
Guide to Thailand


Known as The Land of Smiles, Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia known for its cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. It also has amazing beaches, good food, and over 40,000 temples, many of them ancient and in ruins. Itโs one of those places that you probably donโt know you need to visit. You do! Weโll explore Thailand in this Guide to Thailand.
Read everything you need to know to visit this beautiful country in our Guide to Thailand. If you prefer to skip ahead to read specific articles about Thailand you can go directly to the bottom of this page.

About Thailand
Thailand is bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It was originally called Siam but itโs name changed in 1932. For a brief period (1946-1948) it went back to Siam and then back to Thailand. Itโs official name is the Kingdom of Thailand and itโs capital is Bangkok, the largest city in Thailand.
Guide To Thailand: Thailand’s History
Evidence of humans living in Thailand dates back to prehistoric times and archaeological sites there have revelaed evidence of one of the world’s earliest known Bronze Age cultures. In Europe and surrounding countries, the word Empire is used when talking about the massive area that particular ruling powers controlled. In Asia, including Thailand, the term mostly used there is Kingdom. Thailand has had many of those!
Ancient Civilization Kingdoms in Thailand
One of the earliest Kingdoms in Thailand was the Dvaravati Kingdom that ruled the area from the 6th century to the late 11th century. This kingdom was made up of the Mon people who came from western China and India.
The Dvaravati Kingdom lived fairly independent but they did experience some political domination from other communities. The Burmese (from Myanmar) and the Khmer (from Cambodia) bot conquered the Mon people on separate occasions.
The Khmer Empire from what is now Cambodia extended it’s rule into Thailand from the 9th to 13th centuries and built temples and monuments there.
Sukhothai Kingdom
Considered the first Thai Kingdom, the Sukhothai Kingdom played a role in shaping Thai culture and language. The kingdom was established in 1238 AD and lasted until 1438. The center of the Sukhothai Kingdom was located in north-central Thailand in what is today’s city of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During this period there was a succession of Kings and Theravada Buddhism became the dominant religon. This period was also known for its development of the distinct Sukhothai-style Buddha known for their elegant lines.
Ayutthaya Kingdom
The Ayutthaya Kingdom started to come into power around 1351 and lasted until 1767. It became the dominant power and the Sukhothai Kingdom was evenutally absorbed into the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
The Ayutthaya Kingdom was one of the most powerful and significant kingdoms in Thai history. It was located in central Thailand along the Chao Phraya River and the capital was located in today’s city of Ayutthaya.
The Ayutthaya were ruled by kings who were considered semi-devine figures. They had a sophisticated government with officials managing different regions of the area. Theravada Buddhism still remained the dominant religion and continued to influence culture, art, and architecture.
In 1767 the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya and sacked the captal marking the end of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya and cultural treasures and historical records were lost. The ruins of Ayutthaya are a UNESCO World Heritage Site today located about an hour north of Bangkok.
Thonburi Kingdom
After Ayutthaya fell, a new Kingdom was established in in 1767 in what is now part of Bangkok by a Thai leader who would later become King Taksin the Great. He successfully brought Thai territories together and drove the Burmese invaders out of Thailand. Taksin ruled until 1782 and was able to rebuild the economy and restore cultural and religious institutions. He was eventually overthrown in a coup led by General Chakri.
Rattanakosin Kingdom
General Chakri became King Rama I in 1782 and he moved the capital to a different area of Bangkok and established the Rattanakosin Kingdom which is still in power today. King Rama I rebuilt and stabilized the country andlaid the foundations for the new capital.
During King Rama I rule, The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha were constructed and became the religious and political heart of the new captial. Under successive kings, Bangkok grew into a major city with temples, canals, and fortifications.
19th and 20th Centuries
Surrounding countries in Southeast Asia were colonized by the West but Thailand never was. Later Kings, particularly Rama IV and Rama V, used their diplomatic skills to stop that from happening and signed treaties with Western powers. They also modernized the kingdom, abolished slavery, and improved education, transportation, and communication.
Thailand was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II but still retained its sovereignty. They initially allied with Japan but later became a U.S. ally after the war. After the war, Thailand saw rapid economic growth but has still experienced periods of political instability. There has been military coups and changes in government but the monarchy has remained.
Best time to visit Thailand
Thailand has two seasons: warm and hot. Oh wait, there’s the wet season. Thailand has a tropical climate so there is really only three seasons but there are times of the year that are better for traveling to Thailand and it could be the difference between enjoyable and miserable.
Hot Season: From March to June it is the hottest time of the year in Thailand with temperatures almost always above 35ยฐC/95ยฐF. However, the humidity is high and the air is really thick so it feels even hotter. I spent time in Thailand during April and May and as soon as I walked out of the safety of my airconditioned hotel I was dripping with sweat. I do NOT recommend traveling to Thailand during this time unless your plan is to only hang out at the pool or in the ocean.
Rainy Season: The monsoon season in Thailand is from July to October and during this time you can expect heavy rain. It will usually rain nearly every day but not all day long. These are intermittent showers but it could interfere with your plans. Temperatures during the rainy season range from 25ยฐC/77ยฐF to 32ยฐC/90ยฐF.
Cool Season: November to February is truly the best time to travel to Thailand. It’s the “cool season” but it’s not cold. There’s just not a lot of humidity or rain. Temperatures range from 18ยฐC/64ยฐF to 77ยฐC/90ยฐF. I’ve visited Thailand during this time as well and it’s definitely a great time to go.
All that said, IF you’re on a tight budget then it will be cheaper to travel in Thailand during the hot and rainy season than the cool season. Although itโs already pretty cheap to begin with. So, if you think you can withstand the heat and humidity and donโt mind the rain, you might find a pretty good deal.
Areas of Interest in Thailand
Thailand is a country with a diverse culture and history with a lot of ancient sites to visit as well as modern temples. Here are just a few of the places in Thailand that are worth visiting.
- Bangkok: From the Grand Palace to Wat Arun, some of the most impressive temples in Thailand are in Bangkok. If you’re looking for nightlife then you can head to the famous backpacker street named Khao San Road where the music is loud and the beer is cheap. If you prefer to shop then check out the Chatuchak Weekend Market which is one of the largest markets in the world.
- Chiang Mai: Known for its old city temples and night bazaars, Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand in the mountains. There are temples in Chiang Mai that are more than 1000 years old. One of the best temples in Thailand is the Doi Suthep Temple located in the mountains of Chiang Mai. You’ll have an amazing view of the city below.
- Ayutthaya: Just an hour north of Bangkok you’ll definitely want to add Ayutthaya to your Thailand Itinerary. This is where the Ayutthaya Kingdom was centered for just over 400 years. There are numerous temples and historical structures that can’t be missed. It’s easy to take a day trip to Ayutthaya but I highly recommend spending at least two days there.
- Phuket: Thailand’s largest island that is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and luxury resorts is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to get the full Thailand experience. There is so many water activities there from visiting islands with crystal clear water, snorkeling, kayaking around limestone karsts, and so much more.
- Pai: This small town nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand is known for its natural beauty and laid back atmosphere. You can hike through Pai Canyon, relax in natural hot springs or swim in waterfalls. Pai has a strong backpacker community and it’s a very affordable destination in Thailand.
Passport & Visa Requirements for Thailand
Depending on your nationality and how long you plan on visiting Thailand, you might need a visa. You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Thailand. You’ll also need to have a few blank pages for your entry and exit stamps.
Tourist Visa
There are different types of Visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Most people visiting Thailand will not need a visa as long as their stay is under 30 days. Tourists from certain countries are required to get a tourist visa which allows them to stay for 30 days. The tourist visa can be extended for another 30 days but that is up to the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Citizens of certain countries do have the option to get a “visa on arrival” for a stay of up to 15 days. They MUST have a confirmed return ticket and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for their stay.
If you do plan to visit Thailand for longer than 30 days then you can apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy. The single-entry tourist visa (TR) will allow for a stay of up to 60 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. There’s also a multiple-entry tourist visa available for 6 months.
E-Visa
One of the easiest ways to get a visa for Thailand should you need one is an e-visa. This is available to citizens from a wide range of countries and it allows them to apply for and receive their visa online before traveling to Thailand. You apply for it and once approved print it out.
Getting to Thailand
Most people visiting Thailand will arrive at one of their international airports. Bangkok has two international airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the largest and busiest airport in Thailand serving international and domestic flights. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is also in Bangkok and mainly handloes low-fare and regional flights.
Other international airports include the Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Major airlines operating in Thailand are Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
Arriving by land
If you’re traveling to Thailand from one of the neighboring countries such as Cambodia or Myanmar, there are several border crossings available. From Cambodia, the most popular border crossing is at Poipet. You arrive at the border, go through customs and immigration to get your passport stamped, and continue on.
Arriving by bus or train
Another way to get to Thailand is to either take a bus or train. There are train services that connect Thailand with Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok run by the State Railway of Thailand.
There are a lot of International bus services that connect Thailand with Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. You will still have to stop at the border crossing and go through customs with your passport and visa but it only takes around 15-30 minutes depending on how busy it is.
Guide to Thailand: Budget
Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht and while it’s generally very cheap to travel in Thailand it does depend on your travel style, preferences, and activities.
Accomodations in Thailand
Travel in Thailand is very affordable. Your money will go a long way in Thailand. If you’re a backpacker or someone on a very tight budget you will be happy to know that you can find accommodation for as little as $5-15 a night.
If you want something a little nicer or at least want a hotel with a pool or a private room and bathroom then you can still find something affordable. Mid-Range accommodations can be found for around $20-50 a night.
If you’re wanting a little Luxury you could spend a little more and it will still feel like a deal. For $100+ you could splurge on a high-end hotel or resort. Prices will depend on the location and when you’re traveling.
Food & Drink in Thailand
Food in Thailand will also be really affordable. You can find meals for as little as $2-3 in cafes or street food. If you prefer to sit in a restaurant then expect to pay between $7-12 a meal. For dining at high-end restaurants you’ll pay around $30 or more for a meal.
Activities in Thailand
The most expensive thing in Thailand will probably be your entrance fees for places like the Grand Palace or if you take a tour to the Phi Phi Islands. But even those things will still feel affordable. There’s also pleanty of free activities including visiting some of the temples.
Guide to Thailand: Getting Around
The best way to get around Thailand is by local transportation, depending on the location. In Bangkok, you definitely do not need to rent a car. There are plenty of taxis available everywhere as well as Tuk-Tuk’s. They are both similarly priced. We found that sometimes the taxis cost more and sometimes the tuk-tuk was more.
If you aren’t familiar with tuk-tuks, they are small open-air vehicles that sit 2-3 people. You can even hire a tuk-tuk for the day if you want.
If you’re in Bangkok you also have the option to travel by public bus or train. Bangkok is a huge city and there are a lot of bus and train options and it can be confusing. We didn’t take the bus but we did take the train a few times but unless you are really on a tight budget and have the time to map out the routes it will be much easier to travel by taxi or tuk-tuk.
When we travel, our favorite way to get around is by scooter. We do NOT do this in larger cities such as Bangkok or Hanoi but in the smaller towns we will and it only costs around $10 a day.
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Guide to Thailand: Bucket List Ideas


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