Thailand

Survival Guide

Weather, festivals, etiquette, transport, and everything else to know before you land.

Best Time to Visit

☀️ November – February · Best Time
Cool & Dry Season
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Generally dry, sunny weather
  • Perfect for sightseeing
  • Ideal for many beaches and islands
  • Peak travel season
🌤️ March – May
Hot Season
  • Hottest months
  • Great for island escapes
  • Perfect for diving and snorkelling
  • Songkran in April
  • Stay hydrated during the day
🔥 February – April · Northern Burning Season
Haze in the North
  • Mainly affects Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai
  • Haze and poor air quality can occur
  • March is often the worst month
  • Check air quality before travelling north
🌧️ May – October · Andaman Monsoon
Rain on the West Coast
  • Wetter in Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Fewer crowds
  • Lower accommodation prices
  • Rougher seas can affect boat trips
🌴 October – December · Gulf Wet Season
Rain on the East Coast
  • Wetter around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
  • Heavier tropical showers
  • Sea conditions can be rougher
  • Weather differs from the Andaman Coast

Thailand has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Weather varies by region, with a northern burning season and different monsoon patterns on the Andaman and Gulf coasts.

Pro Tip
Thailand's weather varies by region. While one coast may experience rain, another can still enjoy clearer skies, making it possible to find good weather throughout much of the year.

Holidays & Festivals

🧧 Chinese New Year · January / February
Lanterns, Dragons & Street Food
  • Thailand's Chinese communities celebrate with lanterns, dragon dances, performances and incredible street food
  • Best places: Bangkok Chinatown ⭐, Phuket Old Town
🏯 Makha Bucha · February / March
Candlelit Temple Processions
  • An important Buddhist holiday marked by temple ceremonies and candlelit processions
  • Before you go: alcohol restrictions may apply
💦 Songkran | Thai New Year · April 13–15
Thailand's Biggest Celebration
  • Cities across the country turn into huge water fights alongside traditional Thai New Year ceremonies
  • Best places: Chiang Mai ⭐, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya
🪷 Visakha Bucha · May / June
A Sacred Buddhist Holiday
  • One of Thailand's most important Buddhist holidays, with temple ceremonies and religious observances nationwide
  • Before you go: alcohol restrictions may apply
🪷 Asalha Bucha & Khao Phansa · July
The Start of Buddhist Lent
  • Important Buddhist observances marking Buddha's first sermon and the beginning of Buddhist Lent
🌕 Full Moon Party · Every Month
DJs, Fire Shows & Sunrise
  • Thailand's iconic beach party at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, dancing until sunrise
  • Best place: Koh Phangan ⭐
  • Dates follow the lunar calendar and can shift around Buddhist holidays
🥬 Phuket Vegetarian Festival · September / October
Ceremonies & Street Processions
  • One of Thailand's most unique cultural festivals, featuring religious ceremonies, street processions and vegetarian food
  • Best place: Phuket ⭐
🏮 Yi Peng Lantern Festival · October / November
The Sky Fills With Lanterns
  • Northern Thailand's famous lantern celebration alongside traditional Lanna ceremonies
  • Best place: Chiang Mai ⭐
🪷 Loy Krathong · October / November
Candlelit Krathongs on the Water
  • Candlelit krathongs are floated on rivers and waterways in one of Thailand's most beautiful traditional celebrations
  • Best places: Sukhothai ⭐, Chiang Mai, Bangkok
🎆 New Year's Eve · December 31
Countdowns Across the Country
  • Major countdowns, rooftop parties, beach celebrations and fireworks take place across Thailand
  • Best places: Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan

Ten celebrations worth planning around, from citywide water fights to lantern-lit rivers.

Do's & Don'ts

✅ DO
Dress Respectfully at Temples
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
✅ DO
Remove Your Shoes
  • Before entering temples and some homes
✅ DO
Respect the Thai Royal Family
  • Avoid any comments or gestures that could be seen as disrespectful
✅ DO
Stay Hydrated
  • The tropical heat catches out even experienced travellers
❌ DON'T
Touch Someone's Head
  • Considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture
❌ DON'T
Ride Elephants
  • Avoid attractions offering elephant rides
❌ DON'T
Visit Tiger Parks
  • Or pose for photos with sedated wild animals
❌ DON'T
Litter
  • On beaches or in national parks

Small habits that go a long way. And a few that can get you in trouble.

Also Do
  • Carry cash for markets and street food
  • Try local street food
  • Bargain politely at markets
  • Smile and be respectful to locals
Also Don't
  • Point your feet at people or Buddha statues
  • Wear revealing clothing inside temples
  • Feed or disturb wildlife, or stare monkeys in the eyes
  • Ride scooters without the correct licence or helmet
  • Raise your voice during disagreements

Getting Around

🚆 Trains
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and Beyond
  • Perfect for travelling between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other major destinations
✈️ Domestic Flights
The Quickest Way Across the Country
  • Best for covering long distances fast
🚗 Grab & Bolt
Ride-Hailing Made Easy
  • Available in many major cities and tourist destinations
🛺 Tuk-Tuks
Popular for Shorter Journeys
  • Agree on the fare before travelling if there's no meter
🛵 Scooters
Popular on Islands & Small Towns
  • Only ride if you're properly licensed, experienced and insured

Thailand offers a variety of affordable ways to travel between cities and islands.

⛴️ Ferries & Speedboats
Essential for reaching Thailand's islands. Weather can affect schedules during monsoon season.
💵 Cash & Payments
Cards are accepted in larger cities, but cash is still important for markets, street food and smaller businesses.
Explore the full Transport Guide →

Before You Go

🛂 Entry Requirements
Check Your Visa Status
  • Confirm passport validity and the latest visa or visa-exemption requirements for your nationality before travelling
📱 Stay Connected
Sort Data Before You Land
  • Purchase an eSIM before arrival or pick up a local SIM card at the airport
💰 Money
Thai Baht (THB)
  • Cards are common in cities, but cash is recommended for markets, smaller restaurants and island destinations
🩺 Travel Insurance
Highly Recommended
  • Especially if you plan on riding scooters, diving, hiking or island hopping
🔌 Power
220V, Type A/B/C Plugs
  • Bring an adapter if your plug shape doesn't match

A short checklist so nothing catches you off guard at the airport.

📝 Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Non-Thai travellers must complete the TDAC online before arrival.
📲 Download Before Arrival
Grab, Google Maps, 12Go, Google Translate, Booking.com