Guides

Thailand guides on travel, culture, cuisine, and lifestyle—discover top destinations, hidden gems, visa information, and essential tips. Plan your journey with The Thaiger, your trusted source for expert Thailand guides.

  • Sponsored

    How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

    The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks,...

  • All about the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand (and where to find the best mooncakes) | Thaiger

    All about the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand (and where to find the best mooncakes)

    The Thaiger key takeaways The Mid-Autumn Festival has deep cultural roots dating back over 3,000 years, symbolising harvest, reunion, and gratitude. In Thailand, celebrations combine traditional moon worship with lantern parades, cultural shows, and family gatherings. Bangkok hotels and restaurants offer limited-time mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely celebrated in Thailand due to its large Chinese population, which makes up…

  • Blue by Alain Ducasse and Baan Tepa unite for a Michelin-class dinner | Thaiger

    Blue by Alain Ducasse and Baan Tepa unite for a Michelin-class dinner

    Blue by Alain Ducasse, a one-Michelin-star fine dining French restaurant, presents a new dimension of flavors with the exclusive dining experience Blue by Alain Ducasse x Baan Tepa 4-Hands Dinner, born from the collaboration of two world-class chefs: Chef Evens Lopez, Executive Chef of Blue by Alain Ducasse, a one-Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant for five consecutive years, and Chef…

  • How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand? | Thaiger

    How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?

    Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant. Let’s explore the costs, compare insured versus uninsured expenses,…

  • Moving to Thailand? Meet AA Insurance Brokers, the broker expats trust most | Thaiger

    Moving to Thailand? Meet AA Insurance Brokers, the broker expats trust most

    Moving to Thailand is an exciting new chapter, but it also comes with important things to plan, like finding the right insurance. That’s where AA Insurance Brokers can help. With over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation among expats, they offer clear advice and trusted coverage tailored to life in Thailand. AA Insurance Brokers is also an award-winning…

  • More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows | Thaiger

    More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows

    A nationwide survey conducted by the Thai Health Department has revealed that only 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 wish to have children, raising concerns about future birth rates and the need for stronger state support around reproductive health. The study, which included 404 women with an average age of 34.2, also found that just 53% possessed sufficient…

  • Where to go cycling in Bangkok? Here’s our 5 spots | Thaiger

    Where to go cycling in Bangkok? Here’s our 5 spots

    I’m sure we all know that Bangkok isn’t shy about showing its traffic. Look around and you’ll see tuk-tuks whizzing past taxis, motorcycles squeezing between cars, and you’ll hear the thick hum of city life pressing in from every angle. And yet, if you know where to look, there are places where the pace softens. Places where wheels spin through…

  • Why is Thai sex tourism so famous worldwide despite being illegal? | Thaiger

    Why is Thai sex tourism so famous worldwide despite being illegal?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thai sex tourism remains highly visible internationally despite being illegal, fueled by economic demand, historical factors, and tolerance within certain legal grey zones. Red-light districts in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Hat Yai dominate the scene, while rural poverty and limited opportunities have historically driven participation in the industry. Legal enforcement is inconsistent, and ongoing debates around…

  • Axi expands innovation with ‘everything in one platform,’ reinforcing global reputation for reliability | Thaiger

    Axi expands innovation with ‘everything in one platform,’ reinforcing global reputation for reliability

    Global online broker Axi is strengthening its position as one of the industry’s most trusted names, combining top-tier regulation, multi-asset platforms, its funded trader program Axi Select, and award-winning innovation to meet the evolving needs of traders worldwide. Founded in 2007, Axi has grown into a global brand with clients in more than 100 countries. The broker is regulated by…

  • ICS Lifestyle Complex partners with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside to offer exclusive privileges for valued guests | Thaiger

    ICS Lifestyle Complex partners with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside to offer exclusive privileges for valued guests

    ICS Lifestyle Complex, located right across ICONSIAM, is delighted to enhance the experiences of valued guests through a special collaboration with Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside. Launching an exclusive campaign titled Special Privilege for Hilton Garden Inn Guests, the collaboration offers ONESIAM members and hotel guests the opportunity to enjoy a unique shopping and lifestyle journey with discount coupons redeemable…

  • Rediscovering Southeast Asia’s timeless charm | Thaiger

    Rediscovering Southeast Asia’s timeless charm

    The chime of temple bells at dawn in Bali. The sizzle of woks down Bangkok’s neon alleys. The kaleidoscope of spices in Singapore’s cultural enclaves. For many travellers, Southeast Asia is well-worn and familiar territory. But in 2025, travel isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s an opportunity to revisit with a fresh perspective. Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals the draw…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 26 to 28) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 26 to 28)

    How is it already the end of September? Bangkok is seeing out the month in full swing, with a calendar that’s as varied as the city itself. This weekend’s got comedy nights that’ll have you crying, coffee parties, film fests, and a lotus ritual you’ll want on your story. Here’s our curated list the best things to do in Bangkok…

  • Contemporary living in Phuket: What expats really want | Thaiger

    Contemporary living in Phuket: What expats really want

    Phuket isn’t just a holiday destination anymore. It’s where people come to live well and not just for a few weeks in December, we’re talking full-time, all-in, this-is-home kind of living. What draws people in might be the morning sea breeze, the beachside smoothie bowls, or the sunset motorbike rides along the coast. But what makes them stay? That’s a…

  • Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 ‘Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset’ | Thaiger

    Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 ‘Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset’

    Creativity takes a bold turn this October as Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness presents Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys: Volume 8 – “Sip & Scream: An Expressionist Sunset.” Taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and inspired by Edvard Munch’s iconic masterpiece The Scream, this Halloween edition blends guided painting, seasonal flavours, and rooftop experiences into one unforgettable evening…

  • St. Andrews Green Valley receives the Wellbeing Award for Schools | Thaiger

    St. Andrews Green Valley receives the Wellbeing Award for Schools

    St. Andrews International School, Green Valley is proud to once again have been officially recognised with the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) in their recent re-accreditation. The award, developed by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau, acknowledges the school’s ongoing work to prioritise mental health and wellbeing across its community. The school first earned the award in…

  • Where to eat and play in Phuket with big savings | Thaiger

    Where to eat and play in Phuket with big savings

    If you ask people in Phuket where they’d go when they need a break from the sun and sand, Jungceylon in Patong is likely to be one of the first places they mention. The mall has long been a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, but this September and October, it comes with an extra reason to visit. The…

  • Thai youth shaping a greener future through innovation through the project Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow | Thaiger

    Thai youth shaping a greener future through innovation through the project Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow

    Sustainability is one of those topics that can feel abstract until you see it in action. In Thailand, a group of young people recently showed that tackling environmental challenges does not always require big budgets or government programmes. Sometimes, it starts with students, a few bold ideas, and a platform that believes in their potential. That platform was Wonder Lab:…

  • Samitivej International Children’s Hospital is now open – here’s what it offers that others don’t | Thaiger

    Samitivej International Children’s Hospital is now open – here’s what it offers that others don’t

    When your child needs medical care, nothing else matters. And when it comes to that care, parents want only the best. That’s why the opening of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital’s new building on March 5, 2025, is big news for parents in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Located on the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital campus, the building spans eight floors and…

  • How Spark Sonus uses AI video translation to help enterprises create ‘local hits’ | Thaiger

    How Spark Sonus uses AI video translation to help enterprises create ‘local hits’

    On September 16, during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, the intelligent Silk Road connecting voices to the world, the iFLYTEK Smart Media International Forum was successfully held in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This forum focused on the long-standing core pain points of content export: cost, efficiency, and localisation. And, for the first time, it systematically provided a standardised and…

  • Bangkok after dark: Where to find gin cocktails with jazz and the old town charm | Thaiger

    Bangkok after dark: Where to find gin cocktails with jazz and the old town charm

    The Thaiger key takeaways Bangkok transforms at night, where hidden bars, shophouses, and neon-lit streets turn into hubs for creative gin cocktails and local-inspired mixology. The city’s cocktail scene blends tradition and innovation, with bartenders using Thai botanicals, herbs, and spices to craft drinks that reflect Bangkok’s culture. Iconic bars, from historic jazz lounges to modern speakeasies, show how Bangkok’s…

  • Thai health ministry warns of RSV and influenza surge, 61 deaths | Thaiger

    Thai health ministry warns of RSV and influenza surge, 61 deaths

    Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has issued a public health warning following a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, with over 555,000 influenza cases and more than 16,000 RSV infections reported so far this year. The outbreaks have claimed 61 lives, including two young children. According to data from the Disease Control Department (DDC), released on September 22, officials have been…

  • Spray cans & soul cycles: Inside Bangkok’s street art scene now | Thaiger

    Spray cans & soul cycles: Inside Bangkok’s street art scene now

    The Thaiger key takeaways Bangkok’s street art has exploded beyond galleries, covering canals, walls, train pillars, and even helmets, blending local culture with global influences. Artists like TU!! and Chip7 bring personal style and philosophy to the streets, balancing playfulness, legacy, and creative freedom. Key spots for exploring street art include Khlong Saen Saeb, Graffiti Park near MBK, and hidden…

  • UF AWARDS APAC 2025: Nominations for the industry’s most credible accolades closing soon | Thaiger

    UF AWARDS APAC 2025: Nominations for the industry’s most credible accolades closing soon

    The UF AWARDS APAC 2025 nomination period is closing soon. If your online trading or fintech brand is the pinnacle of the industry, time is running out to let the world know. Nominate your brand today for the industry’s most credible award series. The award ceremony helps promote market-defining brands, identifying those that continue to shape APAC’s online trading and…

  • Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know | Thaiger

    Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know

    The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats should disclose pre-existing conditions, understand waiting periods, and ensure their policy meets visa requirements Living in Thailand as an expat…

  • Phuket’s fuel consumption soars over 1 million litres daily | Thaiger

    Phuket’s fuel consumption soars over 1 million litres daily

    Phuket’s residents are consuming over a million litres of fuel daily, with expectations for this figure to rise, according to Rattakorn Klinchan, Chief of the Ministry of Energy Phuket Office. Last year, fuel expenditure in Phuket reached 13.7 billion baht, averaging 37.534 million baht daily. This accounts for 37.5% of the nation’s total fuel purchases. Rattakorn emphasised the need for…

  • How storytelling can elevate brands in hospitality | Thaiger

    How storytelling can elevate brands in hospitality

    It’s easy to think of luxury hospitality as a world built solely on marble lobbies, rooftop bars, and plush mattresses. But in speaking with Xavier Royaux, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Sofitel, MGallery, and the newly launched Emblems brand, it became clear that the true competitive edge isn’t just the elegance of the hotels; it’s about emotion. More specifically, storytelling…

  • How geopolitical shocks are rippling through OPEC and the global markets | Thaiger

    How geopolitical shocks are rippling through OPEC and the global markets

    When tensions in the Middle East began to escalate earlier this year, markets braced for the familiar chain reaction: fears of disrupted supply, speculative spikes in crude prices, and renewed volatility across global assets. In oil, these shifts are amplified. A targeted attack on infrastructure, a diplomatic breakdown, or a sudden production cut by an OPEC member can trigger price…

  • 10 strange laws to be aware of in Thailand | Thaiger

    10 strange laws to be aware of in Thailand

    Thailand is a country full of rich traditions, vibrant culture, and the occasional quirky regulation that can leave anyone doing a double-take. Even if you have lived a long time in Thailand, you might get told that you should do or can not do something that you have not heard before. Regardless, it’s helpful to know the lesser-known rules that…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 19 to 21) | Thaiger

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 19 to 21)

    How is it already mid-September? Time is flying by, but Bangkok isn’t slowing down one bit. Between riverside Pilates, a pop-up dedicated to Afro culture, and a world-class magic show, your calendar is about to fill up fast. Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 19 to 21). Things to do in…

  • 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand | Thaiger

    9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand

    Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health insurance typically includes is key. On this page What’s covered (Jump to section) Description 1. Routine medical care Covers regular…

  • A confident start to parenthood: Join the MedPark Pregnancy & Baby Care Journey for expat families | Thaiger

    A confident start to parenthood: Join the MedPark Pregnancy & Baby Care Journey for expat families

    Expecting a baby in a new country can be an exciting journey, but it’s also full of questions. MedPark Hospital understands this, and they are your trusted guide. Right now, the hospital is inviting all international and expatriate parents-to-be to their exclusive event series: MedPark Pregnancy & Baby Care Journey. The seminar is a comprehensive programme designed to give you…