Thailand

Survival Guide

Weather, festivals, etiquette, transport, and everything else to know before you land.

Best Time to Visit

Thailand has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Weather varies by region, with a northern burning season and different monsoon patterns on the Andaman and Gulf coasts.

Nov – Feb · Cool & Dry Season
Cool & Dry Season
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Dry, sunny weather
  • Best for sightseeing
  • Peak travel season
Mar – May · Hot Season
Hot Season
  • Hottest months
  • Great for island escapes
  • Good for diving and snorkelling
  • Songkran in April
Feb – Apr · Burning Season
Haze in the North
  • Affects Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai
  • Haze and poor air quality can occur
  • March is often the worst month
  • Check air quality before travelling north
May – Oct · Andaman Monsoon
Rain on the West Coast
  • Wetter in Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Fewer crowds and lower prices
  • Rougher seas can affect boat trips
Oct – Dec · Gulf Wet Season
Rain on the East Coast
  • Wetter around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
  • Heavier tropical showers
  • Rougher sea conditions
  • Different weather from the Andaman Coast

Pro Tip: Thailand's weather varies by region. While one coast may be rainy, another can still have clearer skies, making Thailand a great year round destination.

Holidays & Festivals

Ten celebrations worth planning around, from citywide water fights to lantern-lit rivers.

Chinese New Year · Jan / Feb
Lanterns & Street Food

Lanterns, dragon dances and street food bring Thai-Chinese neighbourhoods to life.

Best Places
  • Bangkok Chinatown ⭐
  • Phuket Old Town
Makha Bucha · Feb / Mar
Candlelit Processions

A sacred Buddhist holiday marked by temple ceremonies and candlelit processions.

Before You Go
  • Alcohol restrictions may apply.
Songkran | Thai New Year · April 13–15
Thailand's Biggest Party

Thai New Year turns streets into water fights alongside family and temple traditions.

Best Places
  • Chiang Mai ⭐
  • Bangkok
  • Phuket
  • Pattaya
Visakha Bucha · May / Jun
A Sacred Buddhist Day

One of Thailand's most important Buddhist holidays, observed with temple visits and ceremonies.

Before You Go
  • Alcohol restrictions may apply.
Asalha Bucha & Khao Phansa · July
Buddhist Lent Begins

Buddhist Lent begins with temple ceremonies, candle offerings and quieter local observances.

Before You Go
  • Alcohol restrictions may apply.
Full Moon Party · Every Month
DJs, Fire Shows & Sunrise

A monthly Koh Phangan beach party with DJs, fire shows and sunrise dancing.

Best Place
  • Koh Phangan ⭐
Phuket Vegetarian Festival · Sep / Oct
Street Processions

A dramatic Phuket festival of street processions, rituals and vegetarian food.

Best Place
  • Phuket ⭐
Yi Peng Lantern Festival · Oct – Nov
Lanterns in the Sky

Chiang Mai's lantern festival fills the sky with glowing lights and Lanna ceremonies.

Best Place
  • Chiang Mai ⭐
Loy Krathong · Oct – Nov
Candlelit Krathongs

Candlelit krathongs float across rivers and lakes during Thailand's most beautiful festival.

Best Places
  • Sukhothai ⭐
  • Chiang Mai
  • Bangkok
New Year's Eve · December 31
New Year Countdowns

Countdowns, rooftop parties, beach events and fireworks happen across Thailand.

Best Places
  • Bangkok
  • Phuket
  • Koh Samui
  • Koh Phangan

Do's & Don'ts

Small habits that go a long way. And a few that can get you in trouble.

DO
Temple Dress Code

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples

DO
Remove Your Shoes

Before entering temples and some homes

DO
Respect the Royal Family

Avoid any comments or gestures that could be seen as disrespectful

DO
Stay Hydrated

The tropical heat catches out even experienced travellers

DON'T
Touch Someone's Head

Considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture

DON'T
Ride Elephants

Avoid attractions offering elephant rides

DON'T
Visit Tiger Parks

Or pose for photos with sedated wild animals

DON'T
Litter

On beaches or in national parks

Also Do
  • Carry cash for markets and street food
  • Try local street food
  • Bargain politely at markets
  • Smile and be respectful to locals
Also Don't
  • Point your feet at people or Buddha statues
  • Wear revealing clothing inside temples
  • Feed or disturb wildlife
  • Stare monkeys in the eyes
  • Ride scooters without the correct licence or helmet
  • Raise your voice during disagreements
  • Disrespect Thai culture, the Royal Family, or religious sites

Getting Around

Thailand offers a variety of affordable ways to travel between cities and islands.

Trains
Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Perfect for travelling between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other major destinations

Domestic Flights
Fastest Way Across Thailand

Best for long-distance travel across the country

Grab & Bolt
Ride-Hailing Made Easy

Available in many major cities and tourist destinations

Tuk-Tuks
Short City Journeys

Agree on the fare before travelling if there is no meter

Scooters
Island & Town Scooters

Only ride if you are properly licensed, experienced and insured

Ferries & Speedboats
Essential for reaching Thailand's islands. Weather can affect schedules during monsoon season.
Cash & Payments
Cards are accepted in larger cities, but cash is still important for markets, street food and smaller businesses.
Explore the full Transport Guide →

Before You Go

A short checklist so nothing catches you off guard at the airport.

Entry Requirements
Check Your Visa Status

Check passport validity and confirm the latest visa or visa-exemption requirements for your nationality before travelling

Stay Connected
Sort Data Before You Land

Purchase an eSIM before arrival or pick up a local SIM card at the airport

Money
Thai Baht (THB)

Cards are common in cities, but cash is recommended for markets, smaller restaurants and island destinations

Travel Insurance
Highly Recommended

Especially if you plan on riding scooters, diving, hiking or island hopping

Power
Plug Adapters & 220V

Bring an adapter if your plug shape doesn't match

Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Non-Thai travellers must complete the TDAC online before arrival.
Download Before Arrival
Grab, Google Maps, 12Go, Google Translate, Bolt

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