Thailand is a kingdom in the middle of mainland Southeast Asia, known for its tropical beaches and islands, Buddhist temples, street food and the huge, busy capital, Bangkok. It is one of the most visited countries in Asia, and it works well for a first trip to the region as well as for long stays.

Where it is

Thailand borders Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north-east, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Two seas wash its coast: the Gulf of Thailand on the east side of the southern peninsula and the Andaman Sea on the west side.

The country is often split into four broad regions:

• North – mountains, forests and cooler nights. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the main cities.
• North-east (Isan) – a large, flat and mostly rural plateau along the Mekong river, with its own spicy cuisine.
• Central plains – the rice-growing heart of the country around the Chao Phraya river, including Bangkok and the old capital Ayutthaya.
• South – the long, narrow peninsula with most of the famous beaches and islands, such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Basic facts

Capital	Bangkok
Official language	Thai
Currency	Thai baht (THB)
Main religion	Theravada Buddhism
Government	Constitutional monarchy
Driving	On the left

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised by a European power, and you can feel that pride in its culture. The king is deeply respected, and criticising the monarchy is a serious criminal offence.

Climate and when to go

Thailand is hot all year. The weather is shaped by the monsoon, and most of the country has three rough seasons:

• Cool and dry – roughly November to February. The most popular time to visit.
• Hot – roughly March to May, when temperatures peak.
• Rainy – roughly June to October, with short, heavy downpours rather than all-day rain.

The east coast of the southern peninsula (Koh Samui and the Gulf islands) has a different pattern: its wettest months usually come late in the year. If you plan a beach holiday, check the season for the specific coast.

Getting around

• Domestic flights connect Bangkok with most regional cities and islands with airports.
• Trains run from Bangkok to the north, the north-east and the south. Overnight sleeper trains are a classic way to travel.
• Buses and minivans reach almost everywhere and are the cheapest option.
• Ferries and speedboats link the mainland with the islands.
• In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro and river boats on the Chao Phraya help you avoid the traffic.
• Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis work in big cities. Tuk-tuks are fun, but agree on the price before you get in.

Food

Thai food balances sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours, usually in a single dish. Some well-known dishes:

• Pad thai – stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, peanuts and lime.
• Tom yum – hot and sour soup with lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves.
• Green curry (gaeng keow wan) – coconut curry with green chillies and Thai basil.
• Som tam – green papaya salad, originally from Isan.
• Khao man gai – poached chicken on rice cooked in chicken stock.
• Mango sticky rice – a sweet dessert of glutinous rice, coconut milk and fresh mango.

Street food and night markets are a big part of daily life, and eating there is normal, not only for tourists.

Culture and etiquette

• Remove your shoes before you enter a home or a temple building.
• Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit temples and royal sites.
• The head is considered the highest part of the body: don't touch people on the head.
• Don't point your feet at people or at images of the Buddha.
• The traditional greeting is the wai, a slight bow with palms pressed together.
• Keeping calm and polite in difficult situations is valued much more than raising your voice.

Practical tips

• Entry rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check the current requirements with the Thai embassy or the official government sources before you travel.
• Cash is still common at markets and small shops, although cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in cities.
• Plugs: several socket types are in use, so a universal adapter is the safe choice.
• Tap water is generally not drunk. Bottled or filtered water is easy to find.
• Sun and heat: drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon.
• Travel insurance that covers medical treatment is strongly recommended.

Official sources

• Tourism Authority of Thailand: https://www.tourismthailand.org/