Thailand Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Thailand?
December
High
season
January
High
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Thailand is 198.1 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 52 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Bangkok (TH) and Washington D.C. (US) is 8796 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Bangkok click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Thailand on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution (plus additional regional warnings).
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Baht (THB) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Thailand
| Miles | Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Pattaya | Ko Samui | Ayutthaya | Phuket Province | Chiang Rai | Hua Hin |
| Bangkok | - | 364 | 62 | 295 | 42 | 429 | 428 | 91 |
| Chiang Mai | 364 | - | 425 | 645 | 324 | 753 | 95 | 436 |
| Pattaya | 62 | 425 | - | 244 | 101 | 386 | 488 | 67 |
| Ko Samui | 295 | 645 | 244 | - | 337 | 158 | 719 | 211 |
| Ayutthaya | 42 | 324 | 101 | 337 | - | 470 | 387 | 131 |
| Phuket Province | 429 | 753 | 386 | 158 | 470 | - | 834 | 339 |
| Chiang Rai | 428 | 95 | 488 | 719 | 387 | 834 | - | 508 |
| Hua Hin | 91 | 436 | 67 | 211 | 131 | 339 | 508 | - |
A Brief History of Thailand
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
1000 - 1099
Thais settlementThais begin moving from southern China into what is now Thailand.
1350
SiamA unified Thai kingdom is established under the rule of King Ramathibodi. A series of kings follow, ruling what was then known as Siam.
1896
British-French treatyA British-French treaty guarantees independence for the new country.
1932
Bloodless revolutionA bloodless revolution ends the absolute monarchy. The royal family is replaced by a representational government.
1939
ThailandSiam officially changes its name to Thailand.
1941
World War IIJapan invades Thailand in World War II, forcing Thailand to fight with Japan in the war.
1944
An allyThailand takes back a declaration of war against the United States and Britain. After the war, it becomes an ally of the U.S.
1946
Member of the UNThailand becomes the 55th member of the United Nations.
1960s - 1970s
Vietnam WarThailand is involved in conflicts in the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Vietnam. The U.S. maintains military bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
1997
Stock market crashA major stock market crash devastates Thailand's economy. The baht, Thailand's unit of money, drops in value.
2004
Boxing Day tsunamiA devastating tsunami strikes. Giant waves hit the western coast and islands of Thailand and 10 other nations, killing hundreds of thousands of people.
2008
Anti-government demonstrationsThousands of pro- and antigovernment demonstrators rally in Bangkok. Thailand declares a state of emergency.
Best Ways to Experience Thailand
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreBaht (THB)
- EUR
- GBP
- THB
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- THB
- USD
| = |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Thailand.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Thailand
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Thailand for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Maximum two visits annually if not arriving by air.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Thailand the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type A, B, C, O sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type OFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 20 / 231 Ranking | 69 799 978 Thai 95.9%, Burmese 2% |
Area | 52 / 230 Ranking | 198.1 thous. mi² It is approximately 5% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 74 / 196 Ranking | 77.4 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.4women 80.6 |
Median age | 119 / 157 Ranking | 39 Average age of population expressed in years.men 37.8women 40.1 |
Population growth | 131 / 172 Ranking | 0.26% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 49 / 131 Ranking | 93.8% Ability to read, write and count.men 95.2%women 92.4% |
GDP | 75 / 194 Ranking | 18 226 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Myanmar (Burma)