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    • Why go
    • Highlights
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    • Best time to visit
    • Travel advice
    Thailand

    Travel Guide Thailand

    Thailand is more than just palms and beaches – here you immerse yourself in a world of temples, street food, and warm hospitality.

    by Felix Gillen

    Contents

    • Why go
    • Highlights
    • Explore regions
    • Round trips
    • Local food
    • Good to know
    • Best time to visit
    • Travel advice

    Why Go To Thailand?

    Thailand entices with a unique combination of ancient culture and spectacular natural landscapes, ranging from golden temples to turquoise beaches. Here you'll experience the warm hospitality of its people, a world-renowned cuisine, and a diversity that encompasses both the bustling energy of Bangkok and the serene seclusion of tropical islands.

    Where in Thailand?

    Pick a region. The highlights, road trips and places below follow your choice.

    Bangkok
    Highlight 1 of 8

    Bangkok

    Bangkok is Thailand's capital and by far its largest city, where Buddhist temples, street food, and high-rise districts lie closely side by side.

    Discover
    Historical Park Ayutthaya
    Highlight 2 of 8

    Historical Park Ayutthaya

    The Ayutthaya Historical Park preserves the remains of the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, founded in 1350 and destroyed in 1767 in a war with Burma.

    Discover
    Chiang Mai
    Highlight 3 of 8

    Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai is Northern Thailand's largest city and was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for centuries. Within the old city's square moat stand dozens of temples made of teak and brick, while the forested mountains of Doi Suthep rise around the city.

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    Koh Samui
    Highlight 4 of 8

    Koh Samui

    Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest after Phuket, is the Gulf's most developed, with its airport, ring road, and lodging from basic bungalows to large resorts.

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    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)
    Highlight 5 of 8

    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    The Khao Sok Region is located in southern Thailand, inland in the provinces of Surat Thani and Phang Nga, approximately halfway between the Gulf and Andaman coasts. This makes it an obvious stopover between the coasts.

    The Khao Sok Region in the hinterland of Surat Thani consists of limestone karst, rainforest, and Cheow Lan Lake. The National Park was established in 1980 and is part of a large forest complex.

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    Phang-Nga Bay
    Highlight 6 of 8

    Phang-Nga Bay

    Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, has been protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park since 1981, covering around 400 square kilometers.

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    Krabi
    Highlight 7 of 8

    Krabi

    Krabi Town is the administrative hub of the province and, for many travelers, primarily the gateway to the islands of the Andaman Sea.

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    Koh Phi Phi Islands
    Highlight 8 of 8

    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

    Discover

    More highlights in Thailand

    Unique experiences that make Thailand unforgettable.

    Sukhothai Historical Park

    Sukhothai Historical Park

    The Sukhothai Historical Park preserves the remains of the first capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. UNESCO inscribed the site, along with the historical cities of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, on the World Heritage List. The site is divided into several zones. In the center, within the old city walls and moats, stands Wat Mahathat with its lotus-bud-shaped chedi; nearby are Wat Si Sawai with three Khmer-style prangs and Wat Sa Si on an island in the pond. To the north, Wat Si Chum houses the mighty seated Buddha Phra Achana within a narrow masonry shaft. As the zones are spread…
    Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost major city and quieter than Chiang Mai. It is known for contemporary temple art: the Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the blue-golden Wat Rong Suea Ten, and the Baan Dam Museum by Thawan Duchanee. The city is also a starting point for trips to the Golden Triangle, Mae Salong, and the mountain villages. It is most pleasant during the cool dry season from November to February.
    Kanchanaburi City

    Kanchanaburi City

    Kanchanaburi is located at the confluence of the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi rivers, which merge here to form the Mae Klong. The city is known for the Bridge on the River Kwai, part of the Thailand-Burma Railway, which Allied prisoners of war and Asian forced laborers were compelled to build under Japanese occupation during World War II. You can cross the bridge on foot and ride a segment of the historic railway by train. Museums and war cemeteries tell the story of the prisoners. Excursions lead to Erawan National Park and Hellfire Pass. It's most pleasant from November to February.
    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta , part of Krabi Province, is larger and more tranquil than most Andaman Sea islands. Its main island, Lanta Yai, is elongated: beaches line the west coast, forested hills rise inland, and a single main road connects north and south. The beaches vary distinctly. In the north lie Klong Dao and Phra Ae , featuring shallow water and the densest infrastructure. Further south, Klong Khong , Klong Nin , and Kantiang Bay become quieter and rockier. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park, complete with a lighthouse, hiking trail, and macaques, adjoins the southern tip. On the east coast lies Lanta Old Town , a village of stilt houses built…

    How to plan your trip to Thailand

    From the guide to the road: here is what comes next.

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    Regions to Discover

    Explore the diverse regions of Thailand.

    East Coast (Chonburi to Trat)

    East Coast (Chonburi to Trat)

    The East Coast stretches from Chonburi southeast of Bangkok, via Rayong and Chanthaburi, to Trat on the border with Cambodia. It is the coast conveniently reachable by land from Bangkok, without a domestic flight or an overnight train.The character changes quickly: Pattaya in the north is a large, loud beach resort with its own history, while Koh Chang and the islands off Trat are much quieter and largely national park. While sharing the sea with South Gulf islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao, the region differs in access and travel season: getting here involves Bangkok, and the rainy season is different.
    Andamanensee-Küste

    Andamanensee-Küste

    The Andaman Coast forms the western side of the Thai peninsula. It is characterized by limestone karsts that rise from the sea and the plains, often dropping vertically, and are particularly dense in Phang Nga Bay. Off the coast lie the well-known island groups, from Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands to Koh Lanta and the far-flung Similan Islands. Several coastal sections and island groups are protected as national parks, home to some of the country's most renowned diving areas. The season is clearly defined: From approximately November to April is the dry season with calmer seas, while from May to October, the southwest monsoon…
    Gulf of Thailand Coast

    Gulf of Thailand Coast

    The Gulf of Thailand coast here stretches from Hua Hin south of Bangkok, via Chumphon and Surat Thani, down to Songkhla. It includes beach resorts like Hua Hin, tranquil fishing villages, and the island group of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The beaches are mostly shallow, and the sea is calmer than on the Andaman Coast. Important for planning: The southern Gulf receives most rain from October to December, which is when the season starts on the Andaman Coast. In May and June, it's the opposite, making the Gulf the better choice. Trains, buses, and highways run parallel along the coast. You can reach the islands by ferry from…
    Isan (Northeast Thailand)

    Isan (Northeast Thailand)

    Isan is Thailand's Northeast and the country's largest region: a vast, agricultural plateau bordered by the Mekong to the north and east. Touristically, it is less developed than the coasts and the north, and you'll less often get by with English. Culturally, the region is close to Laos. The spoken language is related to Laotian, as are its music, festivals, and cuisine. On the plate, you'll find Som Tam, Laab, and sticky rice, usually spicier than in Central Thailand. From the time of the Khmer Empire, several temple complexes are preserved in the south of the region, including Phanom Rung and Phimai. Additionally, there is silk…
    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    The Khao Sok Region is located in southern Thailand, inland in the provinces of Surat Thani and Phang Nga , approximately halfway between the Gulf and Andaman coasts. This makes it an obvious stopover between the coasts. Characterized by steep limestone mountains rising above evergreen rainforest and *Cheow Lan Lake*: A dam flooded a valley system, leaving the mountaintops standing as rocky towers in the water. The Khao Sok National Park protects a large contiguous rainforest, home to hornbills, gibbons, and wild elephants, among other species. Infrastructure is concentrated around Khlong Sok village at the park entrance and the…
    Khao Yai National Park Region

    Khao Yai National Park Region

    The Khao Yai Region lies about 180 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Its heart is the Khao Yai National Park, founded in 1962 as Thailand's first national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai. The park offers rainforest, waterfalls, wild elephants, gibbons, and hornbills.Around Pak Chong, outside the park gate, are wineries, cafés, and amusement parks, popular with Bangkok day-trippers on weekends.
    Nordthailand

    Nordthailand

    Northern Thailand combines mountain landscapes, centuries-old Lanna culture, and a dense temple landscape. In terms of climate, cuisine, and spoken language, the region differs significantly from the rest of the country – the Northern Thai dialect, Kam Mueang, is not easily understood by Central Thai speakers. Here you'll find cities with historic old towns and monastic complexes, interspersed with extensive national parks featuring mountain forests and hill tribe villages in the highlands. Handicrafts, weaving, and markets play a larger role than beach tourism. The cool season from November to February is considered the most…
    Phetchabun Mountains

    Phetchabun Mountains

    The Phetchabun Mountain Region lies in the Pa Sak Valley, about 350 km north of Bangkok, flanked by mountain ranges east and west. Higher elevations around Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek are cooler than the lowlands; during the cool season, morning fog often blankets the valleys.The region is especially popular with Thai weekend guests; international visitors are rare. Destinations include the ceramic-clad temple Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, Nam Nao National Park, and in the south, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Si Thep.
    West Thailand (Kanchanaburi and area)

    West Thailand (Kanchanaburi and area)

    Western Thailand, around the province of Kanchanaburi, combines war history and nature. This is where the Thailand-Burma Railway ran, built during World War II under Japanese occupation by prisoners of war and forced labourers, and known as the Death Railway.Attractions include the Bridge on the Khwae Yai, the war cemeteries and museums in Kanchanaburi, Hellfire Pass, the tiered waterfalls in Erawan National Park, and further north, Sangkhlaburi with its long wooden bridge.
    Central Lowland (Chao Phraya Plain)

    Central Lowland (Chao Phraya Plain)

    The Central Lowland is the plain of the Chao Phraya between Nakhon Sawan and the Gulf of Thailand. On this fertile alluvial land, the country's centers of power successively emerged: Dvaravati cities like Nakhon Pathom, then Ayutthaya and finally Bangkok.Destinations include the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the Khmer structures and the Narai Palace in Lopburi, as well as Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Most places are reachable from Bangkok within one to three hours.

    Recommended Itineraries

    Discover the best routes through Thailand.

    Thailand Klassiker Nord & Insel

    Thailand Klassiker Nord & Insel

    The route leads from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and ends at the Andaman Sea on Koh Yao Noi and Phuket. To get to the south fastest, take a domestic flight to Phuket.

    21 Days
    Stops at a glance
    1. 1.Bangkok
    2. 2.Chiang Mai
    3. 3.Chiang Rai
    4. 4.Koh Yao Noi
    5. 5.Phuket
    View Route Details →
    Thailand entspannt mit Andamanensee

    Thailand entspannt mit Andamanensee

    The route quickly leaves Bangkok and spends most time on the Andaman Sea: long beaches in Khao Lak, tranquil Koh Yao Noi, and limestone karsts around Krabi. From Bangkok you fly to Phuket, Khao Lak is an hour north of the airport; further stages are short and easily covered by minibus and boat.

    18 Days
    4 stops
    Kultur & Küche Thailands

    Kultur & Küche Thailands

    The route showcases Thailand through temples, markets, and cuisine: street food in Bangkok, cooking classes and night markets in Chiang Mai, the temples of Chiang Rai, and finally a few days by the Gulf in Hua Hin. From Chiang Rai, you fly back to Bangkok and then drive about three hours to Hua Hin.

    17 Days
    4 stops
    Thailand Nord intensiv & Süden sanft

    Thailand Nord intensiv & Süden sanft

    First mountains, then sea: From Bangkok, you travel to Chiang Mai, over the winding mountain road to Pai and on to Chiang Rai. From there, you fly via Bangkok to Krabi and cross by minibus and car ferry to Koh Lanta, where you spend a week at the end.

    20 Days
    5 stops
    Thailand familienfreundlich & stressarm

    Thailand familienfreundlich & stressarm

    Three destinations and short flights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai with markets and temples, and finally, a good week on Koh Samui. The minimal travel allows children enough time to settle in.

    17 Days
    3 stops
    Thailand Inselhüpfen sanft

    Thailand Inselhüpfen sanft

    Island hopping in the Andaman Sea without party islands: the tranquil Koh Yao Noi, Phuket for trips and Old Town, and finally Koh Lanta with long beaches. From Bangkok, you fly to Phuket and take a boat to Koh Yao Noi; ferries and speedboats operate between the islands.

    20 Days
    4 stops

    What you eat in Thailand

    Pad Thai Goong

    Pad Thai Goong

    Gebratene Nudeln mit Garnelen

    Wenn du nach einem Gericht suchst, das Thailands Seele verkörpert, dann ist Pad Thai genau das Richtige. Diese ikonischen, gebratenen Reisnudeln werden typischerweise mit Garnelen (Goong), Tofu, Ei, Erdnüssen, Bohnensprossen und Frühlingszwiebeln zubereitet. Die perfekte Balance aus süß, sauer, salzig und scharf – oft mit Tamarinde, Fischsauce und Palmzucker – macht jeden Bissen zu einem Fest für deine Geschmacksknospen. Du findest es an jeder Straßenecke, frisch und knusprig aus dem Wok serviert. Es ist nicht nur ein Gericht, sondern ein kulinarisches Erlebnis, das du dir nicht entgehen lassen solltest, da es die Essenz der thailändischen Garküche perfekt einfängt.
    Tom Yum Goong

    Tom Yum Goong

    Scharf-saure Garnelensuppe

    Tauche ein in die Welt der thailändischen Aromen mit Tom Yum Goong, der weltberühmten scharf-sauren Garnelensuppe. Diese aromatische Suppe besticht durch ihre einzigartige Kombination aus Zitronengras, Galgant, Kaffir-Limettenblättern, frischen Chilis und saftigen Garnelen. Der Geschmack ist eine Explosion aus Frische, Schärfe und Säure, perfekt abgerundet durch einen Hauch von Süße. Oft mit Pilzen und Koriander garniert, wärmt sie nicht nur, sondern belebt deine Sinne auf unvergleichliche Weise. Du wirst die Komplexität dieser Suppe lieben, die Thailands kulinarisches Erbe in einer Schüssel vereint und dir einen echten Geschmack von Thailand bietet.
    Khao Niao Mamuang

    Khao Niao Mamuang

    Mango Klebreis

    Lass dich von Khao Niao Mamuang verzaubern, dem ultimativen thailändischen Dessert: süßer Klebreis mit frischer Mango. Dieses saisonale Gericht besteht aus klebrigem Reis, der in süßer Kokosmilch gekocht und dann mit perfekt reifen, saftigen Mangoscheiben serviert wird. Oft wird es mit gerösteten Mungbohnen oder Sesam bestreut, um einen zusätzlichen Crunch und ein nussiges Aroma zu verleihen. Die Kombination aus der cremigen Süße des Reises und der exotischen Fruchtigkeit der Mango ist einfach himmlisch und ein perfekter Abschluss jeder Mahlzeit. Du wirst dieses einfache, doch raffinierte Dessert lieben, das die Geschmäcker Thailands süß abrundet.
    Massaman Gai

    Massaman Gai

    Massaman Curry mit Huhn

    Entdecke die reiche Geschichte und die komplexen Aromen des Massaman Gai, ein einzigartiges Curry mit Hühnchen, das persische und indische Einflüsse in die thailändische Küche bringt. Dieses milde, aber hocharomatische Curry wird mit Kokosmilch, Kartoffeln, Zwiebeln, Erdnüssen und zarten Hühnerstücken zubereitet. Die Massaman-Currypaste enthält Gewürze wie Kardamom, Zimt und Sternanis, die dem Gericht eine unverwechselbare Tiefe und Süße verleihen. Es ist weniger scharf als viele andere thailändische Currys und bietet eine wunderbar cremige Textur. Du solltest dieses Gericht unbedingt probieren, da es eine faszinierende Geschichte erzählt und mit seinen samtigen Aromen begeistert.

    Good to Know

    Essential info for your trip planning.

    Land & People

    Buddhism and Everyday RespectAround 90 percent of people in Thailand are Buddhists, and Theravada Buddhism shapes daily…

    History & Society

    A Land Without Colonial HistoryThailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power.

    Food & Drink

    Regional CuisinesThai cuisine thrives on the interplay of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty.

    Practical Info

    Entry regulations, safety conditions, and health advisories change regularly.

    Getting Around

    In the CitiesIn Bangkok, BTS Skytrain and MRT are the fastest transport, bypassing traffic.

    RV Travel

    SuitabilityThailand is not a classic RV destination. There's virtually no market for RV rentals for tourists, and…

    Traveling with Kids

    Thailand is great for travel with kids. It's well-developed for tourism, and children are welcomed almost everywhere.

    Best Time to Visit

    When is the best time for your trip?

    December
    January
    February
    March
    26–28°C·10–30 mm(little rain)
    Die Monate Dezember bis März bieten das angenehmste Wetter in Thailand. Es ist Trockenzeit mit viel Sonnenschein und geringer Luftfeuchtigkeit, ideal für Erkundungen und Strandurlaub.
    Thailand hat ein tropisches Klima, das durch hohe Temperaturen und eine hohe Luftfeuchtigkeit gekennzeichnet ist. Das Klima variiert je nach Region. Der Norden Thailands ist gebirgiger und kühler als die zentralen Ebenen und die Küstenregionen. Monsunzeit: Die Regenzeit dauert von Mai/Juni bis Oktober, wobei der meiste Regen im September und Oktober fällt. Während dieser Zeit kann es zu starken Regenfällen und Überschwemmungen kommen. Regionale Unterschiede: Zentralthailand: Heiße Temperaturen das ganze Jahr über, mit einer deutlichen Regenzeit. Nordthailand: Kühlere Temperaturen in den Wintermonaten (November bis Februar). Südthailand: Tropisches Klima mit hoher Luftfeuchtigkeit und regelmäßigen Regenfällen das ganze Jahr über. Die Ostküste hat ihren Höhepunkt der Regenzeit im November und Dezember, während die Westküste von Mai bis Oktober stärker betroffen ist. Es ist ratsam, die spezifischen Wettervorhersagen für die Region, die Sie besuchen möchten, zu überprüfen, da das Wetter lokal variieren kann.

    Seasons

    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec
    Hauptsaison
    Regenzeit
    Übergangszeit
    Best Time to Visit
    ▶Show detailed monthly data
    MonthTemp (°C)Rain (mm)Sun (h)
    January26.0109.0
    February27.0209.0
    March28.0308.0
    April30.0607.0
    May29.02006.0
    June28.02505.0
    July28.02505.0
    August28.02505.0
    September28.02006.0
    October27.01507.0
    November27.0508.0
    December26.0109.0

    Travel advice

    Safety, entry requirements and health: the official, up-to-date advice for Thailand is published by the UK government on GOV.UK.

    Go to GOV.UK

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI
    Felix at Kuirau Park in Rotorua, New Zealand

    Who's behind Fernweh?

    Hi, I'm Felix.

    I love to travel, and I love planning even more. Fernweh.guide is my attempt at building a really good online travel guide.

    About Fernweh

    All places in Thailand

    • Andamanensee-Küste
    • Ang Thong Marine National Park
    • Ao Nang
    • Bangkok
    • Buriram
    • Central Lowland (Chao Phraya Plain)
    • Cheow-Lan Lake
    • Chiang Mai
    • Chiang Rai
    • Doi Inthanon National Park
    • East Coast (Chonburi to Trat)
    • Erawan National Park
    • Floating Market Damnoen Saduak
    • Gulf of Thailand Coast
    • Hellfire Pass
    • Historical Park Ayutthaya
    • Hua Hin
    • Isan (Northeast Thailand)
    • Kanchanaburi City
    • Khao Kho
    • Khao Lak
    • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
    • Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)
    • Khao Sok River
    • Khao Sok Village
    • Khao Yai National Park
    • Khao Yai National Park Region
    • Khon Kaen
    • Koh Chang
    • Koh Kood
    • Koh Kradan
    • Koh Lanta
    • Koh Lipe
    • Koh Phangan
    • Koh Phi Phi Islands
    • Koh Samet
    • Koh Samui
    • Koh Tao
    • Koh Yao Noi
    • Krabi
    • Lampang
    • Lopburi
    • Mae Hong Son
    • Nakhon Pathom
    • Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
    • Nam Talu Cave
    • Nam-Nao National Park
    • Nan
    • Nong Khai
    • Nordthailand
    • Pai
    • Pak Chong
    • Pattaya
    • Phang-Nga Bay
    • Phanom Rung Historical Park
    • Phetchabun Mountains
    • Phimai Historical Park
    • Phu Thap Boek
    • Phuket
    • Pra Kie Cave (Coral Cave)
    • Railay Beach
    • Rattanakosin (Old City)
    • Riverside (Chao Phraya)
    • Sai Yok National Park
    • Sangkhlaburi
    • Siam Square / Ratchaprasong
    • Silom / Sathorn
    • Similan Islands
    • Sukhothai Historical Park
    • Sukhumvit
    • Surin
    • Thung-Salaeng-Luang National Park
    • Trang
    • Ubon Ratchathani
    • Udon Thani
    • West Thailand (Kanchanaburi and area)
    • Yaowarat (Chinatown)

    More about Thailand

    • Best Time to Visit Thailand
    • Thailand with Kids