Thailand travel guide.

When to go

Thailand runs on three seasons. The cool, dry season from November to February is the comfortable peak, with the lowest humidity and the highest hotel prices, especially over the December year-end. March to May is hot, often above 35 degrees Celsius, and the interior gets dusty. June to October is the southwest monsoon, bringing daily showers to Bangkok and the Andaman coast, though rain usually arrives in short bursts rather than all-day washouts.

The two coasts run on opposite calendars. The Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) is driest from November to April, while the Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) stays drier later into the year, which matters when a trip pairs Bangkok with a beach leg.

Getting in and around

Most international itineraries land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service carriers or Don Mueang (DMK) for budget airlines, both serving Bangkok. Phuket (HKT) takes long-haul and regional flights direct to the Andaman coast.

Within the country, cheap domestic flights connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi in about 90 minutes, undercutting the overnight train and bus on time if not always on price. Bangkok itself runs on the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro, covered on our Bangkok destination guide.

Where to start

Bangkok is the standard first base: two airports, the densest transit and food scene in the region, and fast onward flights to the beaches and to Chiang Mai. A classic first itinerary pairs 3 to 4 nights in Bangkok with 4 to 5 nights on an Andaman or Gulf island.

Our Bangkok destination guide covers the city in detail, with linked pages on trip costs, hotel prices, flights from Singapore, and the areas that price lowest. Travelers weighing a Northeast Asia trip instead can compare against our Seoul and Tokyo guides.

Airports

• BKK. Suvarnabhumi Airport
• DMK. Don Mueang International Airport
• HKT. Phuket International Airport

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Citizens of many countries, including the United States and Singapore, can enter Thailand visa-free for tourist stays of up to 60 days as of August 2026. Confirm your passport on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand site before booking.

What is the best month to visit Thailand?

November through February is the cool, dry sweet spot nationwide. December is the busiest and priciest; November and February give similar weather with smaller crowds and lower hotel prices.

How much does a Thailand trip cost per day?

Budget travelers manage on about US$40 to US$70 per day, mid-range travelers on US$70 to US$140 per person, and premium trips run above US$250 per day, as of August 2026. Our Bangkok trip cost page breaks this down by traveler type.

Which airport should I fly into for Bangkok?

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most full-service carriers and connects to the city by the Airport Rail Link. Don Mueang (DMK) is the budget-airline hub and sits farther north with a longer road transfer.

Should I combine Bangkok with a beach?

Yes, and it is the most common plan. A short domestic flight of about 90 minutes reaches Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui, so 3 to 4 nights in Bangkok plus 4 to 5 on an island fits a week comfortably.

Is Thailand cheaper than Japan or Korea?

Yes. Daily costs run well below Tokyo or Seoul at every tier, especially for food and hotels, which is why Thailand anchors the budget end of a regional trip comparison.

How many days do I need for a first Thailand trip?

Seven to ten days covers Bangkok plus one beach or Chiang Mai comfortably. Five days is enough for Bangkok alone with a day trip to Ayutthaya.

When is the rainy season in Thailand?

June to October is the southwest monsoon across most of the country. Rain usually falls in short afternoon bursts, so trips in that window remain workable with flexible plans and lower prices.