thailand travel book

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Gleaming temples and golden Buddhas frame the landscapes in Thailand, serving as a stunning backdrop for tours of Bangkok noodle shacks and adventures along the luxurious coastline.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

Wat Pho is our absolute favorite among Bangkok's biggest sights. In fact, the compound incorporates a host of superlatives: the city's largest reclining…

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) is a former royal residence in Bangkok that was consecrated in 1782. Today, it’s only used on ceremonial…

Wat Arun is the missile-shaped temple that rises from the Chao Phraya River's banks. Known as Temple of Dawn, it was named after the Indian god of dawn,…

Wat Phra Kaew

Architecturally fantastic, the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex is also the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy, symbolically united in what is…

Lumphini Park

Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal (Lumbini), Lumphini Park is central Bangkok’s largest and most popular park. Its 58 hectares are home to an…

Golden Mount

Even if you're wát-ed out, you should tackle the brisk ascent to the Golden Mount. Serpentine steps wind through an artificial hill shaded by gnarled…

Sukhothai Historical Park

The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and…

Erawan National Park

Kanchanaburi Province

Splashing in emerald-green pools under Erawan Falls is the highlight of this very popular 550-sq-km park. Seven tiers of waterfall tumble through the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Thailand has ruled supreme as a tourist destination for many years with good reason. These are the most incredible things to do in the Land of Smiles.

Things to Know

From packing to local etiquette when you're there, these top tips can help visitors plan the perfect trip to Thailand.

Transportation

From commuter to long-haul, third-class seats to luxury cabins, wooden benches to sleepers, the following are some of the best train trips in Thailand.

Visa Requirements

Thailand is one of the easiest places to visit in Asia - here’s everything you need to know about visas.

Money and Costs

Temple-tastic Thailand is one of the top traveler stops in Asia, and a trip here doesn’t have to cost the earth if you follow our smart travel tips.

Traveling with Kids

Thailand's beaches are dreamy for travelers with kids, but there is so much more to explore. Here are the best things to do as a family.

Best Road Trips

Driving in Thailand is an adventure, but the rewards are massive. Visit backwater villages and outlying temple towns on these top road trips in Thailand.

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Experience the real Thailand

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Thailand and beyond.

The Rough Guide to Thailand

This practical travel guide to Thailand features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This Thailand guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make Thailand easier to navigate while you’re there. This guide book to Thailand has been fully updated post-COVID-19 and it comes with a free eBook.

The Rough Guide to THAILAND covers: Bangkok, The Central Plains, The North, The East Coast, The Northeast: Isaan, Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast, Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast, The deep South.

Inside this Thailand travel guide you’ll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Thailand, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Sukhothai, to family activities in child-friendly places, like Khao Yai National Park, or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Essential pre-departure information including Thailand entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of Thailand, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this Thailand travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for traditional massages, yoga, cycling, trekking, rock-climbing or boat trips.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya’s best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to Thailand, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this Thailand guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to Thailand features fascinating insights into  Thailand, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Wat Phra Kaew and the spectacular Wat Phu Tok.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Pai, Ko Samet, and many more locations in Thailand, reduce the need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

FREE EBOOK 

Free eBook download with every purchase of this guide book to Thailand allows you to access all of the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

Description

Book details.

This title is a part of Rough Guides Main Series

Practical travel guides series covering countries, cities and regions, with detailed factual travel tips, perfect for independent, long-stay, backpacking and budget-conscious travellers seeking comprehensive travel information and off-the-beaten track experiences

Extensive practical travel information including getting there, getting around, climate information, safety tips, accommodation explanations, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Curated author picks with destination highlights at the beginning of each guide

Ready-made itineraries covering every corner of the destination

Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure 

Extensive recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure activities for all budgets

Colour-coded detailed maps with marked-up key sights 

Insights on history and nature highlights  

Easy to use, newspaper-style layout

All guides published from January 2021 are printed on paper from responsible sources verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards

Free eBook with each printed guide published from May 2019 

Format: 129 x 198mm

Price: £14.99-£26.99 | $13.99-$34.99

Extent: 616–1208 page

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THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

How to travel to thailand independently.

✓ 170 pages of tips collected during our 18 months of traveling around Thailand

✓ All you need to know about food, transport, accommodation, insurance, costs and Thai traditions

✓ Awesome pro tips for what to do in Thailand beyond beaches and temples

✓ Tons of useful advice about where to go in the northern, central and southern regions

✓ Suggestions for what to avoid in Thailand

✓ Detailed itineraries for your Thailand vacation

✓ Oodles of helpful resources about Thailand

Discover the Land of Smiles

Thailand is a fascinating country with an incredible diversity in natural and historical sites, exotic cuisine and a huge range of activities to do. It doesn’t matter if you are a budget traveler, an adventurer, an outdoor lover, a luxury traveler or a first-time visitor in Asia, Thailand will welcome you with open arms and heart.

Despite the fact that it’s become one of the most popular destinations in Asia (and in the world!), there are still lots of off the beaten path places with genuine locals and unspoilt nature.

Thailand stole our hearts during our first visit in 2013. Since then we’ve been returning periodically and calling it home for extended amounts of time. We’ve ventured through the north, south, east and west of Thailand and visited lesser known corners of the country as well as popular sites. Our time with kind-hearted locals taught us more about the local culture and country’s history.

We’ve volunteered at an international NGO that protects the natural habitat of elephants. We’ve organized photowalks in the Northern part of the country and gave a speech about responsible travel in Bangkok. One of our travel pieces on Thailand was published in the UK edition of the Psychologies magazine. We were also honoured to be guests on the travel show The Passion, which airs on Thai national TV.

In this travel guide, we’ll share our knowledge on Thailand with hopes to inspire you to travel to Thailand independently, without a travel agent, and to explore the country at your own pace and according to your interests.

This is the e-book for people looking for detailed information on Thailand, including Thai culture, transportation, accommodations, food, things to do and places to visit in Thailand. Thailand Travel Guide will help you plan and enjoy your trip.

By reading this Thailand Travel Guide, you will…

• be able to decide which region of Thailand suits you the best, and the kinds of natural and historical sites you’ll find in the northern, central and southern regions.
• find suggestions for all sorts of accommodation, ranging from luxury resorts, mid-range guesthouses to basic bamboo huts.
• get tips on various transport modes available throughout the country. draw inspiration on what to do in Thailand, whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie or a luxury traveler. We also include a list of awesome Thai festivals. learn about what and where to eat in Thailand.
• have an idea of how much money you will spend on your holiday in Thailand.
• discover how the weather varies in different regions and when to visit each region.
• understand what not to do in Thailand so you can avoid faux pas.
• receive practical tips on how to save money in Thailand.
• have access to two different travel itineraries: one that focuses on beaches and nature, while the other focuses on history and cities.

What other Thailand travel experts say about this guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Because we’ve written it from with the goal of helping others to get the most of their trip to Thailand. All experiences in the e-book are either ours personally, or in a few case, we took some tips from friends we know have also traveled extensively in Thailand, and we trust their recommendations. The e-book is full of practical advice – absolutely no fluffy stuff.

If you’ve only visited Bangkok and a couple of the islands in the south, then the answer is “Definitely!”. We put together tons of tips covering where to go in Thailand, including the lesser-known areas. This e-book covers the whole country of Thailand and includes many inspiring tips for things to do. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from!

Not at this time.

Drop us an email on nomadisbeautiful(at)gmail(dot)com. We’ll be happy to help out if we can.

About the authors

Ivana Greslikova and Gianni Bianchini are the Slovak-Italian couple behind the Nomad is Beautiful travel website.

After they quit their jobs in Germany in 2013, they packed their lives into two carry-on backpacks, hit the road and never looked back.

Gianni and Ivana both graduated from English language and literature and were documenting their lives through photography for many years prior to their nomadic journey.

With Ivana’s five years of experience as an editor and Gianni as a photographer and team leader in a videogame company, they’ve created a website filled with beautiful travel photos and engaging articles.

On their blog, they focus on Southeast Asian countries, travel photography, responsible travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle.

If they’re not roaming around local markets early morning, you’ll find them hiking up in the hills and sipping pu-erh tea around the world.

Copyright © 2013 – 2024 – Nomad is Beautiful | Home  |  Privacy Policy

Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 27, 2024

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Thailand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.

1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi , it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

For more information on specific cities in Thailand, check out these guides:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.

Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
• Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
• Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
• The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
• Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
• Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
• Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
• Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.

Thailand Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 170-500 THB per night
• Hostel private rooms – 700-1,000 THB per night (+20% during peak season)
• Guesthouses – 300-400 THB per night (double in larger cities and islands)
• Budget hotels – 1,000-2,500 THB per night
• Airbnb apartments – 600-900 THB per night
• Street food – 20-70 THB
• Sit-down restaurants – 60-120 THB (+30 THB on the islands)
• Western food – 170-340 THB
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 150-300 THB
• Beer – 60-120 THB
• Glass of wine – 180 THB
• Cocktails – 300-450 THB
• Groceries for a week – 600-800 THB

Thailand Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 1,055 thb per day.

If you’re backpacking Thailand, this budget will let you stay in a hostel dorm, eat food from the street vendors, enjoy a couple of drinks per day, and use public transportation. You’ll want to stick to mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

Midrange – 1,750 THB Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks or diving.

Upscale – 3,725 THB Per Day

On an upscale budget, you can do anything you want. You can stay in a nice hotel, eat at fancier restaurants, take taxis, and do all the paid activities you’d like. Thailand does luxury really well!

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

• Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
• Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
• Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
• Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

How to Get Around in Thailand

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.

There is a new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.

Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:

• Thai Lion Air
• Vietjet Air

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.

Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Thailand is perfectly safe, though it’s not that common here. Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through rural areas. Hitchwiki is a great resource for more hitchhiking tips.

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more!  Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

How to Get Around Thailand on the Cheap

How to Travel Around Isaan Thailand

How Much a Holiday in Thailand Costs

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7 Best Travel Books About Thailand

“Where the smiles are as warm as the sunsets.”

With nearly forty million visitors annually, Thailand is the second-most visited country in Asia. Stretching across 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), this Southeast Asian country is renowned for being one of the most popular destinations for a gap year and solo travellers, as well as those looking to fuel their wanderlust or get in touch with their spiritual side. Thailand is a stunning country full of geographic regions. From the Thai Highlands in the north of the country, the bustling marketplaces of cities like Bangkok and Phuket to the miles and miles of white sands and crystal clear seas, check out the best Thailand travel books at What We Reading ! 

Fodor’s Essential Thailand – Fodor’s Travel 

Whether it’s shopping in the floating markets , sampling some stunning street food or taking a pilgrimage to a Buddhist Temple, Fodor’s collection of local experts is on hand to deliver one of the best Thailand books for tackling the country. Filled with useful maps, curated recommendations and other helpful guides, it is the only guidebook you need for making your trip across the country one to remember. 

The latest edition comes with a revamped layout and updated high-quality imagery, meaning that whether you’re looking to inspire your wanderlust or plan out an itinerary, Fodor once again showcases why their ‘ Essential ’ series was named by Booklist as the Best Travel Guide Series. 

Thailand: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide – Alexa West 

Covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao and everything in between, Alexa West’s Thailand: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide is the guide you need for discovering a land of picturesque white beaches and bright turquoise water. Accessible and personal, it is the ultimate Thailand book for females looking to trek the country solo. 

West answers the most commonly asked questions about travelling solo around the Far East, helping readers avoid the sketchy hangout spots, creeps and scammers that can derail a journey. As practical as it is inspiring, it is the perfect Thailand book for showing you don’t need to have friends, partners or loved ones to forge the trip of a lifetime. 

22 Walks In Bangkok: Exploring the City’s Historic Back Lanes And Byways – Kenneth Barrett

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited cities, and Kenneth Barrett helps tourists pay homage to its beauty, history and culture in 22 Walks in Bangkok . Aimed at first-time visitors to the city, the book provides a unique journey of discovery along its cobbled streets, unearthing hidden mansions, palaces, shops, markets, shophouses and shrines. 

Teaching tourists what to expect from the second they land in the city, Barrett breaks down how Bangkok is a collection of complex villages, woven together by a vast maze of side streets. Capturing the magic of each of these villages, Barrett explores how they have developed and evolved, as well as what their main attractions are. 

Lonely Planet Thailand – Lonely Planet 

The world’s leading travel guide planner offers the most relevant and up-to-date tour of Thailand in their books on the Southeast Asian country. 

Featuring coloured maps and photographs, budget guides, highlights on what to do and what to avoid, cultural insights and essential information for all the phone numbers, websites and prices you need to know, it is the ultimate travel planning companion to have. Providing inspiring and trustworthy advice, when it comes to fastening together an itinerary for Thailand, Lonely Planet is still one of the go-to gurus. 

Thailand’s Best Street Food: The Complete Guide To Street Dining In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket And Other Areas – Chawadee Nualkhair

If there is one thing synonymous with Thailand for visitors, it’s the food . Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning dishes, with the majority prepared right in front of visitors on the streets of Phuket, Bangkok Chiang Mai or any other region of the country. 

In his book, Thailand’s Best Street Food , blogger and freelance writer Chawadee Nualkhair teaches readers what the best delicacies are in the country, and where they can find them. One of the best Thailand travel books for getting back to the grassroots and enjoying an authentic slice of real Thai cuisine, Thailand’s Best Street Food comes complete with maps, recipes and countless useful culinary tips! 

Luxurious Chiang Mai: The 5-Star Travel Guide To Hotels, Dining, Spa And Sightseeing In Chiang Mai – Laura Gibbs 

For those looking for a more luxurious travel experience across Thailand, look no further than Luxurious Chiang Mai by Laura Gibbs. In it, Gibbs offers readers an incredible travel guide through the lush tropical rainforests, stunning golden temples, rolling mountains and stunning cuisines of northern Thailand.

Luxurious Chiang Mai showcases the most glamorous destinations for those looking to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will create memories lasting a lifetime, from riding elephants to hopping between the 300 temples in the Chiang Mai region.

Thailand For Couples: Travel Guide – David Nguyen

With its picturesque beaches, serene temples, vibrant marketplaces and stunning natural landscapes, Thailand is one of the best travel destinations for couples. In his book, Thailand For Couples , travel expert David Nguyen offers his experience in planning the ultimate trek across the country for couples looking to travel together.

Whether you’re embarking on your first trip abroad together or planning a journey to rekindle your relationship, Nguyen provides insider tips and recommendations customized for a romantic and spiritual experience. From culinary delights to discovering untapped natural beauties, this book combines the spirit of adventure with practical tips that will make any trip to Thailand an unforgettable experience for your relationship. 

Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).

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The 25 best books about bangkok.

If you're looking for a Bangkok travel guide or just want to fill in your knowledge with some history, expat expertise (or a superb cookbook), these are my 25 recommendations.

This post may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small commission on any resulting purchases at no cost to the customer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It keeps The Koh Samui Guide ad-free, never sponsored and 100% independent. See privacy policy for more details.

Below, find the travel guides that will suit any Bangkok itinerary (whether a few days or a total city-wide exploration), including some new-for-2023 releases. Enjoy!

1. Thailand's Best Street Food

Learn exactly how to dig into Thai street food safely, and with confidence. You’ll learn where to eat, and exactly what (and how) to order ( see my full review ). This updated 2022 guidebook covers Bangkok primarily, with sections on Phuket and Chiang Mai as well.

2. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Bangkok

The 2023 edition of Top 10 Bangkok is available for pre-order (exact publication date seems to differ by country), but the 2019 version remains a great starting point if you’re raring to go. This straightforward guide will help you to plan a superb trip to Bangkok – especially if you’re tight on time.

3. Secret Bangkok

Brand new for 2022. Do you try to avoid tourist traps? This is the Bangkok guide for you. “This book will lead you to the place where people offer bacon and eggs to tiger temple guardians, and a temple with elaborate effigies of David Beckham, Donald Duck and Popeye.”

4. Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind

Life in 1960s expat Bangkok. Perfectly imagine what life was like back then for Bangkok expats. A wonderful memoir by an American expat – ‘Mai Pen Rai Means Nevermind’ offers an honest and hilarious insight into this period of Bangkok expat life and quite what Thailand was like in Thompson’s day. Amazon will only have secondhand copies with ugly covers – read it anyway!!

Another cookbook from Leela Punyaratabandhu, author of Simple Thai Food (above). “From one of the most respected authorities on Thai cooking comes this beautiful and deeply personal ode to Bangkok, the top-ranked travel destination in the world.” Available in hardback and for Kindle.*Also available in a German language edition: Bangkok: Rezepte und Geschichten aus dem Herzen Thailands

6. Private Dancer

Free with Audible trial. The book cover for Private Dancer looks racy indeed – but don’t be dissuaded. This work of fiction offers a must-read insight into Thailand’s bar industry (Bangkok’s bars and bar girls especially). It’s by no means high-brow literature but is an interesting peek into what goes on behind smiles and shiny lights. If going the audiobook route, pair with headphones (Bangkok’s bar scene is, unsurprisingly, NSFW).

7. Bangkok Wakes to Rain

Free with an Audible trial. “Recreates the experience of living in Thailand’s aqueous climate so viscerally that you can feel the water rising around your ankles” (Ron Charles, Washington Post). A New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

8. Comrade Aeon's Field Guide to Bangkok

"Written with a tender compassion for Bangkok's people and customs, Comrade Aeon's Field Guide to Bangkok is a masterful, propulsive debut which introduces a fresh new talent in fiction" – Amazon. Available in hardback, paperback and for Kindle.

9. Bangkok 8

Free with an Audible trial. “A thriller with attitude to spare, Bangkok 8 is a sexy, razor-edged, often darkly hilarious novel set in one of the world’s most exotic cities. Witnessed by a throng of gaping spectators, a charismatic Marine sergeant is murdered under a Bangkok bridge inside a bolted-shut Mercedes Benz. Among the witnesses are the only two cops in the city not on the take, but within moments one is murdered and his partner, Sonchai Jitpleecheep – a devout Buddhist and the son of a Thai bar girl and a long-gone Vietnam War G.I. – is hell-bent on wreaking revenge.” – Audible

10. Bangkok Thai

“ Bangkok Thai: The Busaba Cookbook takes everything the restaurants legions of fans love about Thai cookery and makes it available to the amateur chef. The book offers 100 recipes ranging from salads and soups to stir-fries, wok noodles, curries and chargrills, as well as Asian-inspired cocktails and desserts.” Available in hardback.

11. B is for Bangkok

A child’s day in Bangkok: Explore a typical day of a child living in Bangkok. Bilingual English/Thai book for children ages 5-8. Available in hardback.

12. Lonely Planet Bangkok

Depending on your location, this book will be published in May 2022 or early 2023. If you’d rather not pre-order the update, the 2018 version remains a great starting point. With 288 pages of nothing but Bangkok, this guide book will get you from Chinatown to Chatuchak. Nineteen neighbourhood maps and updated content from Austin Bush (see The Food of Northern Thailand ).

13. What Could Be Saved

Free with an Audible trial. Set partially in 1970s Bangkok. Alternating between past and present as all of the secrets are revealed, What Could Be Saved is an unforgettable novel about a family shattered by loss and betrayal, and the beauty that can exist even in the midst of brokenness" – Amazon. Available in hardback, paperback and for Kindle and Audible.

14. Fodor's Bangkok 25 Best

"Fodor's 25 Best Guides offer highlights of major city destinations in a compact package that includes a sturdy, detailed street map you can bring along with you to help you navigate when cell service is not available. By focusing only on top sights―all divided by neighborhood―we make planning your days easy" – Fodor's. Published November 2019. Available in paperback.

15. Lonely Planet Pocket Bangkok

"Lonely Planet's Pocket Bangkok is our colourful, easy to use, handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, providing on-the-go assistance for those seeking the best sights and experiences on a short visit" – Lonely Planet. Published October 2018. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

16. Bangkok Bob and the Missing Mormon

Free with an Audible trial. From the same author as Private Dancer, above, and – I think – deserves your time for its title alone. A tongue-in-cheek murder mystery that rampages across Bangkok and back again.

17. 22 Walks in Bangkok

"This user-friendly Thailand travel guide helps you discover hidden gems found throughout the city by presenting each neighborhood as a distinct village--explaining how it evolved, and describing its historical landmarks in detail. Travel book author Ken Barrett is a long-time Bangkok resident and experienced journalist, and he introduces the noteworthy temples, churches, shrines, and mosques in loving detail, sketching their history and distinctive features. The reader is skillfully guided through the old neighborhoods of Bangkok from the center to the periphery, along narrow lanes and byways rarely seen by foreigners" – Amazon. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

18. The Rough Guide to Bangkok

"Delve a little deeper to discover a different side to the city - venture beyond the downtown gloss on a cycling tour, watch a theatrical khon performance, take part in a traditional Thai cookery class, or join a day-trip to the spectacular Muang Boran Ancient City. Whatever you choose to do, this Rough Guide will help you make the most of Thailand's vibrant capital." – Rough Guides. Published March 2019. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

19. Another Bangkok

Brand new! "Another Bangkok will delight both those who think they know the city well and those visiting for the first time. Kerr is a uniquely wry and eloquent guide to everything from ceramics to puppetry, from flower patterns to old houses" – Amazon. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

20. A Wife in Bangkok

"Over the course of this novel, Lav presents an ambitious tale about overstepping cultural boundaries and losing one's autonomy within a marriage. . . . an unusual glimpse of life in Thailand in the aftermath of the Vietnam War" – Kirkus Reviews. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

21. Insight Guides Explore Bangkok

I love this book. The cover folds out to reveal a sturdy map inside, which is really useful. If you prefer to travel light, your purchase includes both the hard copy and its ebook equivalent.

22. Bangkok Shopping Made Easy

You could spend the rest of your life shopping in Bangkok, no joke. As such, nothing I say could come close to the extreme level of expertise available in Bangkok Shopping Made Easy. Available for Kindle only.

23. Bangkok Local

How to fulfill all your foodie dreams. Bangkok Local’s unique take is its dawn to dusk schedule. For breakfast perhaps “some fried taro cakes (kanom pak gad) or an egg in tamarind sauce (kai luk keuy) or rice soup with barramundi (kao tom pla kra pong)”. Snack options abound for the afternoon section, with “late-night stir-fried crab with black pepper (pu pad prik thai dum) and bananas in coconut cream (gluay buat chee)” to finish the day. Available in hardback.

24. Bangkok in 12 Dishes

Do you have a particularly obsessive love of Thai food? If so, let's rejoice together at this book's release. It promises to guide us through eating tours, food markets, bars and foodie gift-shopping. "Bangkok In 12 Dishes is structured around iconic dishes you should try at least once while in town. Our guide also dives deep into Bangkok's myriad desserts and curries, guides you to the city's best food markets and follows a food trail around the city's scenic waterways." Everyone to their Pelotons! We must prepare for The Eating. Available in paperback.

25. A Day in Bangkok

Brand new! A Young Explorer Travel Guide to Bangkok. 36 pages. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

A good travel guide can make or break your trip. Whether you’re a Thailand expat or hope to visit Asia for the very first time, these are the travel guides and resources I recommend above all (bias confession – I wrote one them).

• Travel guides: The Best Thailand Travel Guides
• Cookbooks: The 33 Best Thai Cookbooks
• Novels: The Best Books about Thailand
• Audiobooks: The Best Audiobooks about Thailand
• Kids: Favourite Children’s Books about Thailand

P.S. You can find every tip for visiting Bangkok in the archive, or subscribe by email and get all the details straight to your inbox. Enjoy!

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25 Books on Thailand That’ll Spark Your Wanderlust

by Julie Feb 27, 2021 Books , Thailand

Looking for a good book to help you escape to a faraway place from the comfort of your couch?

Or are you preparing for a trip to Thailand?

Here is a list of 26 popular books on Thailand. The list includes fiction from Thai classics to modern-day thrillers. There are also nonfiction books on the history of Thailand, travel books on Thailand, and my favorite Thai cookbooks.

If you’re looking to learn how to cook Thai food, these cookbooks will make you think you’re back in Thailand.

Leave a comment at the end of this post if you’ve read any good books on Thailand.

So grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

Table of Contents

5 out of 5 stars – excellent.

• The Narrow Bridge to the Deep North
• Sightseeing
• Hot Thai Kitchen
• Simple Thai Food
• Thailand: Guide to the Temples of Bangkok, Sukothai, and Ayuthaya

4 out of 5 stars – Good

• Bangkok Wakes to Rain
• Killed at the Whim of a Hat
• Grandad, There’s a Head on the Beach
• The Suspect
• Lonely Planet: Thailand
• Lonely Planet: Bangkok

3 out of 5 stars – Ok

• The Axe Factor
• Bangkok: Food and Stories from the Heart of Thailand
• Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand

2 out of 5 stars – Not Good

• Godfather of Kathmandu

1 out of 5 stars – Terrible

• Bangkok Tattoo

Not Read Yet

• Four Reigns
• History of Thailand
• A History of Ayutthaya: Siam in the Early Modern World
• Bangkok Haunts
• Vulture Peak
• The Bangkok Asset

Books about Thailand: Fiction

1. bangkok wakes to rain, by pitchaya sudbanthad  (2019), my rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Bangkok Wakes to Rain (love the title) is a beautifully written book by Pitchaya Sudbantha. But it requires a lot of patience. It’s unclear what the book is about at first. Is it a novel (the blurb says it is) or a collection of short stories? Each chapter features new characters unrelated to those in earlier chapters, and each chapter is set in a different period. The only thing they have in common is that there all set in Bangkok.

It’s not until part 2 when the characters converge that the novel becomes more interesting. And then it’s not until part 4 that you understand what the whole book is about–a story of Bangkok from its past through its present and into its future.

The writing is brilliant. It’s evocative, lyrical, sparse, and smooth. Sudbantha writes in a way that makes the scenes, characters, and setting come alive. There are lots of characters who we only get to follow for a few chapters, but Sudbantha makes you feel as if you really understand them.

How he tells his story reminds me of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, which I didn’t enjoy. Both books go back and forth between the past, present and future and both have separate and later converging storylines. I’d like to read more from Sudbantha, but something told more linearly.

If you need tons of action in your novels, this book might not be for you.

2. The Beach

By alex garland (2005), my rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

I’m sure this book needs no introduction, as The Beach is probably the most well-known book set in Thailand. The Beach was written in 2005 by Alex Garland and made into a movie later starting Leonardo DiCaprio. The book is much better than the movie.

For anyone who’s backpacked through Southeast Asia, it just feels like Garland really understands you–your fears and your fantasies.

British backpacker, Richard, is spending his first night in Thailand in a cheap guesthouse on Bangkok’s Khao San Road. The guy in the room next to him commits suicide, but before dying he hands Richard a map to a beach in a secret lagoon.

Richard heads off with a French couple to look for the secret island. They find it and it’s the paradise of every backpacker’s fantasy. But after a while, Richard realizes that there’s a dark side to this supposed paradise.

What I liked about The Beach: The Beach is a fun read. The perfect escape on a dreary winter day. Great characters, stunning setting, descriptive prose, and suspenseful plot.

3. Fieldwork

By mischa berlinski (2008).

I absolutely adored this book when I first read it. I think this is probably my favorite book set in Thailand. It’s got everything I love in a book.

The narrator of Fieldwork , Mischa Berlinski, is a freelance journalist living in Thailand. One evening an ex-pat friend tells him a story of an American-Dutch anthropologist’s suicide in a Thai prison. She’d been serving a life sentence for murdering an American missionary. The story sparks Mischa’s curiosity enough that he goes in search of what led Martiya van der Leun to commit murder. He uncovers the complicated family history of Mariya and her victim, the controversial origins of modern anthropology, and the secrets of the Thai hill tribes.

What I loved about Fieldwork: Exotic setting, lots of anthropology, the clash between religion and science, character-development (I love books that go deep into the characters’ backstories), the mystery, and the author’s observations on life as an ex-pat. And of course, the story.

4. Four Reigns

By kukrit pramoj (1953, 1998).

I own this book, but I haven’t started reading it yet. I’ll revise this review when I finish it.

5. The Glass Kingdom

By lawrence osborne (2020).

Her husband always used to say that farangs were the ghosts they had to endure in order to atone for their own failures.

The story is about an American named Sarah, fresh off the boat with a suitcase of ill-begotten cash. She decides to hide out incognito in a luxury, albeit aging, high-rise in the center of Bangkok. One day a neighbor invites her to a gals-only poker game. It’s a blast—they drink, smoke ganja, eat lasagna, and swap stories. Unfortunately, the party leads Sarah down a rabbit hole of making bad decisions, underestimating the Thais, and trusting the wrong people.

This is a great book to immerse yourself in and forget that there’s a pandemic going on. It’s pure escapism. The writer’s description of Bangkok makes you want to forget all your precautions and jump on a plane and travel to Thailand.

My main quibble is that none of the characters are well-developed, especially Sarah. It’s not clear what her motivations are. In the beginning, she’s devious and methodical, but as the book progresses, she’s another bumbling, naïve American.

6 – 8. Jimm Juree Mystery Series

By collin cotterill (2011).

Colin Cotterill is best known for his Dr. Siri detective series. In the Jimm Juree novels , the setting changes from Lao to Thailand, and the detective isn’t an aging Lao coroner but a young, fearless female Thai crime reporter. What is the same are the whacky but enduring cast of characters and Cotterill’s laugh-out-loud writing. These are the funniest books I’ve read about Thailand.

Killed at the Whim of a Hat is the first book in the series starring crime reporter/amateur sleuth, Jimm Juree.

Jimm is a crime reporter from Chiang Mai. Her family (her eccentric mother, former traffic cop grandfather, and her bodybuilding-obsessed brother (her transsexual sister stays in Chain Mai) is forced to move to southern Thailand when her mother rashly sells the family business for an investment in a beach resort. Stuck in the kitchen of a failing resort, she thinks her career is over. But then the remains of two hippies are unearthed and a monk is murdered, and she’s back to her old life of solving crime.

What I liked about the novel: I enjoyed the strong female lead and her quirky family and friends. The mystery was pretty good. Loved the George Bush quotes at the beginning of each chapter. You’ll enjoy this book if you liked Cotterill’s Dr. Siri novels or if you enjoy a good mystery told with a sense of humor.

In Grandad, There’s a Head on the Beach , the mystery hits closer to home this time. A severed head turns up on the beach of the family’s resort. And Jimm Juree must find out who was murdered and why. Both funny and dark.

What I liked about this book: I loved Cotterill’s creative and witty writing. Here’s an example:

“ It’s always a bother to decide who to tell when you find a head on the beach. I mean, there is no protocol. And when I say “always” here, I may be exaggerating somewhat because I can’t say I’ve stumbled over too many heads on my morning dog walks. I’d seen body parts in morgues, of course, and accident scenes, but that Wednesday was my first detached head. It upset me that it hadn’t upset me enough. ”

Another thing I liked about this book is that Cotterill sheds light on the plight of illegal immigrants and the enslavement of the Burmese on Thai fishing boats.

If you’re interested in reading more about the plight of the Burmese working in Thailand, check out my list of books on Myanmar .

Grandad There’s a Head on the Beach is a laugh-out-loud, informative, and fabulously written book.

The Axe Factor is the third mystery in the Jimm Juree series. Cotterill hasn’t written any more Jimm Juree books since this one was published in 2014. So, I’m assuming this one is the last. It’s disappointing because I’ve enjoyed reading these books.

In the Axe Factor, Juree is still helping her messed-up but lovable family run their failing Thai beach resort. But Juree has taken on a side job working for the local newspaper. Her assignment is to interview a local British expat, a famous crime writer who loves to chop things up with an ax. He seems to have taken a romantic interest in Juree. At the same time, she’s investigating the disappearance of local women.

What I liked and disliked about the Axe Factor: I liked this one the least. It’s got the same fun characters, exotic setting, and witty prose, but the story wasn’t as engaging as the others. I enjoyed the humorous mistranslations at the beginning of each chapter.

9. The Narrow Road to the Deep North

By richard flanagan (2014).

He believed books has an aura that protected him, that without one beside him he would die. He happily slept without women. He never slept without a book.

Written by Richard Flanagan, Narrow Road to the Deep North is about the building of the Bridge over the River Kwai (also called the Death Railway) by Australian POWs during World War II. It’s not a book about Thais, but it’s about an important event in world history that took place in Thailand. You can visit the bridge today in Kanchanaburi, about 2.5 hours by bus from Bangkok.

The Japanese captors treated their slave laborers (60,000 Allied POWs and 250,000 Tamils, Chinese, Javanese, Malayans, Thais, and Burmese) horribly—starving them, beating, them, and working them to death. No one is sure how many people died. Some people say 50,000, while others say 100,000 to 200,000.

What I liked about the book: Great writing, great history, and a moving story. 

10. Sightseeing

By rattawut lapcharoensap (2018).

I’m not a big fan of short story collections, but I did love Sightseeing.  In fact, it made my list of best books I’ve read in 2019 and definitely one of the best books on Thailand. 

Written by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, Sightseeing is made up of seven short stories set in Thailand and except for one story, all feature a Thai protagonist. It’s the perfect book for learning about the real Thailand rather than the eroticized and corrupt one often depicted in books written by westerners.

A lot of the stories focus on the complicated relationship between child and parent. And even though Thais have a stronger sense of filial piety than I do, I could still relate.

What I liked about the book: The writing is brilliant. Powerful. Empathetic. I found myself transported into each story. I could feel the shame, sadness, regret, and longing that the characters felt.

BUT all the stories are sad and painful. Here’s a sample of the various themes: parental rejection, death of a parent, illness of a parent, corruption, and bullying.  I could only read one story at a time. And then I needed to read a different book or watch some TV to give me some hope.

Don’t let these themes scare you off, though. These are moving and important stories.

11 – 16. Sonchai Jitpleecheep Detective Mystery Series

By john burdett (2003 – 2015).

John Burdett has written six novels in the Royal Thai Detective series . The detective is Soncahi Jitpleecheep, a half-Thai and half-caucasian police detective in Bangkok. When Sonchai is a teenager, he and his best friend, Pinchai, murder a yaa baa (meth) dealer. To avoid prison, his mother makes a deal that sends him to a monastery for six months. At the end of his stay, the abbot of the monastery tells him that in order to fix his karma, he needs to become a police officer. But there’s a catch: To avoid hell, he has to become an honest cop, harder than it seems in Thailand, I guess.

Bangkok 8 (Book 1) starts out with an over-the-top, gruesome murder. An American marine is trapped in his Mercedes with a black python and a swarm of 20 baby cobras. Sonchai is teamed up with a female detective from the FBI to solve the murder of the dead marine.

What I liked and didn’t like: The story is suspenseful. Sonchai is a likable character with a wry sense of humor and an interesting backstory. There’s a lot of fascinating information about Thai culture, especially prostitutes, drugs, prison-life, corruption, etc.

However, the dialogue between Sonchai and the Americans makes me cringe. It’s awkward and unnatural sounding. Here’s a sample: “ You lost a lot of blood, pilgrim, we only just got you in time .” It’s like a bad American movie or TV show from the 80s.

Bangkok Tattoo (Book 2) opens up with the murder of an American by a Thai prostitute, Chanya, who also happens to the star prostitute of Sonchai’s mother’s bar/brothel. She’s cut off his penis and then has stabbed him to death.

Sonchai also gets involved in a long-running feud between his boss and the head of the Thai army over control of the drug trade.

What I liked and didn’t like: I have a philosophy about books: life is too short to read crappy books. And this was was one hell of a crappy book. I couldn’t finish it.

I liked Sonchai in Bangkok 8, but in Bangkok Tattoo he’s become a bitter, angry man. Instead of the honest cop from book 1, he’s now running his mother’s whorehouse and helping his corrupt boss run his illegal businesses.

Sonchai has this irritating way of addressing his reader as “farang” (foreigner). He doesn’t use it with humor or kindness but rather with a sneer.

Too many things I hated about this book. A boring plot, awkward dialogue, and a screwed-up perspective on prostitution. Burdett tries to make the Thais appear superior to farangs, but instead, the Thais come across as unlikeable, rude, and cruel.

In Bangkok Haunts (Book 3) , Sonchai receives a snuff film featuring the murder of an ex-lover. He teams up with the FBI again (I can assume more awkward dialogue and stereotypes) to solve the mystery. His corrupt boss also assigns him to help start a porn film business.

I was so turned off by Burdett’s Bangkok Tattoo that I haven’t read this one.

In Godfather of Kathmandu (Book 4) , Sonchai is sent to Kathmandu to mediate a dispute between his boss and his boss’s arch-rival over his boss’s illegal business. However, Sonchai’s personal life has taken a turn for the worse and he’s more interested in following a Tibetan lama than taking care of business or solving crime.

What I liked and disliked about it: I read Godfather of Kathmandu before Bangkok Tattoo. I didn’t finish this one either. The mystery seemed to take secondary importance to Sonchai’s search for spiritual enlightenment and the plot never moves forward. I wish I liked this book more because there are so few good ones set in Nepal that you can find in English.

In Vulture Peak (Book 5) , Sonchai is in charge of putting togther a sting operation targeting the black market world of trafficking in human organs. The investigation takes him to crazy Chinese twins who run a hospital for harvesting body parts. Again Sonchai finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between his corrupt boss and the head of the army.

The topic sounds interesting, but I’m not fond of Burdett’s writing, so probably won’t read it.

In Bangkok Asset (Book 6) , Sonchai is teamed up with a female partner. They’re up against the CIA and their superhuman creation. Their investigation takes them to the Cambodian jungle compound for American former soldiers where they discover a horrible secret coverup by the American government.

I haven’t read this book, and I probably won’t. It’s also received a lot of negative reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.

17. The Suspect

By fiona barton (2019).

The Suspect by Fiona Barton is a book you should read after visiting Thailand and not before . Or else, you might not go. But read it! It’s hard to put down. Once you start, you’ll forget about all the things you should be doing and instead read until you find out what really happened to Rosie and Alex.

Every parents’ worst nightmare comes true. Rosie and Alex, two eighteen-year-old British girls, head off to Thailand. Two weeks into their trip, they fail to call home. A week passes and worried sick, their parents contact the police. They’re told not to worry. The girls are probably too busy having a good time to call. But then gradually it’s revealed that there is every reason for the parents to be worried. 

Why I liked The Suspect: A very suspenseful and fun read! I liked reporter, Kate Waters. I found it easy to imagine myself in the position of the characters.

Books on the History of Thailand

18. a history of thailand, by chris baker and pasuk phongpaichit.

Written by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit, History of Thailand focuses mainly on modern Thai history from the early 1800s to the modern day. It briefly covers the history of Sukothai and Ayutthaya. If that’s the period of history that you’re most interested in, then this is a great book for you. It’s gotten great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

I own this book, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.

19. A History of Ayutthaya: Siam in the Early Modern World

By chris baker and pasuk phongpaichit (2017).

A History of Ayutthaya covers the history of the kingdom from the thirteenth century to its end. The authors draw on both old and new sources to write this comprehensive history of Ayutthaya. They also present a theory on why Ayutthaya collapsed that is different from what traditionally was thought

As a history and archaeology nerd, I’m dying to read this book. I’ve only read a sample of it and I’m intrigued. I’ll keep this post up-to-date when I finish it.

Books about Thailand: Cookbooks

If you’re looking for a good cookbook that’s going to help you cook some amazing Thai food , then check out one of these books. I have used all of them at least once.

20. Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home

By pailin chongchitnant (2016).

Hot Thai Kitchen is one of my top two favorite Thai cookbooks. I love using it along with her fantastic videos that you can find on her website, Hot Thai Kitchen. In fact, each recipe in the book has a code you can scan that’ll take you directly to the video.

What the cookbook does is give you lots of background information on the food and recipes. You’ll learn about why certain ingredients are used, when best to add them to the dish, and which ingredients you can leave out or substitute with others. 

Palin is also a great teacher. Her instructions and explanations are super clear.

Finally, every one of her recipes has turned out wonderfully. Especially her curries.

Buy it, especially if you’re a novice Thai cook or if you want to delve into the cuisine more deeply.

21. Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen

By leela punyaratabandhu (2014).

Simple Thai Food is my other favorite Thai cookbook. Even if you haven’t cooked Thai food before, you can easily follow the recipes.

Nearly every recipe I’ve used has worked perfectly. She has a Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Thom Kha Gai) recipe and a Green Papaya Salad recipe that are both to die for.

In order to cook her recipes, you need to have access to galangal root, kaffir lime leaves, and lemon grass.

22. Bangkok: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Thailand

By leela punyaratabandhu (2017), my rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Leela Punyaratabandhu’s second cookbook, Bangkok: Food and Stories from the Heart of Thailand , focuses solely on Thai cuisine from Bangkok. You’ll find recipes for street food, royal Thai cuisine, classic dishes, and dishes unfamiliar to the average non-Thai.

The recipes here are much more complex than those found in Punyaratabandhu’s first cookbook, Simple Thai Food . You’ll find recipes with a list of ingredients a mile long and ingredients you’ll have a hard time finding outside of Thailand (pandan leaves and limestone paste). It was the first time I saw a recipe for both coconut cream and coconut milk. It’s easy to find coconut milk but not cream.

If you have little or no experience cooking Thai food, skip this one and stick with her other book. But for those of you with lots of Thai cooking experience, her second book is fascinating but challenging.

Almost every recipe comes with a photo and a story of the history of the dish or the way her family cooked the dish.

23. Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand

By andy ricker (2013).

Have you eaten at the popular Pok Pok restaurant in Portland? I have, and it’s the best Thai restaurant I’ve been to in the U.S. The food is northern Thai. In Pok Pok, you’re not going to find the typical curry dishes that you normally find in Thai restaurants.   This cookbook is based on the dishes from that restaurant.

For home cooks not in Thailand, Pok Pok isn’t so useful. The recipes are too complicated and it’s hard to find some of the ingredients here in the U.S. I tried two salad dishes, and both flopped.

Amazing photos, though. Food porn at its finest.

Books about Thailand: Travel Guides

24. lonely planet thailand, by anita isalska  (2018).

The best travel guide for Thailand is Lonely Planet’s Thailand guide . It’s the perfect guidebook for the curious traveler, the backpacker, the long-term traveler, and residents of Thailand.

Here’s what I like about Lonely Planet books compared to Fodor’s: First, Lonely Planet (LP) covers cities and islands more comprehensively than Fodor’s does. Let’s take Ko Chang, an island near the Cambodian border, as an example: Fodor’s devotes 5 pages to Ko Chang, while LP gives it 10 and a half pages. LP also covers more off-the-beaten-path places than Fodor’s does. Let’s look at Ko Chang again. Fodor’s just writes about Ko Chang, but LP also describes the nearby, smaller islands of Ko Kut and Ko Wai. In addition, I prefer how Lonely Planet provides a list of accommodations for every budget level from hostels to luxury resorts. Fodor’s sticks to mid-range and luxury hotels.

Lonely Planet does have some downsides:   I’m not fond of their writing style. I prefer Rough Guides’ more straightforward writing, but I haven’t used their Thailand guidebook, so I can’t recommend it here.

I might be in the minority, but I wish LP gave more background information to individual cities and islands like Rough Guide and Fodor’s do. As a history nerd, some historical information would help me in deciding whether I want to visit the place.

Lonely Planet is not perfect, but it’s the best guidebook for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist destinations.

25. Lonely Planet Bangkok

By austin bush (2018).

Lonely Planet Bangkok is an awesome guidebook for those staying in Bangkok longer than two days or those only visiting the city. What I love are all the travel tips, the plethora of cultural information, the walking tours, the lists galore like the best small hotels or places to eat. It feels as if a local wrote it.

I have two complaints: Number one: They need more itineraries. Lonely Planet has only one 4-day itinerary. Why not present a 5-day or 7-day one or itineraries for different types of travelers?  Number two: I wish they provided more information on the excursions around Bangkok. Their coverage of places like Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi is too brief. I’d prefer something more in-depth. Maybe I’m spending two weeks in only Bangkok and its surrounding area. To do that well, I’d need to get the 796-page Thailand book.

26. Thailand: Guide to the Temples of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, & Sukhothai

By david raezer and jennifer raezer (2019).

Approach Guides has a terrific series of guidebooks covering the historic and religious monuments of different countries. Along with the Thai guidebook, I’ve used the guide to the temples in Cambodia and the one for Bagan and found them useful when there was no tour guide to explain what I was looking at.

In Approach Guide’s Thailand book , you’ll get background information on the art and architecture of the three Thai kingdoms: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok. I especially like how they point out the different architectural features, which helps you understand what you’re looking at. It really enhances your experience. Another plus is that it identifies which temples to prioritize. This helps you avoid missing out on any important temples.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: a review of a collection of books about Thailand. I hope this list helps you decide which books to read and which ones to skip. My 3 favorite books are Fieldwork , The Beach , and Sightseeing . If you know of any books not on this list, let me know in the comment section below. If you’ve read any of these books, let me know what you thought of them.

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14 Comments

Thank you for this great list of books. I love reading books about a place more than I like looking at social media. There is something so grounding about books and this list seems to be a great comprehensive one for Thailand for any kind of traveler.

Ditto! I’d prefer a book any day to social media.

I’m headed to Thailand soon and this list is so helpful! I love reading books that relate to the places I’m visiting. Thanks for this curated list!

I’m glad to hear that you’ll be visiting Thailand soon. I hope you get a chance to read something from this list.

Such a great post, I love this idea 🙂

I especially loved the idea of reading a cookbook before you enter a new country, so that you know what to expect and what you’re in for. Great tip, thank you!

Thanks, Ann! You can learn a lot about the food of a country from some cookbooks. Hot Thai Kitchen is especially good for that.

This is great! I always like to read before I travel so I’ve pinned this for a trip we’re hoping to take in the next few years

Thanks! I’m glad to hear that you’re planning on a trip to Thailand. It’s such a beautiful and fascinating place.

Nice list. The Beach and Bangkok 8 are great reads. Another three of my favourites (books set in Thailand) that are well worth reading are Private Dancer by Stephen Leather, Triad by Colin Falconer (Triad is out of print but it’s a great read if you can find a copy), and Only Raising Dust On The Road by Raymond Carroll.

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll keep these in mind. I’m always looking for more books to read on Thailand.

May I suggest A woman of Bangkok by Jack Reynolds. It was initially published in 1956 – yes before most of you were born – as A sort of beauty in English but is also available in Thai. I do not wish to say much about it other than that as the title suggests it is about a relationship between a western man and a Thai woman but it shows a good understanding of the contrasting psychologies. Even though attitudes and behaviours in Thailand started changing radically in the late 70s early 80s this book will help understand that class of Thai.

I encourage you to read the Four Reigns by Kukrit as you say you have it. He has written widely and some other works have been translated into English. Red Bamboo is by him and is a good depiction of country life then.

Although it is a sad book you might also like to read the night they burned the mountain by Thomas Dooley about the Hmong (Meo).

Thank you for the suggestions. I will definitely look them up and put them on my to-read list. Yes, I have Four Reigns on my Kindle, but I have yet to read it. I’m on an Indonesia reading binge. After I’m done with that, I’ll try to finally pick it up.

The wind up girl by Paolo Bacigalupi is great fun, and set in Thailand.

Thanks for the recommendation!

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Insider tips  help you discover hidden gems and get around like a local

Expert insights  take you to the heart of the place - food, culture, history, politics

Practical info and tips  on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, Northeastern Thailand, Ko Chang and the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin and the Upper Gulf, Phuket and the Andaman Coast, Ko Samui and the Lower Gulf

ISBN: 9781838697686

Edition: 2nd

Publication Date: July 2024

Writers: Nualkhair, Chawadee

Bensema, Amy Leon, Megan Stuart, Aydan Tun-atiruj, Choltanutkun Woolsey, Barbara

258 pages | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: July 2026

TRAVEL to THAILAND – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Thailand in our comprehensive 2024 Thailand Travel Guide.

Having spent almost 12 months exploring and living in the ‘Land of Smiles’, we’ve become pretty knowledgable when it comes to information on travel to Thailand, which is why we’ve put together this epic Thailand travel guide for you!

Travelling to Thailand, a place proud in heritage and Buddhism offers an insight into the fight to sustain its past while a booming economy beckons.

From the Grand Palace to the rice paddies of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s diversity of adventure and culture combine to be the perfect mix for a first-timers country or those who want to delve deeper.

Maybe a trip to remote Northeastern Thailand to visit 13th-century temples or why not head to Phangnga Bay home to a multitude of limestone islands.

Thailand along with its expanding cities, natural landscapes never cease to amaze from the Northern jungles of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai where waterfalls become an ideal swimming spot as lush forests dominate the mountainous horizon all while golden beaches and oceans sustain some of Thailand’s most pristine and unique sea life.

Travelling in Thailand has it all from exotic cuisines, endless opportunity for adventure and some of the friendliest people in the world. What more could you ask for?

17 EPIC Things to Do in Pai, Thailand [2024 Guide]

The 23 best things to do in phuket, the 22 best things to do in koh samui, thailand, travelling in thailand: at a glance.

Here are the basics of travel to Australia.

Thai Baht (See  current exchange rates ). $1 USD equals roughly 31 Thai Baht. You can often find cheap local meals for about 30-50 Baht ($1-2 USD), and an average beer at a bar can cost between 70-100 Baht ($2-3 USD). 

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Chiang Mai, Phuket

ENTRY / VISA:

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country, or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival. For information about the visa process click  here.

Thai (In touristy areas, many locals speak English. So you don’t have to be fluent in Thai to navigate the country!)

Thailand in general is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart. The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. If you have 110-volt appliances, you need a voltage adaptor otherwise you’ll burn out the item you are using. Plug type A (two-prong round socket) or C (two-prong flat sockets).Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave.

TRANSPORTATION:

Getting around Thailand is super easy. Thailand has some wonderful public transport infrastructure in place, and you can get just about anywhere in the country without too much of an issue.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Thailand

With so much to see and do in Thailand, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Thailand you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Go Scuba Diving

Thailand is the place to get scuba certified. The courses are among the cheapest in the world and the trainers are highly qualified. If you are already certified, dives are cheap.

Go  diving from Phuket .

Find peace at a meditation/yoga retreat

Thailand caters to those of us who are looking for a place to recharge our minds and bodies. With lots of affordable options, a retreat should be on your must-do list.

Book your  wellness stay in Koh Samui .

Take a Thai cooking class

Thai food is so delicious, so why not learn to cook it yourself? There are many cooking classes available throughout the country.

Book a  cooking class in Bangkok .

Island hop the most picturesque beaches

Thailand offers some of the most spectacular beaches in all of the world. Most of these are on islands only accessible by boat. Fortunately, transport is cheap and easy so get out and find your favourite beach!

Pay your respects at the many temples

Buddhism is an essential and vibrant part of Thai life and temples are all over the country. To learn more, respectfully engage in conversation with monks. And at some of the temples, you can learn meditation for the day or have a meal for a small donation.

Tour the famous  temples of Chiang Mai .

Other Things to do in Thailand

Rock climb . Krabi is known for many things, rock climbing among them.  Railay Beach  is the most popular place to give the sport a try.

Get a Sak Yant tattoo . Sak Tant tattoos are  sacred and blessed tattoos  inscribed by monks using traditional bamboo tattoo methods. Definitely a permanent memory from your time in Thailand.

Ride a tuk-tuk . These three-wheeled vehicles are the most common way to navigate the busy streets in most Thai cities. You’d be hard-pressed not to find them convenient and affordable during your travels.

Visit a floating market . Bangkok has  the most famous floating markets . But you can tour others throughout the country for a uniquely Thai feel.

Eat Pad Thai . Sure you’ve probably had Pad Thai at your favourite Thai restaurant back home. But you’ve never had it as you will in Thailand itself.

Watch a Ladyboy show . Seemingly peculiar yet incredibly popular and well respected in Thai culture, the  Ladyboy Cabaret’s  will leave you entertained for sure.

Walk on the Bridge Over the River Kwai . Famous in its own right, the bridge is worth a stroll when you are  visiting Kanchanaburi .

Visit the Golden Triangle . Thailand, Laos and Myanmar come together at what is called the Golden Triangle.  Visit here  to take in all 3 countries at once.

Visit the Bangkok Airplane Graveyard . It’s never good to think of planes and graveyards in the same thought. Unless you can explore the ruins of  massive and historic planes .

Catch a sunset at the Phi Phi viewpoint . Sure there are plenty of amazing places to end your day in Thailand. But  Koh Phi Phi  boasts just about the best sunsets as anywhere else in the country.

Watch Muay Thai fight . You can watch Muay Thai at any number of venues around Thailand. Or  take a lesson in Bangkok  if you’re up for the challenge.

See the Big Buddha . Buddhism is big in Thailand. And nothing demonstrates this more than the Big Buddha in Phuket.

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Amazing Things to do in Thailand !

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10 BEST Things to Do in Ao Nang, Thailand [2024]

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Thailand. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

The capital of Thailand has become one of the most popular gateways to Asia. No trip to Thailand is complete without  a few days in Bangkok .

For the best introduction to the stunning scenery and warm culture of Thailand,  visit Phuket , the country’s largest island.

With the best restaurant and cafe scene in the country, excellent nightlife, a strong Buddhist presence and enough activities to fill a calendar year, there is definitely no shortage of  things to do in Chiang Mai !

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a huge island covered in forest and fringed with pristine beaches. As the second-largest Thai island, you absolutely must plan to  visit Koh Samui .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Thailand, reference our following city travel guides: 

*  Bangkok City Guide *  Bangkok Itinerary *  Day Trips From Bangkok

Chiang Mai:

*  Chiang Mai City Guide *  Chiang Mai Itinerary * Day Trips From Chiang Mai

*  Phuket City Guide *  Phuket Itinerary * Day Trips from Phuket

*  Koh Samui City Guide *  Koh Samui Itinerary

Krabi Pai Koh Phi Phi Chiang Rai Ao Nang Koh Mook Trang Kanchanaburi

Kamphaeng Phet Koh Lanta Pattaya Hua Hin Koh Phangan Koh Yao Noi Koh Tao Tonsai Beach

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Awesome Places to Visit in Thailand.

Best Thailand Travel Itinerary

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do, we’ve put together a  few Thailand itineraries  that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Thailand that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Thailand these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

There is so much to see and do in Thailand, and you honestly could spend years here (lots of people to in fact).

Here is an overview of how you might consider spending between 1 to 3 weeks in Thailand.

Whether you love adventure, relaxation, health and wellness, luxury, food or culture, every type of travel is possible in Thailand!

Southern Thailand is more about beach life, luxury, partying and relaxing, whereas Northern Thailand is more about culture, food and adventure.

Here are some  2-week Thailand itinerary  suggestions that will help you plan your trip to Thailand.

Southern Thailand – Beach Life

• Fly into Phuket
• 2 days in Phuket
• 2 days in  Khao Sok National Park
• 3 days in Ao Nang – There are a lot of  things to do in Ao Nang , and you can island hop from here.
• 3 days in Koh Lanta
• 4 days in Koh Lipe
• Fly back to  Phuket  to fly out

Northern Thailand – Culture

• Fly into Bangkok
• 3 days in Bangkok – Check out our guide on the  best things to do in Bangkok.
• 2 days in Ayutthaya – Travel back in time and visit this historical park. Well preserved ruins and massive stupas.
• Fly up to Chiang Mai
• 3 days in Chiang Mai – There are so many  things to do in Chiang Mai.
• 3 days in Pai – Relax on the river bed or ride a motorbike and explore the surrounding area. Read our awesome  Pai travel guide.
• 2 days in Chiang Rai – Visit the White Temple.
• Fly back to Bangkok and head out on the next adventure.

Best of Both Worlds – North and South

• 2 days in Bangkok
• Day trip to Ayuthaya
• Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Mai
• 2 days in Chiang Rai
• Fly from Chiang Rai to Krabi
• 2 nights in Ao Nang / Railay Beach
• 2 nights in Koh Lanta
• Fly back to Bangkok and fly out

READ MORE: CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE  BEST THAILAND ITINERARIES .

Thailand Trip Planning

Best time to visit thailand.

If you are travelling the whole country from south to north, we would recommend travelling between the months of December and February for beautiful clear blue skies and nice temperatures.

January to February sees much less rain across the country, and temperatures remain constant throughout the year. The humidity is also very manageable.

If you’re in the north of the country at this time of year it may get a bit chilly at night so bring a sweater with you.

If you wanted to avoid the busy times, which are from November to March, consider travelling around from March to October when it is low season. There are way fewer tourists and hotels and flights are cheaper.

The one downside is that it does rain a lot in the afternoons and it can be very humid, but if you don’t mind getting a bit wet then this is a brilliant time to travel to Thailand.

Avoid Chiang Mai around April, as this is the burning season. It is not a pleasant time to be there as the air quality is not very good and hard to breathe at times.

If you have asthma, avoid this area completely during the burning season.

Thailand Travel Budget Guideline

Thailand is a very cheap country compared to most Western destinations, but it is on the high side compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

A Thailand travel budget really comes down to your style and how much you’re willing to spend on things.

It’s entirely possible to travel on $20 a day, and you could also live on $2000 a day if you want.

For the most part, the north is around 30-50% cheaper than the south, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to figure out how much to spend and where you want to hang out the most.

The prices below are a general budget guide to travel in Thailand. All prices are in USD per day.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

• Single Traveller:  $20-$40
• Couple Travellers:  $50-$80

Backpacking in Thailand is a wonderful experience for people of all ages and in our opinion the most authentic and enjoyable way to explore the country.

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, and either not drinking or only having a few beers a week, then you can go as low as $25 a day, a bit more if you are in the south.

A single hostel bed can be $8-$15 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$30. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $2 from 7/11.

You can rent scooters for as low as $5 a day if you’re renting long-term, and fuel is very cheap, making it an excellent way to explore towns.

Flashpacker

• Single Traveller:  $50-$100
• Couple Travellers:  $80-$150

If you can afford to fit into a flashpacker budget, you’re going to have an incredibly epic time in Thailand.

You’ll be spoilt with nice private rooms, great food, cocktails on the beach and quite a few awesome activities like scuba diving in Koh Tao.

You’ll get excellent private rooms for $20-30 in the north, $40-50 in the south.

You can eat off the street when you want, and a lot of good, delicious meals can be found for $5-10.

Visit a few temples, do a cooking course, get a private guided tour, the world really is your oyster as a flashpacker in Thailand.

• Single Traveller:  $200-$400+
• Couple Travellers:  $250-$500+

Thailand has some of the best luxury resorts in the world, and this is where the majority of your budget will go when you travel to Thailand as a luxury visitor.

The truth is even if you eat at very nice restaurants, you’ll still struggle to pay more than $20-$30 a meal (there are of course exceptions to this rule in award-winning restaurants), but you’ll probably find your budget will get blown out on alcohol.

Fancy cocktails in luxury resorts can cost up to $20 for one drink.

CHECK OUT OUR  THAILAND BUDGETING GUIDE  TO HELP MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER.

Getting to and Around Thailand

Visa requirements for thailand.

People travelling to Thailand must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country or a country that can obtain a visa on arrival.

There are 57 countries that are visa-free and 21 countries that can obtain a visa on arrival. The rest need a visa and can obtain them from your local Thai embassy.

Visa-on-arrivals (VOA) are usually given for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days when entering by land.

These can be extended once at an immigration office in Thailand.

Make sure you look up the visa requirements for your country. Airlines have the list of visas required for different countries and may refuse you to board if you don’t have the visa.

Check out whether you need a visa or not  here .

How to Get to Thailand

There are a number of airlines that fly to Thailand from all over the world.

The main international airports that you will likely fly into are Bangkok Suvamabhumi Airport (BKK) or Phuket International Airport (HKT). Bangkok is a major transport hub and many countries offer direct flights.

There is public transport from both of these airports into the cities, or you can catch a taxi or shuttle bus.

You can sometimes get a great deal with a budget airline too. Luggage and food will not be included, and you will have to pay this on top of the fare.

But if you are only travelling with a carry-on and don’t mind bringing your own food, you can get some awesome prices.

We look for our flights through Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Transport in Thailand

If you’re more inclined to stick to tourist-focused transport you’ll find no shortage of companies willing to get you to every main tourist destination. Caveats apply though, so read on…

You can get some great deals with the local airline carriers within the country. Sometimes flying is cheaper than train or bus travel too. 

The airline carriers are usually budget and luggage may not be included in the price. Food and drinks will probably cost extra onboard.

Vietjet, Lion Air, Thai Smile, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai, Thai Airways and Air Asia are all good carriers in Thailand.

Buses are the most common way to travel in Thailand, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single town that isn’t serviced by at least one bus company.

The tourists’ options are nice “VIP” buses that offer comfortable seating, a small meal and a (mostly) reliable bus. Unless you are on a tight budget, we recommend booking on the VIP buses where possible.

Something to keep in mind is that just because you’re paying more for a tourist bus, doesn’t mean your valuables will be safe, and unfortunately, there is a lot of theft common on these trips.

But chances are you’ll find yourself on a bus at some point in your travel to Thailand.

Getting out to the famous Thai islands often means you’ll need to take a boat or a ferry. You can buy your ticket at legit travel agents, or at the boat company’s office at the pier.

The boats aren’t anything fancy and range from small speed boats to large ferries with open decks and beds for sleeping on the overnight journeys.

You can sit inside or outside, but if you sit outside make sure you wear sunscreen and be prepared to get a bit wet if it’s a speedboat.

Thailand has a few major cities that are connected via a decent train network, and this is an excellent way to travel around the country.

From Bangkok, you can get to destinations like Chiang Mai and Chumphon on an overnight trip, or you can get a train to Ayutthaya which is 50km out of Bangkok.

If you are on a tight time frame, the train is not the best way to travel in Thailand, as they do run late a lot of the time.

Just like anywhere else in the world, Thailand is full of taxis. And just like anywhere else in the world, these taxi drivers may try and scam you or rip you off.

If you grab a taxi on the street make sure they use the meter or negotiate a price beforehand.

Songthaews are red pick-up trucks with benches on the back ( songthaew  literally means ‘two benches’ in Thai), which you will find all throughout Thailand.

They are shared transport for getting around towns or between villages. You simply flag down a Songthaew when you see one comes, tell the driver your destination, and if the driver is going that way jump on the back.

The cost ranges per distance and you pay when you arrive at your destination.

Tuk-tuks are a great way to get around the cities, and no trip to Thailand would be complete without taking at least one tuk-tuk journey.

Tuk-tuks are basically a little bubble trailer attached to the back of a scooter that a couple of people can sit in.

These 3-wheeled vehicles go everywhere and are incredibly popular for locals and tourists alike.

Rental Cars

While driving in Thailand can be quite interesting, renting a car is still the best way to have full autonomy over your travel itinerary.

Be aware of the traffic laws and pay full attention to other drivers.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend  Rental Cars , which has the largest range of cars for the best value on the market.

READ MORE: Check out this post if you’re looking for more detailed information and tips on  how to get to and around Thailand .

Apps and Technology

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Thailand. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Thai words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Thailand.
• Google Maps  – Super helpful for getting around Thailand. Some local attractions in remote areas don’t have exact street addresses, so Google Maps can help you visualize exactly where they are. 
• Rome2Rio  – Very convenient for comparing different forms of public transport so you can pick either the quickest or the cheapest way to travel. 
• Maps.Me  – This allows you to download maps that you can use offline. That way you never get lost even if you don’t have wifi!

Best Things to Eat in Thailand

There’s a reason Thai food is one of the most popular foreign cuisines around the world – because it’s absolutely amazing!

Known for being delicious, healthy and cheap, Thai food is quite varied, and you’ll find unique dishes in all the major towns, and a distinct flavour difference from the south to the north.

It can also be quite spicy, so if you’re not into that make sure you learn to say “ mai phet ” (my pet), which means “no spice”.

Here are some dishes not to miss when you are in Thailand.

• Som Tom (Spicy green papaya salad)
• Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Fried Basil and pork)
• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green chicken curry)
• Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with cashew nuts)
• Khao Soi (Creamy coconut curry noodle soup)
• Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-fried pumpkin)
• Pak Boong (Morning glory greens)
• Panang (Thai curry)
• Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and sticky rice)
• Pad Thai (Classic fried noodle dish) 

READ MORE: LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE  BEST FOOD IN THAILAND !

Places to Stay in Thailand

Thailand is a curious nation when it comes to places to stay because the options here cover just about everything you could ever dream of.

If you’re looking for world-class, high-end, award-winning luxury resorts, you’ll find them in spade around southern Thailand in places like Phuket.

On the flip side if you are travelling through some remote hill tribe villages in the north, don’t be surprised if you end up sleeping on a dirt floor with bugs.

It might not be luxurious, but is definitely authentic! It all depends on where you go and your budget.

To book your accommodation in Thailand we recommend using  Agoda , and  you can use the coupon code “AGODANMD10” to get 10% off your hotels and hostels.

Types of Accommodations

Thailand is packed with affordable backpacker hostels that generally range from 5 to 12 USD per night for a dorm bed.

If you are a solo traveller looking to save the most money, a cheap hostel dorm bed is the way to go. 

Most hostels in Thailand have basic amenities and are quite clean. It is common to find kitchens, lounge areas, pool tables and games, televisions, and laundry facilities in hostels around Thailand. 

There are a lot of party hostels as well, which are amazing for meeting people and having fun nights out.

But if you prefer a more low-key, quiet, stay make sure you book hostels that aren’t notorious for partying.

Guesthouses

For mid-range priced accommodation, Thailand has lots of guesthouses.

These are like very small hotels, usually set in a local’s home or apartment building, but they offer a more intimate and homey experience than a hotel. 

A standard room in a guesthouse can be anywhere between 15 and 40 USD per night.

So you can enjoy more private and cozy accommodation than a hostel, for a very cheap price.

If you are traveling as a couple, it may even be cheaper to split the cost of one cheap room rather than buy two separate hostel dorm beds. 

Hotels in Thailand can range from standard and basic to absolute luxury. Even very nice hotels can be super cheap compared to many other countries, so Thailand is a great country to treat yourself. 

Gorgeous hotels that aren’t 5-star luxury hotels can still cost anywhere between 30 and 150 USD per night.

If you shoot for the best of the best, meaning luxury, beachfront, five-star hotels, you’ll spend a few hundred USD per night which is still affordable for the quality you are getting. 

Airbnbs are pretty similar to guesthouses because they are also set up in a local’s home or property. But when you rent a place on Airbnb, you usually have either the whole house or apartment to yourself.

You can also rent single rooms on Airbnb for a cheaper stay. 

Airbnb prices in Thailand are actually a bit higher than some cheap hotels and guesthouses.

Depending on the quality of the place, places can cost anywhere between 50 and 150 USD per night. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Beach Bungalows

Because Thailand has such an abundance of coastline, it is quite easy and affordable to find adorable beach bungalows.

Renting a beach bungalow means you’ll have your own private mini house right on the sand with the ocean right in front of your window. 

Any major tourist island of Thailand will have beach bungalows available for rent, and they usually cost only 30 to 70 USD per night.

Thailand Travel Tips

While there are  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Thailand, there are also plenty of Thai-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are some of our best tips to help you travel to Thailand.

• Be respectful to the locals and other travellers. Respect the culture, whether you are in a temple or out on the streets.
• Dress appropriately. Because you are in a warm country, doesn’t mean you can wear next to no clothing. Please dress respectfully, especially when you are going inside a temple.
• Never raise your voice or start a commotion in public. In Thai culture, they do not do this and hate confrontation. Always keep your calm, even if someone is trying to take advantage of you.
• Be prepared to take off your shoes a lot. Bring slip-on or sandals. You will be taking your shoes off and on if you are entering a temple, home or some hotels and restaurants.
• Book tours through respectable travel agents
• There are two prices at attractions; Local price and foreigner (farang) price. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. Don’t argue, it will not get you anywhere.
• Have an idea of prices before you shop, buy a tour, buy a transport ticket or rent a room. Sometimes the prices fluctuate depending on how smart you are. Do your research so you don’t get ripped off.
• Know the currency exchange rate. This is important when changing money. You want to know you are getting a good price.
• Try new foods. Thai food is delicious
• Use your insect repellent, as the sand flies and mosquitoes are terrible
• Wear a helmet if you rent a scooter
• Know the scams. Research scams in Thailand so you are prepared and know if someone tries it on you.
• Do not drink the tap water. Take a metal water bottle and refill it out of big filtered water vendors or reverse osmosis machines.
• Take advantage of the happy hours. You will see them at bars and cafes during the day. So take note and have a few drinks then.
• Always look both ways when crossing the road. Sometimes a scooter may be going down the wrong way. Look both ways and be sure before crossing.
• When renting a scooter, take photos of the bike from all angles and in front of the rental place too. Never leave your passport with them either. Bring a photocopy. There are dodgy companies out there.
• The girls in the bars may not be ladies. There are many lady-boys in Thailand and you would never even know so just heads up if you are not into that.

READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of  Thailand travel tips  to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!

Thailand Packing List

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Thailand, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

READ MORE: Be sure to know  what and why to pack  for every season in Thailand!

Staying Safe in Thailand

Thailand, in general, is a very safe country for tourists, but just like everywhere else you need to be street smart.

The most common issues tourists will encounter in Thailand comes in the form of petty theft and robberies, usually in busy markets or out on the streets late at night.

You need to respect and obey the Thai law, including all of those that involve respecting the monarchy.

Thailand has experiences with civil unrest and military coups in recent years.

Use your head and stay clear of street demonstrations.

Violent crime is very rare in Thailand, but do exercise caution during parties such as full moon parties or dodgy areas in places.

In general, if you show respect to Thai people, they will show respect to you.

Driving on the roads in Thailand is crazy, so we can’t mention safety without reminding you to be wise on the roads.

For bus and minivan transport try and go with tour companies and bus companies that are responsible.

If you rent a motorbike, check it over when you pick it up. Check the brakes, the lights, etc. Most importantly always wear a helmet, shoes, pants and a top.

Don’t be one of those backpackers that rides a scooter wearing their swimwear thinking you’re cool.

Hot tip – the gravel in Thailand is just as hard as the gravel in your home country if you come off.

Don’t travel to Thailand without travel insurance! It’s the most important thing you need for your trip, trust us. Alesha visited the hospital in Koh Lanta with stomach pains and we ended up with a $1500 bill.

Travel insurance covered every cent.

Get your free quote with World Nomads here.

Medical System in Thailand

If you need to go to a hospital in Thailand, don’t panic. The quality of care is very good, and in some hospitals could be even better than what you have back in your home country.

In most situations, you’ll be required to pay upfront for any care unless you can prove you have travel insurance.

That’s one of our Thailand travel tips for you.

Private Hospitals In Thailand

There is a private hospital network that is privately owned, and their prices are a lot more expensive.

The doctors and nurses will speak English and the care is very good, but you are paying an arm and a leg for their services.

They will ask for your passport on the way in before they see you. NEVER hand them your passport.

If you are insured, call your insurance company and get clearance that they will pay, or you can pay a price upfront to get the services rolling.

If you hand them your passport, they will hold it ransom and start charging you for random services, refusing to return it to you until you pay the full amount.

When it comes to money, these private companies are very aggressive. And if they know an insurance company is paying they will give you tests that are not necessary.

This happened to Alesha when she had an intestine infection. We were communicating with our insurance company and told them these tests were not needed.

The insurance company agreed and the clinic got very aggressive and hostile. This was at Siam International Clinic in Koh Lanta.

While we were there we saw them rip off countless backpackers, charging them insane prices for things as basic as paracetamol.

The service was great, the facility was spotless, but they were a business first and hospital second, only caring about extracting as much cash as possible.

This isn’t to scare you, and obviously if you’re sick or have an accident go to a hospital immediately. It’s just a warning.

We highly recommend you always have  travel insurance  when travelling in Thailand.

Government Hospitals in Thailand

There are dozens of government-run hospitals all throughout Thailand, and these range from having very high standards to being basic, third-world facilities.

At these hospitals, you will be waiting in long queues, and there may be no one that speaks English.

If you can go with a local, that would be the best option for communication. You may also need to pay upfront before a doctor or nurse will see you.

As a foreigner expect to be charged a higher fee than a Thai person, but these costs will be extremely cheap, especially when compared to the private hospitals.

This is because locals pay social security and tax, so a lot of their medical care may be subsidised.

Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism is definitely a big thing for people travelling to Thailand.

You can get procedures done for way cheaper than in most western countries, and a lot of these services are extremely high quality.

But DO YOUR RESEARCH!

If you are looking to get cosmetic work done, meet with the clinic, ask all your questions and research the clinic online for reviews before committing to anything.

For dental care, Thailand is an excellent place to go as well. We went to a dental clinic in Chiang Mai called Dental 4 U and we had great experiences with them.

We did our research, talked to ex-pats, and all arrows kept pointing at this dentist.

It was a lot cheaper than Australia, very clean, our dentist spoke perfect English, had studied in the US, and explained every little detail to us.

Staying Connected in Thailand

These days it is incredibly easy to stay connected while traveling. Free wifi is common in touristy areas, and SIM cards are quick and easy to obtain.

So if you’re only traveling to Thailand for a week or two, you should be able to survive by just sticking with your current data plan or only using wifi. 

If you’re spending a few weeks or longer in Thailand, you may want to get a local SIM card so you can connect with locals more. 

Consider these options for staying connected in Thailand. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Head to any 7-Eleven or cell-phone store in Thailand to purchase a local SIM card. There are lots of different plans to choose from, including ones with data.

A cheap, pay-as-you-go plan is the most flexible and economical unless you plan on making lots of phone calls every day or using lots of data, then you can buy a prepaid plan. 

In touristy cities like Bangkok the staff at cell-phone stores usually speak English. Show them your phone, discuss what type of plan you want and they can install a local SIM card for you.

Then you’ll have a Thai phone number, and you can start calling and texting and using data in addition to just seeking out wifi. 

If you want to set up your SIM card before you go, you can order it online and then pick it up when you arrive.

Get your  WiFi for Thailand setup today .

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

If you’re heading out of the populated areas and into remote corners of Thailand, you probably won’t have any signal or wifi.

You can rent a portable wifi device, but they generally only work in areas with good connections. Portable wifi devices, also known as “pocket wifi”, are also about the same price as just buying a SIM card with a data package.

You’re probably better off just buying some data. 

But if you’re venturing into the wilderness of Thailand, maybe just try to embrace being off-the-grid and enjoy some disconnection from technology. 

Access Free WiFI

Most tourist destinations have free wifi, as do most hostels and hotels.

It is usually very straightforward and easy to login to free wifi from your phone or laptop, and then you can contact people via iMessage, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. 

While you have free wifi, it can be useful to download a navigation app like Maps.Me so you can use GPS navigation while once you leave the wifi.

Be a Responsible Traveller in Thailand

The best way to be a responsible traveler in Thailand is to learn a bit about the local culture and try your best to adhere to its customs. 

That means always having respect for others. Show respect for other travelers and local Thais, and also show respect for the land.

Don’t litter, avoid buying single-use plastics and try to leave a natural place as pristine as it was when you arrived. 

When booking tours in Thailand, do your research to make sure the tour company is reputable and sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly businesses over others, and try to support local businesses rather than big conglomerates.

Elephant tourism is massive in South East Asia. If you are dying to see elephants in the wild, only visit elephant sanctuaries where the animals are rescued and treated with respect and dignity.

Never ride elephants , and never go to a place where the animals are exploited. 

Overall, just use good judgment. Thailand is grateful for tourism and its contribution to the economy, so travel responsibly while you’re there and help maintain this beautiful country.

Key Thailand Travel Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent in Thai to have a great time when you travel to Thailand. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Thai people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

Keep in mind that In Thai, there are often masculine and feminine forms of a phrase.

So on this list, if you are a male, use the translation listed first, and if you are female use the translation listed second.

Krup  is the word used at the end of many phrases if you are a male, and  ka  is used if you are a female.

Phrases that have  krup/ka  at the end mean you say one or the other, depending on your gender.

Books to Read About Thailand

Maybe you already know everything about Thailand. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Thailand. 

Anna and the King of Siam

This is an amazing true story of an English school teacher who was invited to live in nineteenth-century Siam and care for the children of the nation’s leader, King Mongkut.

The Kingdom of Siam eventually became Thailand, so this is an interesting insight into the history of the area. This book inspired the famous play and movie, The King and I.   Purchase on Amazon

A suspenseful and enticing fiction story, “The Beach” is about a traveler in Bangkok named Richard who hears about the legend of a hidden paradise beach.

He then embarks on a journey to find this secret beach and uncovers dark and mysterious mysteries about the place along the way.

This book was made into a movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio, and Maya Bay from the Phi Phi Islands is shown in the movie.  Buy on Amazon .

The Bridge Over The River Kwai

In the remote town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, is the area’s biggest attraction.

The novel, ”The Bridge Over The River Kwai”, is a fiction story loosely based on the real story of the Prisoners of War who built this bridge during World War II.  Buy now on Amazon .

Thailand: The Beautiful Cookbook

This is an amazing book to get either before or after visiting Thailand. If you want to learn about the cuisine, the culture, and the traditions of Thailand, this book has so much information that will educate and inspire you.

Or after a trip to Thailand, if you want to savor and remember all the delicious food you ate and recreate the recipes at home, this is a great book to have on hand.  Purchase on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Read our thailand blog posts, 21 best things to do in koh phangan [2024 travel guide], 13 awesome things to do in chiang mai, thailand (2024 guide), keemala phuket review – phuket’s best luxury resort, riding the mae hong son loop – motorbike travel guide, how to visit bangkok’s airplane graveyard, how to become a divemaster in thailand, the ultimate guide to the best food in thailand, the ultimate koh mook, thailand travel guide (2024 edition), 11 activities in thailand for couples who love adventure, 20 epic things to do in chiang rai, thailand (2024 guide), where to stay in phuket – the best hotels for every budget, the best 3 days in phuket itinerary for 2024 (bonus tips).

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Lonely Planet Thailand (Travel Guide) Kindle Edition

Lonely Planet's Thailand is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Cook authentic dishes in Chiang Mai; rock-climb Railay's limestone karsts (or watch from the sugar-white beaches); or stay in tree-top bungalows in Kanchanaburi; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Thailand and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Thailand :

Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel

Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Covers Bangkok, Central Thailand, Ko Chang, Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand, Hua Hin, Southern Gulf, Ko Samui, Lower Gulf, Phuket, Andaman Coast and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Thailand , our most comprehensive guide to Thailand, is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. 

Need a city guide? Check out Lonely Planet's Bangkok for an in-depth look at all the city has to offer. Going for a short break or weekend? Pocket Bangkok is a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights. Looking for just a few of the destinations included in this book? Check out Lonely Planet's Thailand's Islands & Beaches .

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

• Print length 2046 pages
• Language English
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• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date April 22, 2022
• File size 292172 KB
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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BH8WQTFJ
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 18th edition (April 22, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 22, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 292172 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 2046 pages
• #36 in Thailand Travel
• #129 in Southeast Asia Travel
• #139 in General Thailand Travel Guides

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With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since our inception in 1973, we've inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.

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“The places we visited were stunning. We have made memories we will cherish forever.” Daisy slater, traveled in August 2024

• Explore tropical islands and party on the beach!
• Amazing Itinerary with all activities included
• Save Now, Travel Later with Unlimited Date Changes

“Every activity on the trip was incredible and Sea brought a great energy and enthusiasm everyday.” Hannah Butcher, traveled in October 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Experience a Thai cooking class
• Shop at Taling Chan floating markets
• Visit a local Elephant Sanctuary

“Tour was well organised and safe. Would recommend to young people nervous about solo travel.” Roisin Egan O Neill, traveled in August 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Relax and sip coconuts on the white sands of Railay Beach
• Grab a tube and float down the river during sunset
• Learn to cook like a local with an authentic cooking class

“OA and Ute were brilliant, the accommodations varied and excellent.” con chatgilaou, traveled in May 2024

• Indulge in traditional Thai cuisine with the locals
• Get up close and bathe baby elephants
• Join the exclusive Tuk Tuk Club

“The itinerary is extremely well planned out and was executed so smoothly, allowing you to do as much or as little as you like.” Anna Blankley, traveled in October 2023

• Island Hopping
• Get your mates together for the Koh Tao Pub Crawl!
• Sip cocktails around the campfire in Koh Phangan
• See Bangkok from the deck of a traditional Thai boat

“This experience fun for everyone involved.” Anissa Fattahi, traveled in April 2024

• Food & Culinary
• Local Blessing by a Buddhist Monk
• Island life, Sunsets & Beach Parties
• Race around Bangkok in Tuk Tuk’s

“Great, excellent we all have good time.” Pakamas Chmielewski, traveled in December 2023

• Explore Bangkok's iconic temples and palaces
• Snorkel and relax at stunning Phi Phi Islands
• Visit Chiang Mai's sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

“The trip was packed full of great activities and experiences! Absolutely loved it!” Lucy, traveled in August 2024

• Discover Ancient Temples and fascinating culture

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Thailand. We would not hesitate to use this travel agent again!” Kelly Coughlin, traveled in November 2023

• Interact with elephants and raft on Mae Taeng River
• Snorkel and swim at stunning Phi Phi Islands

“Such a unique experience, once in a lifetime activities.” Beckie, traveled in November 2018

• Relax and take a dip under stunning waterfalls
• Walk alongside the gentle giants, elephants
• Experience the thrill of driving your own Tuk Tuk

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