Your first trip to Thailand
A first trip to Thailand usually pairs Bangkok's temples and food with a few days in the north or on the Andaman coast — seven to fourteen days, best between November and April.
- Thai baht (THB)
- Types A, B, C, F and O; 220 V
- On the left
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX)
- Depends on your passport — check the Royal Thai Embassy or your government's travel advice
How to spend 7, 10 or 14 days in Thailand
City and beach
Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the river in Bangkok, then a short flight to Phuket for Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.
The classic loop
Bangkok, then the temples, markets and elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai, then Krabi's limestone coast and island-hopping.
North, south and the islands
Add Chiang Rai's White Temple to the north, and split the coast between Krabi and Phuket.
When to go to Thailand
- November to February is cool and dry across most of the country — the most comfortable and the busiest time.
- March to May is the hot season, with afternoon temperatures that make midday sightseeing hard work.
- June to October is the rainy season: showers are often short, prices drop, and some Andaman boat trips are cancelled for rough seas.
- The Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) follow a different pattern, with their wettest months around October to December.
Getting between cities in Thailand
- Domestic flights link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui in about an hour. Budget airlines mostly use Don Mueang (DMK), not Suvarnabhumi (BKK): check which airport your ticket names.
- Overnight trains run between Bangkok and Chiang Mai; ferries and speedboats connect the islands.
- For airport runs and city-to-city legs with luggage, a private transfer is the simplest door-to-door option.
On the classic route
All 2,022 in Thailand →
Hanuman Cinema (Day)
Doi Inthanon National Park (Shared)
Phi Phi Island Tour: Private Speed Boat with Buffet Lunch (from Krabi, up to 40 people, park fee included)
Adrenaline Rush Show: Gold Seat, Ticket Only (Wed-Sun)
Thai Set Dinner: Grand Vista Hotel Chiang Rai
Money, cards and tipping
- Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and most restaurants in the cities; carry cash for markets, street food and small shops.
- Thai ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often.
- Tipping is not required. Rounding up, or leaving small change for good service, is appreciated.
- A local SIM or an eSIM is easy to buy on arrival and is the simplest way to use ride-hailing apps and maps.
Good to know
- Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off to enter temples and the Grand Palace.
- Thailand's monarchy is protected by strict laws — speak respectfully about the royal family.
- The head is considered sacred and the feet the lowest part of the body: do not touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
Read before you go
First trip to Thailand: questions
How many days do I need for a first trip to Thailand?
Seven days covers Bangkok and one beach base; ten to fourteen days adds Chiang Mai in the north and a second coast or island.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February is cool and dry across most of the country. The Gulf islands around Koh Samui are an exception, with their wettest months around October to December.
Do I need cash in Thailand?
Yes, for markets, street food and small shops. Cards work in hotels, malls and most city restaurants; ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal.
Should I fly or take the train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai?
A flight takes about an hour; the overnight train takes most of a night and saves a hotel night. Both run daily.
Can I book tours and transfers in Thailand before I go?
Yes. Explera Discover lists 970 experiences and 1,052 private transfers in Thailand, each confirmed by our local desk with an e-voucher by email.
Tours, transfers and guides across Thailand
All-in prices in your currency. Confirmed by our local desk, e-voucher by email.