Thailand
Updated October 19, 2026
Thailand, in the centre of mainland Southeast Asia, is one of the world's most visited countries, known for its golden temples, tropical islands, street food and warm hospitality. It is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonised by a European power, and its kings, Buddhist traditions and festiv…
Must-See Places in Thailand
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, built from 1782, was the residence of the Thai kings for 150 years and remains the country's most important ceremonial site. Inside, Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred image in Thailand. Tickets cost about 500 baht. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and arrive at opening at 8:30.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on a mountain above Chiang Mai, is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, founded in the 14th century, with a golden chedi and views over the city. A staircase of 306 steps, flanked by naga serpents, leads to the temple. Entry costs about 30 baht. Visit early in the morning for cool air and fewer visitors.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO site, preserves the ruins of the capital of Siam from 1351 to 1767, with temples such as Wat Mahathat, famous for a Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the river. Entry to each temple costs about 50 baht. Rent a bicycle and start early to avoid the midday heat.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi, is famous for its limestone karsts rising from emerald water, sea caves and the floating village of Ko Panyi. Khao Phing Kan, known as James Bond Island, appeared in The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974. Boat and sea kayak tours from Phuket cost about 1,500–3,500 baht. Go on a weekday for fewer boats.
Railay Beach
Railay, a peninsula near Krabi reachable only by boat, is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and has some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, such as Phra Nang Beach. It is a world-famous rock climbing destination. Longtail boats from Ao Nang cost about 100–150 baht. Stay overnight to enjoy the beaches after day trippers leave.
White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, near Chiang Rai, is a contemporary Buddhist temple designed by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and begun in 1997, covered in white plaster and mirrored glass. Its murals mix Buddhist themes with pop culture, including superheroes. Entry costs about 100 baht. Visit early in the morning, when the white surfaces shine in the sun.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site, preserves the ruins of the first Thai capital, founded in the 13th century, with temples, Buddha statues and lotus ponds. Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum, with a giant seated Buddha, are highlights. Entry costs about 100 baht per zone. Rent a bicycle and visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park, near Ko Samui, is an archipelago of 42 islands with limestone cliffs, white beaches and an emerald saltwater lake on Ko Mae Ko. Visitors kayak, snorkel and hike to viewpoints. Day tours from Ko Samui cost about 1,500–2,500 baht, including the park fee. The park is closed for part of the monsoon season.
Unique Experiences in Thailand
Celebrate Songkran
Join the Thai New Year water festival, when streets across the country turn into giant water fights and people pour water on Buddha images and elders' hands for blessings.
Release a Lantern at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
On the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, people float krathongs, small decorated baskets, on rivers, and in Chiang Mai thousands of paper lanterns rise into the sky.
Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Spend a day observing, feeding and walking with rescued elephants at a sanctuary that does not offer riding or shows, mainly around Chiang Mai.
Island Hop in the Andaman Sea
Explore the islands of the Andaman Sea, from Ko Phi Phi and its famous Maya Bay to Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe and the Similan Islands, by ferry, speedboat and longtail boat.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Learn to cook dishes such as green curry, pad Thai and tom yum with a local chef, often starting with a market tour to buy fresh ingredients.
Travel Tips for Thailand
Dress Respectfully at Temples
Thai temples and royal sites require modest dress: cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temple bu…
Respect the Monarchy
The Thai royal family is deeply respected, and criticism of the monarchy is illegal under strict lèse-majesté laws, with…
Choose Ethical Animal Experiences
Avoid elephant riding, tiger selfies and shows using animals, which often involve cruelty. Choose sanctuaries where elep…
Plan by Region and Season
Thailand's weather differs by region. The Andaman coast, including Phuket and Krabi, is best from November to April, whi…
Use Ride-Hailing Apps and Agree Prices
Use apps such as Grab and Bolt for taxis and motorbike taxis in cities, as they show prices in advance. In Bangkok, insi…
Stay Safe on the Road and in the Water
Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, so be very careful when renting a scooter, wear a helmet and…
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pad Thai
Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, spring onions, tamarind and fish sauce, topped with crushed peanuts and lime. It was promoted as a national dish in the 1930s and 1940s under Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram. Street stalls across Thailand cook it to order. A plate costs about 50–100 baht at stalls, and Thip Samai in Bangkok is famous for it.
Tom Yum Goong
A hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilli and lime juice, sometimes with coconut milk in the creamy version, nam khon. Its fragrance and balance of sour, spicy and salty flavours make it one of Thailand's most famous dishes. It was listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. A bowl costs about 80–250 baht.
Green Curry
Gaeng keow wan, a fragrant curry made from green chillies, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime, cooked with coconut milk, Thai basil, aubergines and chicken, beef or fish balls. It is usually served with jasmine rice or rice noodles. It is one of the spiciest Thai curries. A plate costs about 60–150 baht at local restaurants.
Som Tam
A spicy salad of shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar with chilli, garlic, lime, fish sauce, palm sugar, tomatoes, long beans and peanuts or dried shrimp, from the Isan region in the north-east. It is often eaten with sticky rice and grilled chicken, gai yang. Street vendors make it to order. A plate costs about 40–80 baht. Ask for mai phet for less heat.
Khao Soi
A northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles, and served with chicken or beef, pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime. It shows influences from Burmese and Chinese Muslim cuisine. Chiang Mai is the best place to try it. A bowl costs about 50–100 baht.
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niao mamuang, glutinous rice cooked with sweet coconut milk, served with slices of ripe mango and topped with coconut cream and crispy mung beans. It is most popular during the mango season from March to May. Street vendors and dessert shops sell it everywhere. A portion costs about 60–120 baht.
Massaman Curry
A mild, rich curry with Persian and Indian influences, made with coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, onions, cinnamon, cardamom and tamarind, usually with beef or chicken. It is popular in the south of Thailand, where there are Muslim communities. It is often less spicy, making it a good choice for beginners. A plate costs about 80–200 baht.
Thai Iced Tea and Fresh Fruit
Cha yen, a strong black tea with spices, sweetened with sugar and condensed milk and served over ice, is a popular orange-coloured drink. Street vendors also sell fresh tropical fruit, such as mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, mangosteen and durian, and fruit shakes. A tea costs about 30–60 baht, and a fruit shake about 40–80 baht.
History
Early Kingdoms and Sukhothai
People have lived in what is now Thailand for tens of thousands of years, and the Bronze Age site of Ban Chiang, in the north-east, a UNESCO site, shows that rice farming and metalworking developed here thousands of years ago. In the first millennium AD, Mon kingdoms such as Dvaravati spread Theravada Buddhism, while the Khmer Empire built temples such as Phanom Rung.
The first Thai kingdom
In the 13th century Tai-speaking peoples founded the Kingdom of Sukhothai, often seen as the first Thai state. King Ramkhamhaeng, who ruled in the late 13th century, is credited with creating an early form of the Thai alphabet.
Lanna in the north
- King Mangrai founded the Lanna kingdom and its capital Chiang Mai in 1296.
- Lanna developed its own script, architecture and culture.
- It remained largely independent until the 18th century.
Cycle among the ruined temples and Buddha statues of Sukhothai Historical Park at sunrise, when the lotus ponds are calm and the air is cool.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Spring
24–38°C
March to May is the hot season, with 33–38°C days and high humidity, especially in Bangkok and the north. Songkran, the …
Summer
24–34°C
June to August is the start of the rainy season, with 30–34°C days and short, heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon.…
Autumn
22–33°C
September and October are the wettest months in most regions, with flooding possible in Bangkok and the central plains. …
Winter
15–32°C
December to February is the cool, dry season and peak tourist time, with 28–32°C days in Bangkok and the south, and cool…
Fascinating Fun Facts
The world's longest place name
Bangkok's full ceremonial name in Thai, Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopph…
Never colonised by Europeans
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised by a European power. In the 19th century, kings …
The Thai alphabet has 44 consonants
The Thai script has 44 consonant letters, 15 vowel symbols that combine into at least 32 vowel forms, and four tone mark…
Respect for the king is everywhere
The Thai royal anthem is played before films in cinemas, and audiences stand up out of respect. The national anthem is b…
Elephants are a national symbol
The Asian elephant is the national animal of Thailand, and elephants were used for centuries in warfare, royal ceremonie…
Most young men become monks
About 95% of Thais are Theravada Buddhists, and it is a tradition for Thai men to become monks for a period of their liv…
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