The Land of Smiles — a kingdom of gilded temples and floating markets, jungle elephant sanctuaries and crystal-clear islands, where world-class street food costs less than a coffee.
- Capital
- Bangkok
- Population
- 65,859,640
- Area
- 514,000 km²
- Languages
- Thai
- Currency
- Thai Baht (THB)
- GDP
- $546,224M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
National dish
Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong
Annual visitors
39,916,000 (2019)
Safety
Moderate (4.79/100k)
Big Mac
$4.30
Avg temp
26.9°C
Religion
Buddhism
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 191 · Ambulance 191 · Fire 199
Travel guide
Thailand (Thai: ประเทศไทย Prathet Thai or เมืองไทย Mueang Thai) is among the most visited countries on Earth, and for good reason. You can find thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue waters that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean, and food that can curl your nose hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Bustling, yet safe; cheap, and equipped with every amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beachfront backpacker hostels to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. Despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential identity, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking sanuk lifestyle. Many travellers come to Thailand and extend their stay well beyond their original plans, and others never find a reason to leave.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Thailand
Best time to visit
November–February is the cool, dry season — the best time for most of Thailand. March–May is hot and dry. June–October is monsoon season (Koh Samui's monsoon is November–January). Chiang Mai Songkran water festival in April is legendary.
Visa
Citizens of 65 countries including USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive a 30-day visa exemption on arrival (extendable once). Many nationalities can get a 60-day tourist visa.
Highlights
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The grand palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes. Grand Palace was a former residence for King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, the place is used for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king's guests, State guests, and other foreign dignitaries. It is also a place where remains of kings and high-ranked members of the royal family were situated before cremation. The grand palace is divided into two main zones, which are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the royal residence. Tips Please dress properly in black or white to show condolence to the late King Rama IX. Stood inside the Grand Palace area is another Bangkok attraction called the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins, where Thai coins and regalia are on display.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (11)
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Major cities
Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand's pulsating capital — golden temples, floating markets, legendary street food, and a nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand's cultural capital — elephant sanctuaries, night markets, cooking classes, and Buddhist temple treks.
Phuket
Thailand's largest island, with the legendary Patong Beach, snorkeling in Phang Nga Bay, and a vibrant nightlife.
Koh Samui
Thailand's second-largest island with Big Buddha temple, Ang Thong Marine Park, and beach clubs rivaling Bali.
Krabi
The limestone karst capital of southern Thailand — Railay Beach (only accessible by boat), rock climbing, and island hopping.
Ayutthaya
Thailand's former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site — a plain of ruined temples and headless Buddha statues.
Pai
A laid-back mountain town in Mae Hong Son province, beloved for its hot springs, waterfalls, and hippie cafes.