Thailand travel guide
Thailand offers an easy mix of temples, food and tropical coastline. In a single trip you can watch the sun rise over the ruins of Sukhothai, eat noodles at a Bangkok street stall, ride a longtail boat beneath limestone cliffs in Krabi and sleep in the mountains around Chiang Mai. The country has several distinct regions. Bangkok and the central plains hold the capital and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, while the north offers Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, with their temples and hills. The Andaman coast brings Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga, and the Gulf has Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The north-east, or Isan, is rich in food and Khmer ruins. The cool, dry season from November to February is the most popular time to visit, though the Gulf islands are often better in the middle of the year. Thailand suits first-time travellers, families and food lovers, and you can plan your route city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Bangkok.
Visa for Indian passport holders
No visa needed for Indian passports.
Before you go to Thailand
- Currency
- THB ฿
- Emergency number
- 191
- Plug type
- Type A, B, C
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Baht 220 flat foreign-card fee
Cities in Thailand
- Bangkok The City of Angels — a vibrant metropolis of glittering temples, bustling street markets, luxury malls, and the chaotic Chao Phraya River…
- Chiang Mai The Rose of the North — a cultural heartland of ancient temples, night bazaars, mountain elephant camps, and serene Lanna traditions.
- Krabi Limestone cliffs rising from azure waters — famous for rock climbing, island hopping, and pristine beaches like Railay and Ao Nang.
- Sukhothai The Historic City — UNESCO site of serene ancient temples and ruins spanning Thailand's Golden Age in a peaceful riverside setting.
- Ayutthaya Ancient Siam's grand capital — UNESCO World Heritage ruins of temples and palaces scattered among canals and rice paddies.
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) A retro seaside town with a long sandy beach, night market, royal palaces, and a relaxed atmosphere away from party scenes.
- Surat Thani (Koh Tao) Turtle Island — a diver's paradise with world-class coral reefs, affordable PADI certification, and vibrant backpacker scene.
- Chiang Rai Gateway to the Golden Triangle — a charming northern city of temples, night markets, hill tribe culture, and scenic mountain vistas.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Ancient southern city famed for shadow puppet theater, intricate metalwork, historic temples, and local shadow puppetry culture.
- Nong Khai Thailand's Gateway to Laos — a border town on the Mekong known for temples, silk weaving, and friendly local atmosphere.
- Pattaya A beach resort city known for its nightlife, water sports, shopping, and as a base for island exploration.
- Phuket Thailand's largest island — a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, coral reefs, vibrant nightlife, and water sports.
- Surat Thani (Koh Samui) Island idyll of palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, elephant sanctuaries, and a vibrant beach town atmosphere.
- Kanchanaburi River valley town famed for the Bridge over the River Kwai, WWII museums, elephant camps, and natural hot springs.
- Phang Nga Dramatic bay of towering limestone karsts — famous for sea caves, James Bond Island tours, and canoe adventures.
- Lop Buri The Monkey City — a quirky town overrun with mischievous primates, ancient temples, and monkey buffets.
- Chumphon Gateway to the south — a gateway town for island hopping, quiet beaches, and access to southern Thailand diving spots.
- Surin Elephant enthusiasts' hub — northeastern Thailand known for elephant camps and cultural festivals.
- Khon Kaen Isan regional city known for sticky rice, silk production, and local cultural attractions.
- Phitsanulok Cultural crossroads known for temples, history, and as a base for northern Thailand exploration.
Frequently asked questions about Thailand
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Thailand?
- No visa needed for Indian passports. Stay: Single-arrival declaration (not multi-entry). Fee: Free — no fee required. Apply: Within 3 days before arrival (up to 72 hours prior). Apply only on the official portal, tdac.immigration.go.th.
- What currency is used in Thailand?
- The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (฿). ฿1 is about ₹3.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Thailand?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: Baht 220 flat foreign-card fee. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Thailand?
- Tipping in Thailand: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Thailand?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Thailand use?
- Thailand uses Type A, B, C plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Thailand?
- Emergency: 191. Police: 191. Ambulance: 1669. Tourist helpline: 1155.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Thailand?
- SIM and eSIM available in Thailand.
- What is the capital of Thailand?
- The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. Time there: IST + 1 h 30 min.