Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing, island-hopping, and outdoor activities. April to June is hot but less crowded, while July to October is monsoon season with occasional heavy rains but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

A well-planned Thailand itinerary usually needs at least 7–10 days to cover the highlights. With a week, travellers can explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and a beach destination like Phuket or Krabi. For a deeper experience, 12–14 days allow time for cultural sites like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, plus island-hopping in the south. Shorter trips of 4–5 days are possible, but focusing on one region is best. AEJ offers curated Thailand itineraries designed around trip length and traveller preferences.

Thailand is perfect for almost every type of traveller — honeymooners looking for luxury resorts, families seeking cultural experiences, backpackers exploring hostels and street food, and adventure seekers trying scuba diving, trekking, or rock climbing. Wellness travellers also flock here for yoga retreats and traditional Thai massages.

Thailand is famous for its tropical beaches, ornate temples, floating markets, vibrant nightlife, and Thai cuisine. Highlights include Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Phuket’s beaches, Chiang Mai’s temples, Ayutthaya’s ruins, and Krabi’s limestone cliffs. Wellness retreats, Thai massages, and island-hopping tours make it one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia.

No, Indian travellers do not need a visa for short tourist visits. Under the current policy, Indians can enjoy a 60-day visa-free stay, with a possible extension at the immigration office. Starting May 2025, all visitors—including Indian travellers—must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arriving. The form is free and mandatory for entry. Travellers can fill it out on the official portal: Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and restaurants, but cash is preferred in markets, street stalls, and rural areas. ATMs are easily available across the country, and currency exchange counters offer competitive rates.

The official language is Thai, though English is widely understood in major tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. In smaller towns, basic phrases or translation apps can be useful for smoother communication.

Thai culture places strong emphasis on respect. Always greet with a wai (palms together), avoid touching people’s heads, and dress modestly when visiting temples. Shoes must be removed before entering homes and religious sites. Public displays of anger are frowned upon, and it’s considered disrespectful to point your feet at others or at Buddha images.

Thai cuisine is world-famous for its flavours — from pad thai and green curry to street food like mango sticky rice. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, though travellers should clarify as fish sauce is commonly used. Halal food can be found in many areas, especially in southern Thailand.

Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia. Backpackers can manage on INR 3,000–5,000 per day, mid-range travellers should budget INR 6,000–9,000, and luxury travellers may spend INR 12,000+ daily on resorts, fine dining, and private tours.

The busiest airports are Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok), Phuket International Airport, and Chiang Mai International Airport. These hubs connect Thailand with major international cities and domestic destinations.

Thailand has a reliable network of domestic flights, trains, buses, and ferries. Low-cost airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air make island-hopping convenient. Overnight trains connect Bangkok to Chiang Mai and other cities, while tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared taxis) are popular for local travel.

Train travel in Thailand is scenic and affordable, with routes connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Hua Hin. Classes range from basic third-class seats to air-conditioned sleepers. Trains are slower than flights but offer an authentic way to see the countryside. Tickets can be booked at stations, online, or through agencies, but availability can be limited during peak season.

Yes, foreigners can rent and drive cars in Thailand with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Roads are generally good, but traffic in Bangkok can be chaotic. Motorbike rentals are popular in islands and smaller towns, though safety precautions and insurance are essential.

Connectivity between Thailand’s major cities is excellent by domestic flights, trains, and buses. Budget airlines make routes like Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Bangkok–Phuket quick and affordable, while overnight trains are a scenic way to reach Chiang Mai or Surat Thani. Buses and minivans run frequently between popular destinations, and ferries connect the islands to the mainland. With multiple options available, travelling across Thailand is convenient for every budget and style of trip.