Why Fly to Thailand
Thailand delivers more variety per square mile than almost anywhere in Southeast Asia. You can spend a morning at a gilded temple in Bangkok, catch a night train north to Chiang Mai, and be on a white-sand beach in the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea within 48 hours. The food alone — pad thai from a street cart, a bowl of khao soi in the north, fresh seafood grilled on the beach — is reason enough to book a ticket. It's accessible, affordable, and genuinely hard to get wrong as a first-time visitor while still rewarding for repeat travelers who dig deeper into hill tribe villages, jungle trekking, and quieter islands.
The main draws are spread across the country: Bangkok for culture, chaos, and some of the best eating in Asia; Chiang Mai for a slower northern pace and ethical elephant experiences; and the southern coasts — Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui — for the beaches and islands that fill most holiday brochures. First-timers often try to do too much. Pick a region, slow down, and you'll get more out of it.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
November to February is the sweet spot. Temperatures sit between 20–30°C, humidity drops, and skies are mostly clear across the country. This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and busier guesthouses — book accommodation in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year. March to May is hot and increasingly humid, with temperatures hitting 38–40°C in some areas. Not unbearable, but not comfortable either. June to October is monsoon season. The Gulf Coast (Koh Samui side) and the Andaman (Phuket/Krabi) follow different rain patterns, so the timing of the worst weather shifts depending on which coast you're on. If you're visiting on a tighter budget, shoulder months like October and March offer lower prices with manageable conditions.
Getting Around Thailand
For long distances, domestic flights are cheap and fast — Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket takes about an hour and can cost less than $30 USD if booked ahead with carriers like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, or Nok Air. Overnight trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai are a solid, comfortable option with sleeper berths — book through the State Railway of Thailand website. Long-distance buses connect most cities and are very affordable; private bus companies often offer better comfort than state buses. Within cities, use Grab (the regional Uber equivalent) rather than negotiating with tuk-tuks or metered taxis — it's transparent on price and generally safer. Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are efficient and cheap for getting across the capital. On islands, motorbike taxis and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) handle short hops.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU, UK, and US passport holders qualify for visa-free entry for up to 60 days for tourism, extendable by 30 days at an immigration office inside Thailand. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page. Before you fly, complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th — this must be done within 3 days of arrival. From June 2025, visa-exempt travelers will also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applied for via the e-Visa platform at thaievisa.go.th. If asked at the border, you may need to show proof of funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family) and a return or onward ticket. For stays longer than 90 days, apply for a tourist visa through the Thai embassy or the e-Visa system before departure.
Money & Budget
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). As of 2024–2025, 1 USD buys roughly 33–36 THB — check rates before you travel. Cash is essential for street food, local markets, and smaller guesthouses. ATMs are everywhere, but Thai banks charge a flat fee of around 220 THB per withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts less frequently. Cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and most restaurants in cities — contactless works well. Exchange money at banks or official exchange booths rather than airport kiosks, which offer poor rates. For daily budgets: budget travelers can get by on 1,000–2,000 THB/day ($30–60 USD) with street food, dorm beds, and local transport. Mid-range runs 2,000–4,800 THB/day ($60–145 USD) covering guesthouses to three-star hotels, sit-down meals, and tours. Luxury adds 50% or more on top of that. These figures exclude flights and alcohol.
Top Cities to Visit in Thailand
- Bangkok — The capital and the country's beating heart: temples (Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace), chaotic markets, world-class street food, and a nightlife scene that runs until dawn.
- Chiang Mai — Thailand's northern cultural capital, famous for its old city moat, night bazaar, mountain trekking, and ethical elephant sanctuaries. A cooler, slower alternative to Bangkok.
- Phuket — The south's biggest island, built for beach tourism with a wide range of resorts, water sports, and a buzzing nightlife strip in Patong.
- Krabi — Dramatic limestone cliffs, clear water, and a more laid-back vibe than Phuket. Good base for island-hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
- Chiang Rai — Quieter than Chiang Mai, with the striking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple, and proximity to the Golden Triangle and hill tribe communities.
- Pattaya — A beach city two hours from Bangkok with a reputation for nightlife, but also family-friendly areas, water parks, and diving on nearby islands.
FAQ — Flights to Thailand
Which airports should I fly into for Thailand?
Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most long-haul international flights, while Don Mueang (DMK) is the hub for low-cost carriers. For the south, fly into Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV). For the north, Chiang Mai (CNX) has growing international connections. Most visitors from Europe, the UK, and the US will arrive through Suvarnabhumi.
How long is the flight to Thailand from the UK, EU, and US?
From London, expect around 11–12 hours direct (Thai Airways and British Airways operate nonstop routes) or 13–16 hours with one stop. From continental Europe, most routes connect through a Gulf hub (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) adding a few hours. From the US East Coast, figure on 20–22 hours with at least one stop; from the West Coast, 17–20 hours via Asian hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
It's not legally required, but you'd be foolish to skip it. Medical costs at private hospitals — where English-speaking staff are more readily available — add up fast. Make sure your policy covers motorbike accidents if you plan to rent one, as many standard policies exclude this. Emergency evacuation coverage is also worth having if you're heading into remote areas or doing adventure activities.