Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand Travel Guide: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Everything In Between

Thailand is Asia's top travel destination for more reasons than one. From the lush mountain jungles, traditional villages and sacred culture of the North to the turquoise waters and white-sand tropical beaches of the South, there's something here for every traveller.

Get off the beaten track, immerse yourself in authentic local culture, explore grand palaces and ancient temples, shop the vibrant night markets, take a cooking class, sip a super-cheap cocktail and eat some of the best street food on the planet. Thailand is a backpacker's dream come true, and this guide covers the essentials plus its two great cities: Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thailand essentials

Time zone

All of Thailand runs on Bangkok time, seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7), with no daylight saving. It's the same time zone as Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Climate and when to go

Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons. The dry season (November to February) is cooler and less humid, with temperatures ranging from as low as 15 degrees Celsius in the north up to 35 degrees. The wet season (May to October) is hot and very humid, with 80 to 100 per cent humidity and temperatures in the high 30s.

Currency

The currency is the Thai Baht (B), in coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Baht and notes of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Thailand is well set up for travellers: ATMs are in nearly every developed town and city, money changing is easy at the main airports and most banks, and converting Baht back to other currencies is straightforward too.

Shopping

Competition for the tourist dollar is fierce, so expect enthusiastic sales pitches on the street and in markets. Bangkok has large international brands across its network of malls, other cities lean on smaller Thai malls and markets, and night markets everywhere are the best spots to pick up souvenirs, try street food and people-watch. Larger cities have supermarkets and most western conveniences, and every town has at least one 7-Eleven.

Health and insurance

Visit a travel doctor before you go and discuss the vaccinations you might need. Mosquito-borne diseases including dengue fever and, in remote areas, malaria are present, so pack strong insect repellent (30 per cent DEET or higher). Valid, current travel insurance is essential and is required to travel with Stray.

Bangkok: the city that never sleeps

A city of contrasts with highlights at every corner, Bangkok is dynamic, full of life, character and culture. Tuk-tuks, boats and sky trains; shining temples and humble street markets; 200-year-old village homes beneath a sea of skyscrapers, with the Chao Phraya River and its canals snaking through it all. It's crazy all day and even crazier at night.

Here's a party trick: Bangkok is only the English name. To Thais, the city is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit, which begins 'The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha'. The elaborate network of canals (khlongs) also earned it the nickname 'Venice of the East'.

Things to see and do in Bangkok

• The big cultural sites: the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Pho and Wat Arun sit fairly close together along the Chao Phraya on the west side of the city, so you can see them all in one go, by tuk-tuk or by boat for a different perspective. Dress modestly to go inside.
• Khao San Road: the famous backpacker hub, once a rice market ('Khaosan' translates as 'milled rice'), now jam-packed with cheap shops, restaurants, bars, accommodation and travel agents. At night it's the place to eat, drink, meet people and watch the chaos unfold.
• Lumphini Park: Bangkok's Central Park, 58 hectares of lawns, trees and a man-made lake with paddle boats for hire. Named after the Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, it's the perfect escape from the city's hustle.
• The markets: the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest in the world, with over 8,000 stalls covering everything from souvenirs and fashion to art. The floating markets in the Taling Chan District are genuine local markets you explore by longtail boat, food-tasting and shopping as you go.
• The mega-malls: take the BTS Skytrain to Siam for a cluster of malls covering every budget: MBK for bargainable fashion, souvenirs and tech, Siam Centre for mid-range fashion, and Siam Paragon, one of Asia's biggest shopping centres, complete with Southeast Asia's largest aquarium, a 16-screen cineplex, supercar showrooms and an impressive food court.

Eating and drinking in Bangkok

Bangkok is heaven for foodies, and you'll find something for every budget, from a full three-course street-cart meal on Khao San Road for a few dollars to Chinatown's fast, tasty roadside seafood. Local favourites to tick off:

• Tom yum goong: a spicy, fragrant soup with prawns, mushrooms and lemongrass.
• Som tum: spicy green papaya salad with a sweet and fiery kick.
• Gaeng daeng and gaeng keow wan: red and green curries on a coconut milk base, with beef (nua), chicken (kai/gai) or tofu.
• Pad Thai: Thai-style fried noodles with fish sauce, egg and beansprouts.
• Med ma muang: stir-fried chicken with dried chillies and cashew nuts in a mild sauce.

For drinks, the city runs from plastic-chair street bars to chic rooftops. The standouts are Moon Bar, open-air on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel; the Rooftop Bar on the 83rd floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel; and Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel, of The Hangover Part II fame, where the cocktails cost a little more but the views over the Chao Phraya are priceless.

Getting from the airport

From Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the Khao San Road area, a metered taxi costs roughly 270 to 500 Baht depending on traffic, plus around 70 Baht in expressway tolls and a 50 Baht airport service fee paid to the driver. Public minivans are cheaper per person but pick up from multiple hotels, so allow up to two hours for the trip.

Chiang Mai: the creative north

A 700-year-old city with a thriving creative scene, modern attractions and a huge array of adventure activities, Chiang Mai (meaning 'New City') has all the fun of Bangkok without the rough edges. From leafy boulevards to misty mountains and lush rainforest, this serene city balances the traditional and the contemporary, with an unmistakably youthful vibe that draws expats, artists and backpackers alike.

Things to see and do in Chiang Mai

• Get adventurous: this is paradise for adventure junkies: trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, abseiling, stand-up paddle boarding and ATV tours, plus some of the best hiking in Thailand.
• Take a Thai cooking class: start with a trip to the local market, then learn to cook a range of authentic Thai dishes to impress everyone back home.
• Catch a Muay Thai boxing night: betting on Muay Thai is the locals' entertainment of choice. Soak up the atmosphere with a few beers at Thaphae Stadium.
• Explore the Old City: the heart of the action is the moat-and-wall-ringed Old City square, full of innovative cafes, hidden art galleries and local boutiques. Spend an afternoon or two just wandering.
• Temple-hop: there's a temple shining on almost every corner. Visit Wat Chiang Man (the city's oldest), Wat Phra Singh for the revered Phra Singh Buddha, and the bright gold Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep for picture-perfect views over the city.
• The Lanna Festival of Lights: those photos of hundreds of glowing lanterns rising into the night sky? That's Yi Peng, the Lanna festival of lights, held alongside Thai Loi Krathong around October or November. An experience not to be missed if your timing lines up.
• Songkran: around April, the whole city becomes one giant water fight. Grab a waterproof bag and the biggest water gun you can find.
• Learn the Lanna history: Chiang Mai was the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna from the 13th to 18th centuries. The Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre and the National Museum bring that heritage to life.
• Nimmanhaemin Road: just outside the old walls, this is Chiang Mai's trendiest strip: fashionable restaurants for every budget, cool cafes, crafty boutiques and exotic cocktails, anchored by the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre.
• The night markets: hit the Saturday and Sunday markets near Tha Pae Gate, or test your bargaining skills at the Night Bazaar any night of the week, with flamboyant cabaret shows nearby for afters.

Eating and drinking in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has some of the best and cheapest street food in Thailand. The number one dish to try is khao soi: a rich, aromatic coconut milk and yellow curry broth served over tender chicken drumsticks and soft egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles, fresh shallots, lime and pickled mustard greens. Follow it with gaeng hang lay, a Burmese-style sweet pork curry with a tamarind base, and stick to the night markets to keep your baht intact. Bars and pubs cluster within walking distance of the Night Bazaar and Old City, with cheaper drinks than Bangkok, theme nights, live music and sport on the big screens.

Heading south? The Full Moon Party

If your Thailand plans include the islands, the legendary Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is the biggest beach party in Asia, held every month under the full moon. We've covered everything you need to know, dates, survival tips and how to get there, in our dedicated Full Moon Party guide.

Getting there with Stray

Bangkok is the gateway to Southeast Asia and the starting point of Stray's Thailand to Laos route, which heads north through Chiang Mai before crossing into Laos for the two-day Mekong slow boat. Transport, handpicked accommodation, a knowledgeable local guide and the off-the-beaten-track stops are all organised, so you can spend your energy on the street food and the adventures instead of the logistics.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

The dry season, November to February, when it's cooler and less humid. The wet season (May to October) is hot with 80 to 100 per cent humidity, though it's also quieter and greener.

What currency is used in Thailand?

The Thai Baht. ATMs are available in nearly every developed town and city, and changing money is easy at main airports and most banks, in both directions.

What food should I try in Thailand?

In Bangkok: tom yum goong, som tum, red and green curries, pad Thai and med ma muang. In Chiang Mai, khao soi is the essential local dish: a rich coconut curry soup with egg noodles and crunchy fried noodles on top.

What is Bangkok's real name?

Bangkok is the English name. The full Thai ceremonial name is 169 characters long, beginning Krung Thep Mahanakhon, and translates as 'The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha'. Locals shorten it to Krung Thep.

When are Chiang Mai's big festivals?

Yi Peng, the Lanna festival of lights famous for its sky lanterns, falls around October or November alongside Loi Krathong. Songkran, the nationwide water fight marking Thai New Year, happens around April.

Do I need vaccinations for Thailand?

See a travel doctor before you go to discuss which vaccinations you need. Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue and, in remote areas, malaria are present, so strong insect repellent is a must, and valid travel insurance is essential.