What to see, do, and eat in Bangkok
Got time before or after your Thailand adventure? Spend a day discovering temples, fried scorpions, and night markets
Thailand has long lured travellers with its laid-back beaches, glittering Buddhist shrines and historic cities. North of the frenetic capital, Bangkok, hill tribes, temples and mountains await. In the south, there are countless paradise isles with water so clear you’ll simply have to dive in to believe it. Wherever you end up, be sure to eat up: Thailand’s complex, tastebud-tingling cuisine offers one of the easiest – and most enjoyable – ways to immerse yourself in local culture.
Visa requirements may change, for the most up-to-date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Thai embassy website in your country of departure.
Proof of a yellow fever vaccination will be required upon entry to Thailand if you’re travelling from these countries in Africa and Latin America.
Other recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and tetanus.
As advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
If you’re looking for the best weather, then head to Thailand during the cool, dry season, which runs from November to early April. Temperatures range from 28.5 to 36°C (84°F to 97°F). The exception here is the Lower Gulf of Thailand, which includes the islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao. These islands see the most rainfall from September through December.
If you travel to Thailand during the shoulder season (late April to early June and October), you’ll miss the swell of high-season crowds and dodge much of the monsoon or low season (July to September). In terms of festivals, Songkran takes place on April 13. Loi Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the lunar calendar — usually November.
Thailand’s climate is defined by the rainy and dry seasons, which change depending on where you are within the country. Northern Thailand tends to have its dry season during the months of November to May, while June to October is the rainy season.
Southern Thailand can be split into two — the west sees the heaviest rainfall between the months of April to October, whereas the east coast sees the most rain from September to December. The rest of the year sees warm, dry weather.
Throughout the year, temperatures across Thailand range from 25°C to 34°C (77-93°F), with April through May being the hottest months and January the coldest.
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected, though not compulsory, and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people helping you on your tour.
There are several times during the trip where there's an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $1.50-3.50 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Tipping your G Adventures CEO is also very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, USD$ 20-25 per person, per week is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount is always welcome.
Internet access in Thailand tends to be excellent if you’re in towns or cities — even better than in the western world. However, be prepared if you’re in rural or remote areas for it to be limited.
There are ATMs widely available within towns and cities, which tend to accept VISA and Mastercard. Expect a rather hefty transaction fee.
In more rural areas or in local villages, you might not be able to pay via credit or debit card, so make sure you bring enough cash with you. Bring USD (post-2003) as a backup in case you want to exchange currency.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.
In a word — yes! Thailand is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, if not the world. It has a thriving transgender community, and in March 2024, Thailand’s lower house passed a bill giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage.
However, it should be noted that public displays of affection aren’t common in Thailand, so use discretion.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgment, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The national language of Thailand is Thai, spoken by about 53% of the population. Other languages spoken here include Lao, Chinese, Malay, and Khmer.
While opinions vary in cities like Bangkok, the general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Thailand as a traveller. Stick to bottled water, which costs a mere 10฿ per 500ml.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
‘The Land of Smiles’ is generally considered to be incredibly safe, though as with anywhere in the world, there are occasional things to be wary of.
Political tensions can sometimes arise in the capital Bangkok, which can cause protests. Keep your wits about you when it comes to swimming in the sea, as currents can be strong, and be careful when riding a moped or motorbike. It’s the leading cause of accidents for travellers in Thailand.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.