The best time to visit Thailand is generally between November and February, as this is the country's dry season. During these months, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time to explore the country's outdoor attractions. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October can also be a good time to visit. The weather is still relatively dry, and crowds are smaller, but temperatures can be quite hot. June to August is the rainy (or monsoon) season, with heavy rainfall, which isn’t ideal for beach lovers. This can make other outdoor activities more challenging, but it also means fewer crowds and lower prices.

Thailand has several holidays throughout the year, including Songkran in April, also known as Thai New Year. The streets are full of locals and tourists participating in the water fights and other festivities. Other holidays include Loy Krathong and Thailand’s National Day, celebrating the King’s birthday. These can be great cultural experiences but also mean larger crowds and higher prices, so plan accordingly.

The best time to visit Thailand depends on your priorities. For ideal weather, visit between November and February. For lower prices and smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or the wet season. And for a cultural experience, plan your trip around a Thai holiday.

The amount of money you spend on a trip to Thailand can vary depending on your travel style, itinerary, and budget. Generally speaking, Thailand is an affordable destination, with many budget-friendly options available for food, accommodation, and activities. Visitors can get a lot of value out of their money.

Accommodation in Thailand ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels and resorts, with prices starting around $10 per night and going up to several hundred dollars per night for high-end accommodations.

Food in Thailand is relatively cheap, and visitors can enjoy delicious street food for as little as $1 per meal or dine in a restaurant for $5-10 per meal. Transportation costs are also affordable, with local buses and trains costing only a few dollars per trip.Activities such as sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment can also be budget-friendly, with entrance fees to popular attractions, such as temples and museums, typically ranging from $1-5.

On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $30-50 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $50-100 per day. Luxury travelers can spend significantly more, with expenses upwards of $200-300 per day.

US travelers visiting Thailand can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. If you’re planning to be in Thailand for longer than that, you need a tourist visa before arrival in Thailand, which you can get at a Thai embassy or consulate in the US. With a tourist visa you can stay up to 60 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension by visiting a local immigration office. It’s important to check the latest visa requirements before traveling to Thailand as they may change depending on your country of origin and purpose of your visit.

As of 2021, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for travelers entering Thailand, except for those coming from yellow fever endemic areas. However, certain vaccinations are recommended, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Travelers should consult their healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before their trip to Thailand to discuss their individual vaccination needs and receive up-to-date recommendations.

It’s also important to maintain good practices such as only drinking bottled or filtered water and being mindful of eating raw or undercooked foods.

Flying to Thailand can be really daunting, especially to those who haven’t taken a long-haul flight before. From the East Coast to Thailand, your travel day will last around 18-20 hours, with layovers in cities such as Tokyo or Hong Kong. Flights from the West Coast are slightly shorter, ranging from 14-17 hours. But not to worry, there are some things you can do to help you get through it with ease.

Getting comfortable starts even before the flight. Pack comfortable clothing, a neck pillow, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (you’ll thank us later), compression socks, and an eye mask to help you sleep. Stay hydrated and avoid excess caffeine or alcohol. People often think they should go to sleep after a few glasses of wine or hype themselves up to stay awake, but all this does is make you more dehydrated and you’ll pay the price in jet lag. Walking around the cabin, stretching, and doing some in-seat exercises really will make a difference. It keeps your blood flowing and can help prevent stiffness and blood clots.

Thailand has plenty of attractions and activities to offer, including beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and bustling cities, making it a popular destination for both short and long trips. The ideal length of a vacation to Thailand depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the desired experience. Most travelers recommend spending at least two weeks in Thailand to explore the country's diverse culture and attractions fully.

In two weeks, you can visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern beaches, such as Phuket or Koh Samui, and experience the local cuisine, temples, and nightlife. You can also take a few days to venture into the countryside and visit lesser-known destinations such as Pai or Khao Yai National Park.

If you don’t have that much time, you could do a 7- or 10-day trip, but keep in mind that flight times will eat into your trip quite a bit. If you go the shorter route, you might need to let go of the hope to see everything in Thailand. We suggest focusing on one region, either southern Thailand to go to the beach and do water activities or northern Thailand where you can explore the countryside or cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

For those with more time and budget, a month or longer can provide the opportunity to explore all corners of the country, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, and participate in volunteer programs or language courses. This allows for a more leisurely pace and the chance to visit less touristy places. Travelers can also participate in immersive experiences, such as cooking classes, meditation retreats, or hill tribe homestays.

The majority of Thailand speaks Thai, but English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas, major cities, and by people in the hospitality industry. It’s relatively easy to get around speaking English in Thailand. Learning a few Thai phrases can go a long way in terms of respect, kindness, getting around non-touristy areas, and help you connect with locals. Overall, while English is not the first language of Thailand, it is widely spoken and shouldn’t pose a significant barrier for travelers.

Thailand offers a diverse range of transportation so you can get around with ease. Public transportation includes buses, trains, and the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), which covers Bangkok and surrounding areas. Tuk-tuks (which are cheap and a great way to see the country!) and songthaews, the local shared taxi, are everywhere.

Domestic flights are an excellent way to cover long distances and connect major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Low-cost airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air operate flights to various destinations in Thailand, making it an affordable option.

Ride-share services such as Grab and Gojek are also widely available in Bangkok and some other major cities. They offer convenient and affordable rides with upfront pricing and no haggling. Pro tip: Download Grab before you go so you can book a trip from the airport without stress. Uber and Lyft don’t operate there.