Thailand

Survival Guide

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

Best Time to Visit

Nov – Feb · Best Time

Cool & Dry Season

Cooler temperatures
Dry, sunny weather
Best for sightseeing
Peak travel season

Mar – May

Hot Season

Hottest months
Great for island escapes
Good for diving and snorkelling
Songkran in April

Feb – Apr · Northern 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

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. 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

Chinese New Year · Jan / Feb

Lanterns, Dragons & Street Food

Thailand's Chinese communities celebrate with lanterns, dragon dances, performances and incredible street food

Best Places

Bangkok Chinatown ⭐
Phuket Old Town

Makha Bucha · Feb / Mar

Candlelit Temple Processions

An important 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 Celebration

Thailand's biggest celebration turns cities across the country into huge water fights alongside traditional Thai New Year ceremonies

Best Places

Chiang Mai ⭐
Bangkok
Phuket
Pattaya

Visakha Bucha · May / Jun

A Sacred Buddhist Holiday

One of Thailand's most important Buddhist holidays, with temple ceremonies and religious observances across the country

Before You Go

Alcohol restrictions may apply.

Asalha Bucha & Khao Phansa · July

The Start of Buddhist Lent

Important Buddhist observances marking Buddha's first sermon and the beginning of Buddhist Lent

Full Moon Party · Every Month

DJs, Fire Shows & Sunrise

Thailand's iconic beach party takes place at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, with DJs, fire shows and dancing until sunrise

Best Place

Koh Phangan ⭐

Before You Go

Dates follow the lunar calendar and can shift around Buddhist holidays.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival · Sep / Oct

Ceremonies & Street Processions

One of Thailand's most unique cultural festivals, featuring religious ceremonies, street processions and vegetarian food

Best Place

Phuket ⭐

Yi Peng Lantern Festival · Oct – Nov

The Sky Fills With Lanterns

Northern Thailand's famous lantern celebration fills the sky with glowing lanterns alongside traditional Lanna ceremonies

Best Place

Chiang Mai ⭐

Loy Krathong · Oct – Nov

Candlelit Krathongs on the Water

Candlelit krathongs are floated on rivers and waterways during one of Thailand's most beautiful traditional celebrations

Best Places

Sukhothai ⭐
Chiang Mai
Bangkok

New Year's Eve · December 31

Countdowns Across the Country

Major countdowns, rooftop parties, beach celebrations and fireworks take place across Thailand

Best Places

Bangkok
Phuket
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan

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

Do's & Don'ts

Dress Respectfully at Temples

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples

Remove Your Shoes

Before entering temples and some homes

Respect the Thai Royal Family

Avoid any comments or gestures that could be seen as disrespectful

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

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

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

Trains

Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and Beyond

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

Domestic Flights

The Quickest Way Across the Country

Best for covering long distances across the country

Grab & Bolt

Ride-Hailing Made Easy

Available in many major cities and tourist destinations

Tuk-Tuks

Popular for Shorter Journeys

Agree on the fare before travelling if there is no meter

Scooters

Popular on Islands & Small Towns

Only ride if you are properly licensed, experienced and insured

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

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

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

220V, Type A/B/C Plugs

Bring an adapter if your plug shape doesn't match

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

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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