backpackers

What to know

  • ❌Intense heat and humidity in the hot season (April-May): up to 40 °C in Bangkok
  • ❌Headline sites often crowded: Phuket packed in high season
  • ❌Air pollution in Chiang Mai during the dry season (agricultural burning, January-April)
  • ❌Mass-tourism logic on some islands — a handful of beaches feel over-developed

Explore Thailand

When to go
Month-by-month climate and best seasons.
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Budget
How much to plan per day and per person.
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Formalities
Visa, passport, vaccines and safety.
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Culture
History, languages and traditions.
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Food
Specialities and local cuisine.
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How to get there
Flights and access.
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Situation

Où se situe Thailand ?

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Frequently asked questions

Do British, American or Australian travellers need a visa for Thailand?+
Most Western passport holders (UK, US, Australia, Canada and EU citizens) enjoy a visa exemption for tourist stays in Thailand of 30 to 60 days, depending on the agreement in force — verify the current allowance with your embassy before departure, as the rules have shifted several times in recent years. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and proof of onward travel is often requested at check-in or immigration.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?+
The cool, dry season from November to March is ideal across most of the country: pleasant temperatures, clear skies and calm seas on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi). Avoid April-May (extreme heat) and June-October (monsoon). The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) runs on a slightly offset calendar, with its best window stretching from January to September.
How many days do I need in Thailand?+
Plan a minimum of 10 to 14 days to combine Bangkok (3 nights), Chiang Mai (3 nights) and one southern island (3-4 nights). A fortnight is the sweet spot for a first trip: it gives you the cultural north, the postcard south and just enough breathing room to slow down. Three weeks lets you add a second island, a hill-tribe trek or a few days in Sukhothai or Ayutthaya.
Is Thailand safe for solo or female travellers?+
Yes — Thailand is widely considered one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for both solo and female travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the tourism industry is highly developed and well organised. Standard urban precautions apply in Bangkok and Pattaya; the deep south (Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat) is officially advised against and lies well off the standard tourist trail.
How much does a trip to Thailand cost?+
Plan around €45 per person per day for comfortable mid-range travel in Thailand. Backpackers can comfortably get by on €25-30 a day in hostels and local eateries. The islands and Phuket run noticeably pricier than Bangkok or Chiang Mai. International flights from Europe range from €500 to €900 return with sensible advance booking, climbing higher around Christmas and Chinese New Year.
What currency is used in Thailand and where can I exchange it?+
The currency is the Thai baht (THB, ฿), with roughly 38 THB to the euro and similar parity to the US dollar. ATMs are plentiful across the country, including on the touristed islands, though most levy a 220 THB foreign-card fee — withdraw larger amounts to limit the hit. Cards are accepted in mid-range hotels and restaurants, but cash remains king in markets, songthaews and local food stalls.
Do I need vaccinations to travel to Thailand?+
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Thailand. Recommended jabs include Hepatitis A, Typhoid and an up-to-date Tetanus-Diphtheria-Polio booster. Rabies vaccination is worth considering for longer rural stays or extensive trekking. Consult a travel medicine specialist at least four weeks before departure to allow for any multi-dose schedules.
How do I get between northern and southern Thailand?+
Domestic flights are by far the fastest and often the cheapest option for long distances: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) connects to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi and Hat Yai via several low-cost carriers (Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air) for €25-70 return. The overnight sleeper train Bangkok-Chiang Mai is a memorable alternative; for the south, an internal flight saves a day's travel.

Our verdict

Thailand remains one of the most versatile and accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. It pulls off the rare trick of combining cultural authenticity, natural beauty and genuine creature comforts without ever feeling like it has had to sacrifice one for the others. The Land of Smiles delivers on its promises: the temples are every bit as majestic as the photographs suggest, the food is as bright and layered as you hoped, and the welcome is as warm as its reputation insists. Whether this is your first foray into Asia or your tenth return, Thailand rewards both the wide-eyed newcomer and the seasoned regional traveller — provided you come between November and March and book ahead for the most coveted sights and islands.

Our take: don't try to see everything. The country rewards depth over breadth. A fortnight focused on Bangkok, Chiang Mai and one well-chosen island will leave a deeper impression than a frantic three-week dash through every UNESCO site and every postcard beach. Slow down, sit on a plastic stool in a Yaowarat alleyway, take a cooking class in Chiang Mai, and let Thailand do what it does best — convince you, gently and irresistibly, to come back.

The Editors
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Thailand travel guide — climate, budget and tips · Mowando