Overview
Thailand rewards first-timers and repeat visitors in equal measure: a megacity where a 60-baht noodle stall sits next to a rooftop bar, a mountainous north built around temples and night markets, and two separate coastlines whose weather runs on opposite calendars. Most first trips combine Bangkok, the north, and one coast, and 14–18 days is enough to do that without spending half the trip in transit. With only a week, pick Bangkok plus either Chiang Mai or one island group, not both.
Main regions
Bangkok and the central plains. The capital is the arrival point for nearly everyone and deserves at least three days. Start with our Bangkok destination page, then use the 4-day Bangkok itinerary to plan by neighborhood. Easy day trips: Ayutthaya's temple ruins (about 1.5 hours north by train or minivan) and Kanchanaburi, home to the Death Railway and Erawan Falls.
The north. Chiang Mai is cooler, slower and cheaper than Bangkok, with more than 300 temples inside and around its old city moat, cooking schools, and ethical elephant sanctuaries (choose ones with no riding or performances). From there, Chiang Rai's White Temple is a long day trip, and the winding road to Pai is a popular three-to-four-day detour.
Isan (the northeast). The least-visited region and the most traditionally Thai: Khmer-era temples at Phanom Rung and Phimai, the Mekong riverfront, and the country's boldest food. Khao Yai National Park, about three hours from Bangkok, is the easiest taste of it.
The Andaman coast (west). Phuket, Krabi and Railay, Koh Lanta, the Phi Phi islands and Koh Lipe: limestone karsts, long-tail boats and the country's best-known beaches. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh closes every year from 1 August to 30 September so the reef can recover.
The Gulf coast (east). Koh Samui for comfort, Koh Phangan for the full-moon party and quieter northern bays, Koh Tao for some of the cheapest dive certification in the world.
Best time to visit
- November to February (cool season): the best all-round window. Bangkok sits around 25–32°C, the north is pleasant (nights in the mountains can drop near 10°C), and the Andaman coast is at its calmest. It is also peak season, so book island hotels early for Christmas and New Year.
- March to May (hot season): April regularly tops 35°C. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival on 13–15 April, is a nationwide water fight. Avoid the north from late February to April, when crop burning pushes Chiang Mai's air quality into unhealthy levels on many days.
- June to October (rainy season): usually an afternoon downpour rather than all-day rain, with lower prices and green landscapes. The Andaman coast gets rough seas and some ferry cancellations; the Gulf islands stay relatively dry until the Gulf's own wet season, roughly October to December.
The quick rule for beaches: Andaman side from November to April, Gulf side from January to August. November is also when Loy Krathong (and Yi Peng lanterns in Chiang Mai) takes place, on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month.
Getting around
- In Bangkok: use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro (roughly 17–65 baht per ride) and the Chao Phraya Express boats for the old city. The Airport Rail Link runs from Suvarnabhumi to the city in under 30 minutes for 15–45 baht. Grab and Bolt work for taxis and remove the meter argument.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: fly in about 1 hour 15 minutes (budget fares often 1,000–2,000 baht), or take the overnight sleeper train (about 11–13 hours; a second-class berth runs roughly 900–1,500 baht). Book the train early on the State Railway of Thailand site.
- To the islands: fly to Phuket, Krabi or Samui, or use combined bus-and-boat tickets from Bangkok (Lomprayah is the main Gulf operator). Ferries link Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Lanta, and outside peak season rarely need booking more than a day ahead.
- Scooters: widely rented for 200–300 baht a day, but most travel insurance will not cover you without a motorcycle license valid in Thailand, and road deaths are high.
Visa basics
From 15 September 2026, citizens of the US, UK, EU member states and a few dozen other countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, down from the 60 days allowed since 2024. You can extend once, by another 30 days, at any immigration office in Thailand. All arrivals must also complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before landing. Your passport needs at least six months' validity.
Typical daily costs
Prices as of September 2026, at about 33 baht to the US dollar:
- Budget (1,200–1,800 baht, about $35–55): hostel dorm (250–500 baht), street food (50–100 baht a dish), public transport, one paid sight.
- Mid-range (3,000–5,000 baht, about $90–150): a good private room or 3-star hotel, sit-down meals, Grab rides, a tour or cooking class.
- Comfort (8,000+ baht, about $240+): 4–5 star hotels, private drivers, island resorts.
Budget 20–40% more on Phuket, Samui and Phi Phi. Big-ticket sights are modest: the Grand Palace is 500 baht, most temples are free or under 100. Thai ATMs charge 220–350 baht per foreign-card withdrawal (the screen shows the exact fee before you confirm), so take out larger amounts less often.
Top destinations
- Bangkok: start with the Bangkok destination guide and the full Bangkok travel guide for where to stay, how to handle the Grand Palace dress code, and which markets are worth the trip.
- Chiang Mai: old-city temples, the Sunday walking street market, Doi Suthep at sunset.
- Krabi and Railay: rock climbing, kayaking and the most dramatic beach scenery in the country.
- Koh Samui and Koh Tao: easy Gulf-side beach time and diving.
- Ayutthaya: the old royal capital, best as a day trip from Bangkok.
Continuing through Southeast Asia? Thailand pairs naturally with Hanoi or Bali, both a short direct flight from Bangkok. Or let our trip planner build a day-by-day Thailand route around your dates.