KawkabThailand Travel Guide
Thailand combines a buzzing city like Bangkok with beaches and islands like Phuket, at good prices and with a huge variety of food. This guide helps you plan your trip.
Visas
Thailand's entry rules changed on 15 September 2026:
- 30-day exemption: For tourism, covering citizens of 60 countries, including all six Gulf states, most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Jordan, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.
- The old exemption has ended: The 60-day exemption no longer applies.
- Other countries: Some get a visa on arrival, and the rest apply for a visa before travelling.
Before you travel, fill in the digital arrival card on the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau, and check the entry rules for your nationality.
Flights
- Bangkok: Has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (the main one) and Don Mueang (for low-cost airlines).
- Phuket: Direct flights from many cities, or a short domestic flight from Bangkok.
Best time to visit
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool and dry | November to February | The best weather and the highest prices |
| Hot | March to May | Very hot, with calm seas |
| Rainy | June to October | Scattered rain and lower prices, with rougher seas in Phuket |
Where to stay
Bangkok
- Sukhumvit: Restaurants and malls, close to the Skytrain.
- Siam: The city's biggest shopping centres.
- The riverside: Hotels with views, close to the Grand Palace and the temples.
Phuket
- Patong: The busiest area, with the most nightlife.
- Kata and Karon: Quieter, and good for families.
Getting around
- In Bangkok: The Skytrain and the metro are faster than cars because of the traffic, and ride-hailing apps are common.
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport: The Airport Rail Link takes you to the city centre.
- In Phuket: A driver or a rental car is the easiest way to move between beaches.
Top places
- Bangkok: The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets, and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Phuket: The Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and the view from the Big Buddha.
Internet
Quick tips
- Currency: The Thai baht. Cards are accepted in the cities, but cash is essential in markets.
- Electricity: Plug types vary, so bring a universal adapter.
- Temples: Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit.
- Sun: It is strong, so use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Last updated: October 2026. This information is for guidance only. Check the entry rules before you travel.
Sources:
- Tourism Authority of Thailand, updated visa exemption rules: https://www.tatnews.org/2026/07/thai-cabinet-approves-updated-visa-measures-pending-royal-gazette-publication/
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