The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Thailand Travel

There are probably a thousand blogs about Thailand already, so why am I writing another one? Honestly, because my sister asked me for it and I couldn’t say no. Thailand is the easiest country in the world to backpack: it’s ridiculously safe, well-set up for travelers, and has something for everyone. It can be dirt cheap if you stick to street food and hostels, or surprisingly expensive if you’re hopping between islands and beach resorts. My goal here is to keep it simple and give first-timers everything they actually need to know without overloading you with fluff.

When to Visit Thailand

Thailand is warm year-round, but the rainy season (roughly May to October) brings heavy downpours that can wash out plans. Don’t completely avoid it though—prices drop and the countryside looks its best. The smoke season (February to April) is worth knowing about too, especially in the north around Chiang Mai where farmers burn crops.

One tricky thing is that Thailand’s islands don’t share the same “best time.” The Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lipe, Phi Phi) is best from November to April, while the Gulf islands (Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) are drier from January to September. There’s always somewhere in Thailand with good weather, you just have to pick the right coast.

Understanding Thai Culture

Thai culture is built around respect, community, and Buddhism. People call it “The Land of Smiles” for a reason; people genuinely value friendliness and politeness. A couple of quick tips: never touch someone’s head, always take your shoes off before entering homes or temples, and don’t raise your voice in frustration. Buddhism shapes a lot of daily life, but so does a love of food, family, and festivals.

A Brief History of Thailand

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is unique in Southeast Asia because European powers were never able to colonize it . The country has seen ancient kingdoms rise and fall, from Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, before Bangkok became the capital in the late 18th century. The modern monarchy still plays an important symbolic role, and politics here can be complex, but for travelers, Thailand’s history shows up in its temples, ruins, and strong sense of identity.

Getting to Thailand

Most travelers fly into Bangkok, one of the biggest hubs in Asia, or directly to Chiang Mai or Phuket. Budget airlines connect Thailand to most of Asia, making it super easy to fit into a longer trip. For those on a longer South East Asian trip coming in overland, it’s easy to cross in from Malaysia by land or water. There are also several crossings with Laos, though most people cross near Chiang Rai. I’ve also got a post about Laos Travel if that’s your next stop. As of Aug 2025, the borders with both Myanmar and Cambodia are closed.

First-Timer Tips

Visa

Most nationalities get a free 30-day visa exemption on arrival by air or land. You can extend once for another 30 days at an immigration office. Longer stays require applying for a tourist visa in advance. Make sure to check before visiting, as these rules change nearly every year in Thailand.

Internet

Thailand has excellent mobile coverage. Grab a local SIM at any 7/11 or use an eSIM provider like Saily. Speeds are fast and cheap compared to Western countries.

Money

The currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are everywhere, but they always charge a 220 Baht fee (~$6.75) for foreign cards. Using a Wise or Revolut card helps minimize costs. I recommend taking out as much as you can to reduce the amount of fees. You’ll often get 500 or 1000 baht notes from ATMs, and many vendors won’t have change. I always recommend using these at 7/11 and keeping small bills for when you need them.

Communication

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Thai words goes a long way. “Sawasdee” (hello), “Khop khun” (thank you for men) or “Khop khun kha” (for women), and “Mai pet” (not spicy) are the essentials. You’ll rarely reach areas where no one speaks English and it’s not even on the menu. But if you do, that means you’re about to have the best meal of your life.

7/11

You can get just about everything you need from 7/11. They are in every corner in the country, and they’re not just there for tourists. There were probably very few days in during my months in Thailand that I didn’t stop by 7/11 to pick something up. SIM card? 7/11. Toiletries? 7/11. Snacks? 7/11. Watergun for Songkran? 7/11. Alcohol? 7/11 (but not from 2PM-5PM).

Regions of Thailand

South Thailand

The South is tourism central. In my opinion, Phuket isn’t worth staying long, but flights in and out are convenient. It’s more of a holiday than a travel destination. Sure, it’s got lots of nice beaches, but the island is expensive, dirty, and just overcrowded with older tourists.

Skip the resorts and head for nature instead: Khao Sok National Park is one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, with jungle, lakes, and floating bungalows. On the islands, you’ve got the Gulf side: Koh Phangan (home of the Full Moon Party), Koh Tao (famous for diving), and Koh Samui (larger, resort-style).

On the Andaman side, you’ll find the famous Phi Phi, Railay, and Krabi with their dramatic limestone cliffs, plus lesser-known islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Yai. All the way south, Koh Lipe is stunning but pricier.

North Thailand

The north has exploded in popularity, but it’s still where you’ll find Thailand’s cultural heart. Chiang Mai is packed with temples, cooking classes, and lively night markets, while Pai has become a backpacker hangout with hot springs and mountain views. Chiang Rai is home to the White Temple and Golden Triangle, and the Mae Hong Son loop is an underrated road trip through remote mountain villages. The north is also the best base for trekking.

Central Thailand

Most people think Bangkok is just chaos, but it’s one of the most exciting cities in Asia: temples, rooftop bars, and street food that blows your mind. Just north, Ayutthaya is full of ancient ruins and is easy to reach by train for a day trip. To the west, Kanchanaburi has the famous “Death Railway,” waterfalls in Erawan National Park, and very few tourists compared to the islands. Central Thailand is a lot more than just Bangkok—it’s where history and hidden gems meet.

East and Isaan

Almost no travelers make it to the east, apart from Pattaya, which isn’t exactly Thailand at its best. But beyond that, there are quiet islands like Koh Chang and Koh Mak, and some scenic mountains inland such as Bueng Kan and Khao Yai National Park. It’s an area with potential, but right now I’d be cautious; the border with Cambodia has had recent conflict. If you want to see Thailand without the crowds, though, this is where to go.

Getting Around Thailand

Thailand is incredibly easy to travel in. Flights with low-cost airlines like AirAsia are cheap and frequent if you want to go quickly between the North and South. Buses and minivans connect every city and town, though the long rides can be tiring. 12GoAsia is the best place to book everything. It’s hard to find information about public transport between cities. Locals will only direct you to the tourist transfers. The ferries between islands tend to be quite expensive, so plan accordingly.

Trains are extremely cheap (a couple of dollars for several hours). They are slower but scenic, especially the overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai. They vary a lot in comfort; the third class has just hard plastic seats, which are not great for long distances. The better seats tend to sell out weeks in advance for the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train, so book in advance. The only downside with trains is that they don’t go to many of the tourist hot spots such as Phuket, Ao Nang, or Pai. You can also book them directly on 12GoAsia.

For local transport, you’ve got tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared pickup trucks), motorbike taxis, and Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber). But the best way to get around, is to rent a motorbike, which is much cheaper and gives you all the freedom.

Major Cultural Events and Festivals

• Songkran (April) – Thai New Year, basically a giant nationwide water fight.
• Loi Krathong (November) – People release lanterns and floating offerings on rivers. Especially magical in Chiang Mai.
• Vegetarian Festival (October, Phuket) – Famous for its parades and extreme rituals.

Thai Food You Have to Try

Thailand might have the best food in the world. Start with pad thai, but don’t stop there:

• Pad Thai – Probably the most famous Thai dish abroad, this stir-fried noodle dish is even better in Thailand, usually cooked fresh at street carts with shrimp, tofu, or chicken.
• Tom Yum – A hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime, and chili. Perfect if you want something spicy but refreshing.
• Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – A staple of Isaan (northeast Thailand), this spicy shredded green papaya salad is crunchy, tangy, and packs a real chili kick.
• Massaman Curry – A southern Muslim-influenced curry, rich with coconut milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and potatoes. It’s mild compared to other curries but deeply flavorful.
• Khao Soi – A northern specialty you can’t miss in Chiang Mai. It’s a creamy coconut curry noodle soup with crispy fried noodles.
• Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) – The spiciest of Thailand’s main curries, made with green chilies, coconut milk, and Thai basil.
• Red Curry (Gaeng Daeng) – Similar to green curry but a little milder, made with red chilies, kaffir lime leaves, and bamboo shoots.
• Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir Fry) – A go-to street food dish, usually served with minced pork or chicken stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, and chili, topped with a fried egg.
• Mango Sticky Rice – Thailand’s most loved dessert: sweet sticky rice with coconut milk served alongside ripe mango.
• Roti Pancakes – A cheap street dessert popular with backpackers, especially in southern Thailand. Fried dough stuffed with banana, Nutella, or condensed milk.

Eat from street stalls, night markets, and tiny local restaurants—you’ll never eat badly. Also don’t forget to try the endless snacks at 7/11.