Southeast Asia
Thailand
Asia's easiest country for a first solo trip: cheap street food, good transport, islands, temples and a big traveler and nomad scene. Heat, scams in tourist zones and road danger are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa97 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyTHBUS$1 ≈ ฿33.56Details
- Price level31%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English1/5RareDetails
- PlugsType A, B, C, O230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency191Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledLocals don't drink from the tap; use bottled water or cheap coin refill machines.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAsia's most open country: big gay scenes in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and highly visible trans people; family and rural attitudes are more conservative.Details
- Internet299 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 134 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftDrive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Digital nomad visaYesDestination Thailand Visa (DTV)Details
Where to go in Thailand
32 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BangkokCapital city | 4/5 | $1,340–2,090 | Nov–Feb | 54/100 |
| PhuketIsland | 4/5 | $1,490–2,380 | Nov–Mar | 48/100 |
| Chiang MaiCity | 4/5 | $1,040–1,490 | Nov–Jan | 75/100 |
| Koh SamuiIsland | 4/5 | $1,490–2,380 | Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug | 45/100 |
| KrabiRegion | 4/5 | $1,190–1,940 | Nov–Mar | 62/100 |
| Koh Phi PhiIslands | 4/5 | $1,490–2,380 | Nov–Mar | 45/100 |
| Koh PhanganIsland | 4/5 | $1,250–2,090 | Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug | 57/100 |
| PaiMountain town | 4/5 | $834–1,340 | Nov–Feb | 86/100 |
| PattayaCity | 3/5 | $1,130–1,790 | Nov–Feb | 59/100 |
| Koh TaoIsland | 4/5 | $1,190–1,940 | Feb–Aug | 63/100 |
| PatongBeach town | 3/5 | $1,430–2,320 | Nov–Apr | 38/100 |
| Hua HinTown | 4/5 | $1,250–2,090 | Nov–Mar | 58/100 |
| Chiang RaiCity | 4/5 | $894–1,430 | Nov–Feb | 78/100 |
| AyutthayaTown | 4/5 | $834–1,250 | Nov–Feb | 86/100 |
| Koh LantaIsland | 4/5 | $1,130–1,850 | Nov–Apr | 65/100 |
| RailayBeach town | 4/5 | $1,250–2,090 | Nov–Mar | 60/100 |
| KanchanaburiTown | 4/5 | $834–1,250 | Nov–Feb | 87/100 |
| Koh ChangIsland | 4/5 | $1,190–1,850 | Nov–Feb | 64/100 |
| Khao LakBeach town | 4/5 | $1,250–1,940 | Nov–Mar | 60/100 |
| Koh SametIsland | 4/5 | $1,250–1,940 | Nov–Mar | 61/100 |
| Koh LipeIsland | 4/5 | $1,340–2,030 | Nov–Mar | 55/100 |
| Khao YaiRegion | 4/5 | $954–1,490 | Nov–Feb | 78/100 |
| Khao SokRegion | 4/5 | $954–1,490 | Dec–Apr | 77/100 |
| SukhothaiTown | 5/5 | $656–1,040 | Nov–Feb | 96/100 |
| Hat YaiCity | 3/5 | $834–1,250 | Jan–Apr | 82/100 |
| Kata BeachBeach town | 4/5 | $1,490–2,380 | Nov–Mar | 48/100 |
| JomtienBeach town | 4/5 | $1,070–1,730 | Nov–Feb | 72/100 |
| RawaiDistrict | 4/5 | $1,430–2,240 | Nov–Mar | 53/100 |
| Udon ThaniCity | 4/5 | $715–1,130 | Nov–Feb | 93/100 |
| Koh KoodIsland | 4/5 | $1,250–2,030 | Nov–Mar | 60/100 |
| Koh Yao NoiIsland | 4/5 | $1,070–1,730 | Nov–Mar | 72/100 |
| Khon KaenCity | 4/5 | $834–1,250 | Nov–Feb | 84/100 |
When to visit Thailand
November–February is cool and dry in most of the country; March–May is very hot, with northern smoke February–April. Gulf islands like Samui are wettest October–December.
Good to know
Entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
- All Thai visas are applied for online through the official e-Visa site; embassies no longer take paper applications.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Criticising or mocking the monarchy (lèse-majesté) carries 3–15 years in prison per count
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal; fines, arrests and bribe demands happen
- Since mid-2025 cannabis is legally sold only on prescription; smoking it in public can be fined
Etiquette
- Never criticise the royal family; stand for the royal anthem in cinemas
- Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at temples
- Don't touch heads or point feet at people or Buddha images
- Stay calm in disputes; shouting loses face and rarely works
Tipping
Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Immigration Bureau)
- Thailand e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Speedtest Global Index: Thailand
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.