Thailand Travel Guide
Golden temples, island-hopping, night markets and some of the world's best street food.
Updated October 2026
Why visit Thailand
Thailand is easy to love. Bangkok has the Grand Palace, riverside temples and rooftop bars above endless street-food stalls; Chiang Mai in the north offers mountain temples, elephant sanctuaries and night markets; and the south is island paradise, from Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman Sea to Koh Samui in the Gulf.
Cheap domestic flights, overnight trains and ferries make it simple to combine the city, the north and a few islands in two or three weeks. This guide covers when to go (the weather differs by coast), how to get around and how to stay online from the moment you land.
Internet & eSIM
Staying connected in Thailand
In Thailand you'll rely on data for ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, which avoid haggling with taxis, plus maps, translation, ferry bookings and paying via QR codes in many shops. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, but not on boats, at the beach or in tuk-tuks.
Roaming in Thailand is expensive for most foreign plans. A travel eSIM gives you local data from the moment you land: install it at home with a QR code, switch it on at the airport and keep your own SIM active for calls and texts. Coverage is strong in cities and on the main islands.
- Install before departure, turn on when you land
- Keep your own number active for WhatsApp and SMS codes
- Book Grab or Bolt rides at fixed prices
Viberest eSIM
Stay connected in Thailand
Flights to Thailand
Compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites.
Tours & activities
Top things to do in Thailand
ToursPhi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine
Phuket, Thailand
9 hours
9 hoursFree cancellation
from $86
ToursThe Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
Bangkok, Thailand
2 hours
2 hoursFree cancellation
from $47
ToursBangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour
Bangkok, Thailand
4 hours
4 hoursFree cancellation
from $38
ToursPhi Phi, Maya Bay & Khai Islands Tour w/ Buffet Lunch from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
9 hours
9 hoursFree cancellation
from $46
ToursLuxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner
Phuket, Thailand
7.5 hours
7.5 hoursFree cancellation
from $159
ToursBangkok: Floating Market and Train Market Experience
Bangkok, Thailand
8.5 hours
8.5 hoursFree cancellation
from $24
ToursPhang Nga Bay Canoeing & James Bond Island Tour from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
7 hours
7 hoursFree cancellation
from $96
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport VIP Fast-Track Lane Service
Bangkok, Thailand
15 min
15 minFree cancellation
from $74
Bookings are made with our partner Viator. Viberest may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Where to go
Popular cities in Thailand
- BangkokThe Grand Palace, Wat Arun, floating markets and street food.Things to do in Bangkok
- PhuketBeaches, Phang Nga Bay and boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands.Things to do in Phuket
- Chiang MaiMountain temples, ethical elephant sanctuaries and cooking classes.Things to do in Chiang Mai
- KrabiLimestone cliffs, Railay Beach and island-hopping by longtail boat.Things to do in Krabi
- Koh SamuiPalm-lined beaches and trips to Ang Thong Marine Park.Things to do in Koh Samui
- PattayaA lively beach city close to Bangkok with island day trips.Things to do in Pattaya
Seasons
Best time to visit Thailand
November to March is the cool, dry season and the best time for most of the country. Koh Samui's driest months are roughly February to August, when the Andaman coast gets its rains.
- Jan — great
- Feb — great
- Mar — good
- Apr — fair
- May — fair
- Jun — fair
- Jul — fair
- Aug — fair
- Sep — fair
- Oct — good
- Nov — great
- Dec — great
BestGoodLess ideal
Cool season · Nov–Feb
Sunny, less humid and perfect for Bangkok, the north and the Andaman islands. Peak season — book popular islands early.
Hot season · Mar–May
Very hot, especially in April. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival in mid-April, is a nationwide celebration.
Rainy season · Jun–Oct
Afternoon downpours on most of the mainland and the Andaman coast; some boat trips are limited. The Gulf islands, like Koh Samui, are often drier.
Gulf coast · Oct–Dec
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao get their heaviest rain from about October to December — a good time to head west instead.
Before you go
Thailand travel tips
Respect the monarchy and temples
Speaking against the royal family is illegal. At temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and never point your feet at Buddha images.
Use ride-hailing apps
Grab and Bolt show the price upfront. For tuk-tuks and taxis without a meter, agree on the fare before you get in.
Carry small cash
Street food, markets and small shops work in cash. Cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels and larger restaurants.
Choose ethical animal experiences
Avoid elephant rides and shows. Look for sanctuaries focused on observation and care instead.
Plugs and power
Thailand uses a mix of type A, B, C and O sockets at 230 V. A universal adapter is the safest choice.
Entry requirements
Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays, and visitors must complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. Check the official rules for your passport.
Thailand official e-VisaThailand packing checklist
0/7FAQ
Thailand travel questions
Do I need an eSIM in Thailand?
It's the easiest way to avoid roaming charges and have data for Grab, maps, translation and QR payments from the moment you land.
Will my phone work with a Thailand eSIM?
Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM, as long as they're carrier-unlocked. Check under Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM.
Which mobile networks does the Viberest Thailand eSIM use?
Our Thailand plans connect through TrueMove H, DTAC, True Move and AIS, with 5G where available — the same networks local residents use.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to March for most of the country, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. Koh Samui and the Gulf islands are often best from February to August.
Which Thai island should I visit?
Phuket for variety and nightlife, Krabi and Koh Lanta for scenery and calm, Koh Samui for comfortable resorts, and Koh Tao for diving. Your season decides which coast to pick.
Is tipping expected in Thailand?
It isn't required, but rounding up or leaving small change in restaurants, and tipping guides and massage therapists, is appreciated.
Viberest eSIMStay online in Thailand
- Maps, translation & messaging — no roaming fees
- Install by QR in minutes, keep your own number
- Delivered to your email right after checkout
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