Travel Guide
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.

UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces, to the Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi districts of southern Songkhla province, to the Hat Yai to Padang Besar rail line, and to areas within 20km of the Cambodian land border. Attacks continue in the provinces bordering Malaysia. Land borders and crossings with Cambodia remain suspended following fighting in July 2025 and further clashes in early December, unexploded landmines remain a hazard, and border tourist sites including the Khao Phra Wihan, Ta Kwai, and Ta Muen Thom temples are closed. The rest of Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, carries no advice against travel.
Updated 2026-09-19 15:50:56
Discover
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the ruins of one of Southeast Asia's greatest medieval kingdoms, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Visitors explore temple complexes including Wat Mahathat, whose iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots has become one of Thailand's most recognisable images. The park spans the former royal island and is best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk, revealing layers of Siamese history at every turn.
Perched on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain at 1,073 metres, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is northern Thailand's most revered temple, visible from much of Chiang Mai below. The site is reached by climbing a 306-step naga staircase or by cable car, and the golden chedi at its summit is said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. The views over the Chiang Mai valley from the temple terrace are spectacular, particularly in the cooler morning light.
Health & Safety
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 191 and ask for an ambulance. Local number: 1669 Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in Travel
Full health advice (FCDO) →Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Guide
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Thailand page at Yoogo.
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Currency exchange services operate throughout tourist zones, generally offering competitive rates. Carry some cash for markets, street food, and smaller establishments.
Thailand is generally safe for tourists, though petty scams targeting visitors are common in heavily touristed areas such as Bangkok's Grand Palace precinct. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws; any perceived disrespect towards the royal family carries serious criminal penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment. Avoid overstaying your visa, as fines and blacklisting apply. Exercise normal caution with your belongings in crowded areas.
Thailand has a well-developed transport network. Bangkok is served by the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro, as well as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and river ferries. Budget airlines such as AirAsia connect major cities and resort areas quickly and affordably. Long-distance trains link Bangkok with Chiang Mai and southern destinations. Motorbike rental is popular but requires care, especially on busy roads.
November through February is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity across most of the country. March and April are very hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C in many areas. The monsoon season runs roughly May through October, bringing heavy rainfall, though the south and north experience different wet season patterns. The Songkran water festival in April and Loy Krathong in November are popular times to visit for cultural events.
Thai is the official language, a tonal language that can be challenging to learn quickly. English is widely spoken at hotels, tourist sites, and in major cities, but proficiency drops significantly in rural areas. Staff at guesthouses and restaurants in tourist towns generally manage conversational English. Learning a few basic Thai phrases, such as greetings and thank you, is warmly received by locals.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers entering Thailand. However, travel health professionals commonly recommend being up to date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk must carry a valid yellow fever certificate. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Pharmacies are well stocked throughout the country.
Kanchanaburi is the site of the notorious Death Railway bridge over the River Kwai, built by Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers under Japanese occupation during World War II, at a cost of thousands of lives. The JEATH War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery document this difficult history with care and solemnity. Beyond its wartime significance, the surrounding Kwai Noi river valley is beautiful, with limestone mountains, waterfalls, and quiet riverside accommodation.
White Temple wonder and Golden Triangle border country
Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand but is appreciated, particularly in tourist-oriented settings. Many upscale restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge to bills automatically. For casual restaurants and street food, rounding up the bill is a generous gesture. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, though rounding to the nearest convenient amount is common. Tour guides and hotel porters generally appreciate small gratuities.
Thailand has excellent mobile coverage from multiple competing providers including AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove. Tourist SIM cards offering generous data allowances are sold at airports, convenience stores, and phone shops throughout the country. 4G coverage is reliable in cities and popular tourist areas; rural coverage is patchier but generally adequate. Buying a local SIM on arrival is straightforward and inexpensive.
Remove your shoes before entering temples, private homes, and some traditional guesthouses. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; cover your shoulders and knees. The wai, a slight bow with hands pressed together, is the traditional greeting and shows respect. Never touch anyone's head, as it is considered sacred. Always stand when the royal anthem plays in cinemas or at public events. Pointing feet towards people or religious objects is considered disrespectful.
Entry requirements by passport
Pick your passport to see the exact requirement, the stay limit, and the official source.