Fast Facts & Travel Tips
- Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)
- Official Language: Thai
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). For Bank of Thailand exchange rate, check Daily Foreign Exchange Rates.
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT) – UTC +7
- Electricity: Electric and Plugs Voltage is 220 Volts with either 2 flat blades (NEMA 1-15 or JIS C 8303) or round 2 pin plugs (Europlug CEE 7/16). You can buy an adapter for shavers, laptop computers, mobile chargers, etc. at most department stores.
- Visa: Many countries can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days (or 60 days for certain countries). Please check https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ or contact your local embassy or consulate for latest information. For Australians, always check travel advice on Smartraveller.com.au
- Starting 1 May 2025, non-Thai passport holders entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to the arrival.
- Seasons: Summer: March – May, Rainy season: June – October, Cool season: November to February
- Popular Attractions – Activities:
- Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chatuchak market, Yaowarat (China Town), shopping, dining, river cruise, nightlife
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai old town, Doi Suthep, elephant sanctuaries, handicraft markets, wellness, hiking
- Chiang Rai: Golden Triangle, White Temple, hiking
- Phuket: Beaches along the west, Phuket old town, wellness
- Krabi: Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay beach, Ao Nang, islands hopping, rock climbing, hiking, scuba diving – snorkelling
- Phang Nga: Khao Lak beach, scuba diving – snorkelling, Similan islands, Surin islands, Takua Pa old town, rafting
- Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage site), temples, Bang Pa-In Palace
- Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan: Islands hopping, scuba diving – snorkelling, hiking, wellness, beaches
- Pattaya: Beaches, Sanctuary of Truth, watersports
- Transportation:
- Public Transit: Skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT) in Bangkok, Airport Rail Link (ARL) connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok, boats, buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, regional trains, planes
- Major international airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueng, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Rai
- Cuisine: Must try dishes are Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Som Tum, Pad Kraprao, and Massaman Curry. Most popular dessert is mango sticky rice. The Michelin Guide Thailand (2026) features features 2 three-star restaurants, 8 two-star restaurants, 33 one-star restaurants, and 137 Bib Gourmand selections. The website also contains interesting information on Thai cuisine and attractions.
- Drinking Water: Tap water in Thailand is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is sold everywhere and very cheap. If you only have access to tap water, boil it before drinking.
- Religions: 90% Buddhism. The rest are Islam, Christianity, Hindusim.
- Cultural Etiquette:
- Show respect to Buddhist monks, the royal family and elderlies regardless of their social status.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and royal palace. (See tips on what to pack for a sustainable week in Thailand here.)
- Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
- Say thank you after you receive the services or before you leave the shop. (Some useful Thai words for travellers, here.)
Health & Safety: Thailand is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious in tourist areas, particularly with scams. Always follow local laws and regulations. For Australians, always check travel advice on Smartraveller.com.au.
Always ask your doctor about vaccinations before you travel. The recommended vaccines for travelling depend on a number of factors, including: your age, pregnancy or planning pregnancy, underlying medical conditions, vaccination history, season of travel. Outbreaks of insect-borne illnesses are common during the rainy season: November to March in Koh Samui and the south-east of Thailand and May to November in the rest of Thailand, including Phuket. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent.
In dry months, Thailand has high levels of air pollution, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Smoke haze is an issue across central, north and north-east of Thailand from December to April. Check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index.
Despite public awareness campaigns and road improvements nationwide, road safety in Thailand is still a concern. Most of the accidents involve motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always look several times before crossing the roads even when you have green light and always wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle or a bicycle.
It is also recommended to consider purchasing appropriate travel Insurance policy before you travel. It should cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation, loss of property, cancellation fees, etc.
Emergency Telephone Numbers: Emergency Police: 191, Tourist Police1155, Fire: 199, Ambulance: 1554
