Thailand Tourism and Travel Guide

Thailand (/ˈtaɪlænd/ TY-land or /ˈtaɪlənd/ TY-lənd; Thai: ประเทศไทย, rtgs: Prathet Thai), officially the Kingdom of Thailand (Thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย, rtgs: Ratcha-anachak Thai; IPA: [râːt.tɕʰá.ʔāː.nāː.tɕàk tʰāj]), formerly known as Siam (Thai: สยาม; rtgs: Sayam), is a country at the centre of the Indochinese peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast, and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest.Thailand is governed by a military junta that took power in the May 2014 coup d'état. Its monarchy is headed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is called Rama IX as he is the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, and has reigned since 1946 as the world's longest-serving head of state and the country's longest-reigning monarch (he has reigned for 7009219380400000000♠69 years, 189 days)With a total area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), Thailand is the world's 51st-largest country. It is the 20th-most-populous country in the world, with around 66 million people. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, which is Thailand's political, commercial, industrial, and cultural hub. About 75–95% of the population is ethnically Tai, which includes four major regional groups: central Thai, northeastern Thai (Khon [Lao] Isan), northern Thai (Khon Mueang); and southern Thai. Thai Chinese, those of significant Chinese heritage, are 14% of the population, while Thais with partial Chinese ancestry comprise up to 40% of the population. Thai Malays represent 3% of the population, with the remainder consisting of Mons, Khmers and various 'hill tribes'. The country's official language is Thai and the primary religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is practised by around 95% of the population.Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1996, becoming a newly industrialised country and a major exporter. Manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism are leading sectors of the economy. Among the ten ASEAN countries, Thailand ranks third in quality of life. and the country's HDI is rated as 'high'. Its large population and growing economic influence have made it a middle power in the region and around the world.
Get Customised Packages
Web Banner

Start Planning: Find Where To Stay in Thailand

No matter whether you're traveling to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Phuket or Phi Phi - we've got you covered!

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Best time to visit Thailand: November to February is considered to be Thailand’s tourist season.

Peak Season: The period from November to February is when the weather is dry and pleasant in Thailand.

Shoulder Season: March to May is when days in Thailand are hot and humid, but the tourists are as spirited ever during this season.

Off-season: July to October brings monsoons to Thailand, with the rainfall being sporadic but torrential. Most islands shut down during these months and there are incidents of flooding in some parts of the country - bring Thailand tourism to a standstill.

Budget for Thailand

For Budget Travellers: INR 600 to 1500 a day

  • Accommodation in hostels and guesthouses: INR 400 - 500
  • Food in beach shacks and street eateries: INR 200 - 500
  • Public Transport in skytrains, trains and buses: INR 20 - 300

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1000 to 3500 a day

  • Accommodation in mid-range hotels, villas and homestays: INR 600 - 1900
  • Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 500 - 1000
  • Local transport in tuk- tuks, boats and local taxis: INR 50 - 400

For Luxury Travellers: INR 6000 and upwards

  • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 4000 and upwards
  • Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
  • Local transport in cabs: INR 500 and upwards
  • Activities (Scuba diving, kayaking etc.): INR 3000 and upwards

Visa Information for Thailand

People of most nationalities can travel to Thailand visa free. To ensure the growth of Thailand tourism, the country offers visa on arrival (15 days) to 19 countries, including India. Passport holders from 45 countries can visit Thailand for 30 days, visa-free. Citizens of Cambodia, Ukraine and Myanmar can enter Thailand visa-free for 14 days. For visa extension, tourists can apply to the immigration office for a usual fee of 1900 Baht. If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500 Baht per day, with a 20,000 Baht limit.

 

Visa on Arrival: Thailand offers visa on arrival for 14 days (1000 Baht) to 19 countries - Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Please note: Visa information may change without prior notice. Therefore, we request you to get updated information before planning your Thailand trip.



Main Cities in Thailand

Bangkok: Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a popular tourist destination making it a big part of Thailand tourism. Known for its fancy shrines and happening street life Bangkok in Thailand is ringed by many cities that are worth visiting. Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Floating Market, Chinatown, Wat Pho, Khao San Road and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok are some of the well-known places to visit in Thailand. During your Thailand travel, you can directly go to Bangkok as there is an airport in Bangkok. Thailand tourist attractions like the Reclining Buddha, Sky Train, Chatuchak Market and National Museum are all located in Bangkok and are a huge part of Thailand tourism.

 

Pattaya: Famous for its beaches, Pattaya in Thailand is a charged up coastal city. Cover beautiful and fun places which make up Thailand tourism such as Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya Floating Market, Big Buddha Hill, Water Parks, Pattaya Viewpoint, Coral Island, Buddha Mountain and Art in Paradise in Pattaya during your Thailand vacation. Although Pattaya is known as a party destination and a crowded city as it is located very near to Bangkok, you can always choose to stay in Pattaya during your Thailand travel if you love to see people around you. Check out more about Pattaya in our Thailand travel guide for detailed information.

 

Phuket: Known for its white sand, palm trees, shining seas and lively towns, Phuket in Thailand is a beautiful town and has been hugely promoted by Thailand tourism. Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Island, Bangla Road Nightlife, Similan Islands, Big Buddha, Phuket FantaSea Show in Phuket are some of the major Thailand tourist attractions. Kata Beach, Freedom Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Surin Beach and Paradise Beach are the best Thailand beaches in Phuket that you should not miss on a Thailand vacation. Unlike Pattaya, Phuket is not very crowded, making Phuket in Thailand the perfect place to stay with family and kids. Phuket, one of the important places to visit in Thailand is also a peaceful place to stay and is also home to clean and beautiful beaches.



Culture of Thailand

Thailand is the 21st most populous country in the world and has a well-developed infrastructure and is home to attractive tourist places. Thailand tourism graph keeps on increasing with new activities and adventures being added to the list, almost every day. Apart from chilling at the famous Thailand beaches, another contributor to Thailand tourism is Thailand's nightlife which has its own charm. There are night clubs, night markets, cycling areas, midnight tuk-tuk tours and a lot more if you wish to indulge in Thailand's nightlife. Thailand's culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, and you can explore the beautiful temples in Thailand to know about Thailand’s culture and its people. The Grand Palace, Buddha Temples, Walking Street, Floating Markets and various night clubs are some of Thailand's top attractions. Read Thailand travel guide to know more about these places.

 

Most people that visit Thailand are interested in experiencing Thailand's nightlife. From visiting clubs and partying to going on midnight city tours, Thailand tourism gives you many options to choose from. Thailand travel guide brings out the blend of everything to cater to the interest of all kinds of travellers. Walking Street in Pattaya, Khao San Road in Bangkok, Bangla Road in Phuket, Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan are the famous party spots that attract most of Thailand's tourism. If you’re interested in experiencing the different facets of Thailand’s nightlife, do check out Rooftop Bar and Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Club Insomnia and The Pier Club in Pattaya, Phi Phi Reggae Bar and The Last Cafe in Krabi.

 

Activities in Thailand

There are several things to do in Thailand and adventure sports is one of those things. Thailand tourism offers a vibrant and wide range of adventure activities. Since Thailand has a vast collection of islands, adventure sports in Thailand are different from what we commonly see around us. Motorbiking, Rappelling, Skyscraper, Water Rafting, Skydiving and Scuba diving in Thailand are activities that all adventure lovers can enjoy. You can go for island hopping in Thailand to explore more about Thailand tourism. The major island hopping hubs in Thailand are Krabi, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

 

Thailand beaches are the first things that come to our mind when researching for Thailand tourism. Thailand islands offer a wide range of activities and adventure. When exploring these islands, you should try different cuisines offered by restaurants on these islands. If you are looking for some other options than larger islands like Phuket and Koh Samui then you should check out Koh Phayam, Koh Similan, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Phi Phi Le and Koh Jum as they are some popular yet secluded islands which contribute to off-beat Thailand tourism. All of these islands are covered in Thailand tourism itineraries as they are the main tourist attractions in Thailand. Explore our Thailand tourism travel guide for more information.

 

 

Places to Eat in Thailand

Most good restaurants that serve Thai food attract Thailand tourism but sometimes it might be tricky to choose a perfect place to eat. So, we bring forth the list of best places to have Thailand's food along with the list of must-have dishes in Thailand. Visiting a good Thai restaurant is one of the most popular things to do in Thailand. Blue Elephant in Phuket, Eat Me, Bo.lan, and Green Garden in Bangkok are amongst the best restaurants to dine in Thailand. Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant in Chiang Mai is an option for vegetarians. When in Thailand, try these flavoursome dishes - Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Fried Basil and Pork), Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts), Larb, Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) and Khao Soi.

Stay in Thailand

Enjoy relaxing spas, azure pools, massages, beach views, delicious dishes and the best of Thai hospitality at these handpicked luxury hotels in Thailand. Thailand tourism is equipped with many islands so you can make the most of your Thailand trip by opting for Thailand's beach hotels depending on your budget. The Phu Resort in Pran Buri, Pupiang Po Da Arte Resort in Ban Huai Lat, Iniala Beach House on Natai Beach and Sea Rounding in Phra Thong Island are the best beach hotels in Thailand with great customer reviews. Vast stay options available in Thailand encourage Thailand tourism.

 

Most of the luxury hotels in Thailand usually provide Wi-Fi, parking, transfers, air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, breakfast, city tours, free parking, spa and wellness centre, and bar. Some of the best hotels in Thailand are The Seaton House in Phuket, Tropical Heaven's Garden in Lipa Noi, Erawan Villa Hotel, Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and The Inside House in Chiang Mai. Read more about Thailand tourism and Thailand travel guide and trips by travellers for more information about good hotels.

 

Comfortable stays, good food and ocean vistas, Tripoto's list of the best mid-range hotels will let you witness the charms of Thailand tourism without having to spend a fortune. Thailand has all categories of hotels, from luxury to mid-range to budget hotels. Choose a Thailand hotel that fits your budget the best.

 

Homestays are the perfect way to gain insight into Thai culture and lifestyle. Or, you can stay at these happening hostels with happening crowds. Due to the increase in Thailand tourism in recent years, many budget hostels have come up for people who travel with friends or backpacking. Nappark Hostel in Bangkok, Counting Sheep at CNX in Chiang Mai, Goodtime Beach Hostel in Koh Tao, Echo Beach Backpackers Hostel in Koh Phangan and Pack-Up Hostel in Krabi are some of the best hostels in Thailand for backpackers. Thailand hostels are clean and happening places to stay that serve as hubs for travellers to with people from all over the world. Thailand tourism has also given rise to some of the best homestays and villas where you can spend your trip in peace, away from the crowd. Some of the best Thailand homestays include The Leaf Bankrut in Bang Saphan, Garden homestay in Suratthani, Hidden Holiday House in Ban Don Faek, Oceanico Villa in Phuket and Celebrity Ocean View Villa on Bangrak Beach.

 

Best places to stay in Thailand: Ko Samui for spa resorts and partying on the beach with local food, Pattaya for late nights, Krabi for beaches and natural lush green landscapes, Hua Hin for seaside resorts, mid-range family-friendly stays and luxury complexes, Patong for shopping, bars, restaurants and markets. Thailand tourism is majorly directed towards these places.

 

Best beach resorts in Thailand: View Talay Residence 6 Wongamat Sand Beach in Pattaya, Colourful Hut in Haad Pleayleam, Sea Rounding in Phra Thong Island and Pimalai Resort & Spa in Ko Lanta

 

Best hotels in Thailand: Braya Villa in Koh Yao Yai, The Seaton House in Phuket, Rungtip Resort in Kanchanaburi, Aussieland Bungalows in Lamai and Sang Serene House in Chiang Mai

 

Best hostels in Thailand: Hosts Hua Hin in Khao Tao, Scala Hostel in Chinatown, Easy House in Pai, Plus Hostel Ayutthaya and Sabai Nimman in Chiang Mai

 

Best homestays in Thailand: The Aqua Kohphangan in Haad Rin, Garden Homestay in Suratthani, Samui Paradise Homestay in Bophut, Hidden Holiday House in Ban Don Faek and The Kibu Thai House in Choeng Mon Beach




Getting to Thailand

Getting there: The easiest way to reach Thailand is to take a flight as there are flights to Thailand from almost all the countries in the world. All the relevant Information about the place is mentioned in this Thailand tourism guide.

Thailand airport: Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Greater Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International Airport in Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport in Chiang Rai, Hat Yai International Airport in Hat Yai, Phuket International Airport in Phuket, Samui International Airport in Koh Samui, Krabi International Airport in Krabi, Surat Thani International Airport in Surat Thani, U-Tapao International Airport in Pattaya and Udon Thani International Airport in Udon Thani are the airports in Thailand that support Thailand’s tourism.

Explore Thailand

Suitable for: Family, Friends, Couples and Honeymooners

Thailand’s attractions: Ko Phi Phi in Krabi, Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Mu Ko Chang National Park, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Similan Islands, Erawan Falls, The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai, Khao Yai National Park and Sukhothai Old City and Temple of Doi Suthep are some of the best places to visit in Thailand.

Planning a Thailand trip?

Here is all that you need to know about Thailand tourism. With this travel guide, you can plan a trip which allows you to explore the beaches, national parks, temples, and markets in all the popular cities of Thailand. When heat and traffic don't let you shop, explore the night markets in Bangkok, feel the essence of Thailand tourism by visiting local markets and meeting local people. When in Phuket, explore night markets to satisfy your foodie instinct. Known as infamous party island- Koh Phangan is known for its legendary full moon parties, the half moon parties, waterfall parties in Thailand. Animal magic at the Chiang Mai Night Safari also attracts a major part of Thailand tourism. Also, the place has many top-notch bars and clubs. Enjoy Thai massage at famous spas in Thailand. You can also hit up a karaoke joint if you have a group of unofficial singers. 

Enjoy the wild ladyboy shows of Pattaya and Party the night away and go bar hopping on islands like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Samet and Koh Chang. Plan a Thailand vacation with our Thailand travel guide.

Through our Thailand travel guide, you can get maximum information about Thailand tourism. Thailand travel guide will help you explore some of the most suitable itineraries, hotels, and packages for Thailand tourism. Everything like why visit Thailand, best Thailand tourist places and things to do in Thailand are included in this travel guide. We also help you customise your trip if you have any specifications.

Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok and Hua Hin are some of the famous places which contribute to Thailand tourism. Visit the following places as per your interests. Koh Samui for beaches, water sports, food and cooking classes; Phuket for waterfront experience, mountains, nature lovers and wildlife explorers; Hua Hin for laidback trip and water parks, Bangkok for vibrant shrines, temples, landscapes, canals, wildlife and good food; and Khao Lak for mountains, meeting local people, pools and waterside walkways. You can also choose city tours for Thailand sightseeing. 

Known for its beaches, nightlife, culture and food, Thailand is one of the most famous tourist spots in the world. Explore Thailand holiday packages to find the best package that suits your interest. Almost all the information regarding Thailand tourism, food, stay and culture is mentioned in the following Thailand packages.

Make the most of your Thailand vacation by engaging in cultural trips or exploring local markets and indulging in adventure activities and Thai food. Thailand packages come with all the information as well as available customisation option to keep in mind your needs and specifications for your Thailand trip.

Check out articles and blogs written by real travellers on our platform. If you have a story to tell, you should also start a blog on Tripoto so that other travellers can read and learn from your experience. Also, get to know Thailand tourism better by watching the videos for Thailand created by travellers from all over the world.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are an Indian and planning to explore Thailand tourism then you can easily get a tourist visa on arrival for 15 days at all the international airports in Thailand. Contact the Thai immigration office for visa extension, If you wish to extend your Thailand vacation and can get your visa extended up till 60 days by paying some nominal amount. Thailand's map will give you information about all the major cities, Thailand tourism and airports in Thailand.

Best time to visit Thailand and explore Thailand tourism is the winter season from November to February. The average temperature during these months is 20 degrees. You can comfortably explore Thailand tourism and enjoy all the outdoor activities during this time. Avoid visiting Thailand during the months of April and May as these are the hottest months in Thailand so, would not be a good time to explore Thailand Beaches and Thailand Islands 

Some of the best tourist places which make up Thailand tourism include Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi Island, The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai, Khao Yai National Park, Sukhothai Old City, Historic City of Ayutthaya, Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and Floating Markets in Bangkok.

Though Thailand beaches are a major attraction, you can explore a lot more in Thailand tourism. If you are interested in knowing about the culture and history of the places then you should definitely explore the Temples and Shrines in Thailand. Other things to do in Thailand include enjoying at night markets, visiting clubs, shopping at the local market and activities at islands. 

You can always choose Thailand holiday packages as per your needs and specifications. Mostly, Thailand sightseeing, Thailand city tours, internal transfers, Meals and Hotels are included in Thailand tour packages. You can get a customised package according to your budget.

The local people of Thailand mostly converse in Thai with each other. You don't have to worry if you don't know Thai, owing to the increase in Thailand tourism, most of the people in Thailand speak English or at least understand English, so you can comfortably interact with them. You can also learn some Thai words from local people in Thailand as they appreciate people who try to learn or speak their language.

Thailand tourism welcomes tourists from all over the world. It takes 4-5 hours to reach Thailand if you are planning a Thailand trip from India. Thai Airways, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Thai AirAsia, Druk Air, Bangkok Airways, IndiGo, Bhutan Airlines, AirAsia, Thai Smile.are the airlines that provide flight connectivity from India to Thailand and vice versa. All these flights will help you have a comfortable journey.

Everyone loves a luxurious vacation and Thailand tourism offers just that. Iniala Beach House in Narai Beach, Layana Resorts & Spa in Ko Lanta, Somewhere Only We Know in Baan Khai, Pimalai Resort & Spa in Ko Lanta, Paradee Resort in Ko Samed, The Sarojin in Khao Lak and Six Senses Yao Noi in Ko Yao Noi are the best luxury beach resorts in Thailand. Experience the nice rooms, great staff, exceptional facilities in all these resorts.

Thailand is generally considered as a safe tourist place but it is always better to carry less jeweller and keep cash at safe places. Make sure you read all the instructions about Thailand tourism, adventure sports and use all the needed safety measures to perform these activities. Know about the night markets and clubs before visiting them. It is always better to carry a copy of your documents to be on the safer side. Avoid giving your passport to any local person. Do not trust anybody influencing you for anything or asking you for money. For any further information, one can contact the Thailand Tourism Authority. 

Thai Baht is the official currency of Thailand. It comes as banknotes and coins both. 1 Thai Baht is equal to 2.21 Indian Rupees. One can always calculate the rough estimate of expenses to get the currency converted before going to Thailand. In case, if you require more Thai Baht, you can always get it converted in Thailand. 

Top things in your Thailand packing list include documents needed for a visa, your passport, Thai sim card, flight tickets, travel insurance, your identity proofs, credit/debit cards, document scans and internal transportation tickets, if any. Other essentials that you might need to explore Thailand tourism are swimsuit, slippers, hat, quick dry towel, zip locks, travel backpack, underwater camera, hiking shoes, seasonal clothes and medicines if any.

Famous for its tropical islands, Thailand tourism offers a wide range of beach resorts. Try the amazing budget beach resorts in Thailand to make the most of a beach vacation. By Beach Resort in Ban Bang Po, Samui Mekkala Resort and Pool Villa on Choeng Mon Beach, White House Beach Resort on Choeng Mon Beach, D'anna Resort in Fisherman Village and The Moonlight Resort Ban Chang are among the cheapest Thailand beach resorts.

The more you explore the beauty and fun of Thailand the less it is. Thailand tourism has a variety of things to offer its tourists. On average, 7 to 8 days are good enough to explore the diverse places in Thailand. You can always plan longer or a shorter trip as per your interests.

If you are an Indian passport holder and are planning a Thailand trip for no more than 15 days than you can easily get a visa on arrival when you reach Thailand. Initially, you will have to share your e-mail id to receive when you apply for a visa as you will be intimated about the further process via e-mail.

Following are the documents needed for a Thailand tourist visa. Accurate information of the applicant on the visa application

  • original passport with a validity of 30 days over departure date
  • a copy of the first and last page of the passport
  • your passport should have at least two blank pages
  • two passport-sized photos that are recently clicked and should not be more than 6 months’ old

accommodation proof that shows all the passengers’ names, a copy of occupational proof, a copy of confirmed return flight ticket, original copies of bank statements with the bank’s seal for the last 3 months.

In the case of multiple-entry visa, bank statements of the last 6 months with a minimum current balance of Rs.4 lakhs are required. Thailand government provides visa at 32 checkpoints to help you have a smooth Thailand vacation and discover Thailand tourism.


Please note: Visa information may change without prior notice. Therefore, we request you to get updated information before planning your Thailand trip.