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Smiles, golden temples, jungle and warm-water beaches. A cheap, easy and varied destination, perfect for a first trip to Asia.
If you like this destination, also see Japan or Bali (Indonesia).
History and customs of Thailand
It was never colonised by a European power: once called Siam, it became Thailand in 1939. Monarchy and Buddhism shape daily life.
Today it is a constitutional monarchy where the king and Theravada Buddhism play a central role. Its past includes the old capital Ayutthaya, destroyed in 1767, and Bangkok, founded as capital in 1782.
Since 2014 the country has seen a military coup, elections and protests. King Bhumibol died in 2016 and his son Vajiralongkorn succeeded him. Tourism is key: almost 40 million visitors came in 2019.
People greet with the “wai”, palms pressed together. Take off your shoes at temples and homes, and never touch anyone’s head or point with your feet.
Typical food in Thailand
Thai cooking balances sweet, salty, sour and spicy in one dish. Pad thai became a national dish in the 1940s, promoted by the government to unite the country.
- Pad thai – stir-fried noodles
- Tom yum – spicy soup
- Mango sticky rice
What to eat in each city of Thailand
- Bangkok – pad kra pao at street stalls
- Chiang Mai – khao soi (noodle curry
- Phuket – Hokkien noodles and seafood
Regional dishes in Thailand
- North – khao soi and sai ua sausage
- Isan, northeast – som tam and grilled chicken
- South – crab curry and gaeng som
Iconic places in Thailand
In Bangkok, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with its 46-metre reclining Buddha, are musts. Chiang Mai is known for its old-town temples and Doi Suthep.
Beyond the big cities, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, former capitals with brick and stone temples, are worth a visit. In the south, Koh Lanta and Koh Tao offer diving and quieter beaches.
1. Bangkok – temples and markets
2. Chiang Mai – mountains and sanctuaries
3. Krabi & Phi Phi – movie-set beaches
4. Wat Arun – temple by the Chao Phraya river, lovely at sunset
5. Sukhothai – historical park of the first Thai kingdom
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Thailand
✅ Best time. Nov–Feb: dry and cooler, ideal for temples and Andaman beaches.
⚠️ Worst time. Apr–Oct: extreme heat in April, then monsoon rains; September is the wettest month.
How much does it cost to travel to Thailand
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $22 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $61 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $165 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $7–$17 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$3 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: Bangkok reference ≈ $50 per night (Oysterlink, 2025). Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.
You may also like: Peru, Mexico, Spain, Bali (Indonesia).