Travel Guides

Thailand travel guides—must-see attractions, hidden gems, local events, and essential tips. Stay informed on accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences for an unforgettable journey across the Land of Smiles.

  • Best SIM cards to stay connected in Thailand (2026) | Thaiger

    Best SIM cards to stay connected in Thailand (2026)

    You’ve just landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport after a long flight to Bangkok. Your phone automatically searches for a network, and within seconds, you see the roaming charges: US$15 per day just to check Google Maps or message your hotel. For a two-week trip, that’s over US$200 before you’ve even left the airport. There’s a better way. Staying connected in Thailand…

  • Bangkok beats out hundreds of cities to land in the world’s top 5 for food | Thaiger

    Bangkok beats out hundreds of cities to land in the world’s top 5 for food

    Bangkok has just been named one of the best food cities in the world, and honestly, if you’ve eaten here, you already know that. A new study by UK-based long-haul travel specialists Travelbag ranked Bangkok fifth on their list of the world’s top foodie destinations for 2026. The ranking looked at four key factors across 36 cities globally: the number…

  • A practical guide to hosting corporate meetings at Novotel Marina Sriracha | Thaiger

    A practical guide to hosting corporate meetings at Novotel Marina Sriracha

    Sriracha sits in the centre of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, close to industrial estates, logistics hubs, and major ports. This makes it a natural meeting point for companies working across Chonburi and Rayong, as well as teams coming from Bangkok. Novotel Marina Sriracha is the best place for it, with meeting rooms, support staff, and facilities that make planning easier. Here’s…

  • Makha Bucha Day 2026: What is it and why is it observed in Thailand? | Thaiger

    Makha Bucha Day 2026: What is it and why is it observed in Thailand?

    Makha Bucha Day is a national Buddhist holiday in Thailand observed on Tuesday, March 3 2026. It honours a pivotal event in early Buddhism more than 2,500 years ago, when 1,250 of the Buddha’s disciples spontaneously gathered to hear his teachings without prior arrangement, a moment seen as a reminder of commitment to Buddhist principles. Makha Bucha, which falls in Thailand,…

  • Has Thailand lost its edge? Comparing expat life across Southeast Asia | Thaiger

    Has Thailand lost its edge? Comparing expat life across Southeast Asia

    The “Thailand lost its edge” narrative has become common expat discourse in 2025 and 2026. Bangkok rents climbed 8 to 12% year-on-year, visa enforcement tightened significantly, and a remittance tax shock led 55% of expats to consider leaving, according to a Thai Examiner survey. But Thailand climbed to 4th globally for expat satisfaction in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey,…

  • Arriving in Thailand with too much cash? Here’s what to do | Thaiger

    Arriving in Thailand with too much cash? Here’s what to do

    You step off the plane at Suvarnabhumi Airport with an oddly specific stack of US$25,000 tucked into your carry-on, maybe it’s relocation savings, a property deposit, or business capital. At the gate, the question hits you as you approach baggage claim: Do you need to declare this? The short answer: yes. But the exact threshold that triggers a mandatory declaration…

  • Travel in Lisa’s footsteps across 6 stunning locations in Thailand | Thaiger

    Travel in Lisa’s footsteps across 6 stunning locations in Thailand

    When the Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled Lisa Manobal as the official “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” on January 28, at a spectacular event against the illuminated backdrop of Wat Arun, they created a roadmap for anyone who wants to travel Thailand with Lisa as their guide. The BLACKPINK superstar’s “Feel All the Feelings” campaign showcases six breathtaking locations that capture Thailand’s…

  • Thailand vs. Vietnam vs. Malaysia: Which is better for long-term living? | Thaiger

    Thailand vs. Vietnam vs. Malaysia: Which is better for long-term living?

    Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have each carved out their own space in the long-term expat landscape. Thailand offers dependable healthcare and a well-established expat infrastructure. Vietnam stands out for rock-bottom costs and relentless urban energy. Malaysia brings modern living standards, cultural diversity, and an English-speaking environment that makes settling in remarkably smooth. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The right choice…

  • Chiang Mai and Phuket rank in world’s top 10 cities for solo travellers | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai and Phuket rank in world’s top 10 cities for solo travellers

    Thailand has secured two spots in the global top 10 destinations for solo travellers, with Chiang Mai ranking sixth and Phuket placing tenth in a new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag. The rankings analysed 36 destinations worldwide on safety, affordability and accessibility, arriving as 76% of solo travellers now prioritising safety as their most important factor. On this page…

  • 9 things you must do to protect yourself from Bangkok’s hazardous PM2.5 levels in 2026 | Thaiger

    9 things you must do to protect yourself from Bangkok’s hazardous PM2.5 levels in 2026

    Bangkok woke up to a grey shroud on January 14, with Bangkok PM2.5 levels hitting hazardous territory, readings between 79 and 108 µg/m³ across the capital, nearly triple Thailand’s safety threshold. Fifty-four provinces are under health warnings as smoke from agricultural fires in Cambodia and eastern Thailand has drifted into central regions, where stagnant weather has trapped it. Add in…

  • Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10 | Thaiger

    Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10

    When was the last time you wandered through a night market surrounded by sizzling street food and that electric energy that only comes alive after dark? If you’re in Thailand, you’re spoiled for choice, and now there’s proof the Kingdom’s night markets rank among the planet’s best. A new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag has crowned Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend…

  • Planning a Thailand trip in 2026? Here’s what the border conflict with Cambodia means for you | Thaiger

    Planning a Thailand trip in 2026? Here’s what the border conflict with Cambodia means for you

    Yes, Thailand is safe to visit in 2026, but you need to avoid specific border areas. Despite ongoing military tensions with Cambodia, the vast majority of Thailand remains completely unaffected by the conflict. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Krabi are continuing to operate normally with no reported security disruptions. The fighting is strictly confined to remote border…

  • How hard is it to get a Thai visa during Christmas and the New Year? | Thaiger

    How hard is it to get a Thai visa during Christmas and the New Year?

    For many travellers and expats, the end-of-year holiday season is both a festive and logistical hurdle. Whether you’re planning a quick return to Thailand or managing your visa renewal as an expat, the Christmas and New Year period can complicate things. So, how hard is it to get a Thai visa during this busy time of year with Christmas and…

  • Renting a car in Thailand for the Christmas holiday in 2025: What you need to know | Thaiger

    Renting a car in Thailand for the Christmas holiday in 2025: What you need to know

    As the festive season approaches, many expats and tourists in Thailand are planning their holiday getaways. While flying and public transport are common choices, renting a car offers unmatched freedom, whether you’re heading to the mountains of Chiang Mai, the islands of the south, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. But before you hit the road, here’s everything you need to know…

  • Cheap flights in Thailand you can find this Christmas and New Year’s holiday | Thaiger

    Cheap flights in Thailand you can find this Christmas and New Year’s holiday

    As the festive season approaches, Thailand’s airports start buzzing with flight activity. Whether you’re planning a domestic beach escape or a long-haul adventure abroad, finding a cheap flight during Christmas and New Year’s is no small feat. With high demand, prices spike quickly, and the best deals are often snapped up months in advance. But if you’re just starting your…

  • How to use Thailand’s toll roads: Easy Pass, M-PASS, M-Flow & More | Thaiger

    How to use Thailand’s toll roads: Easy Pass, M-PASS, M-Flow & More

    If you’re driving in Thailand, whether as an expat, long-term visitor, or local, you’ll likely encounter tollways. These roads save time, cut through city congestion, and connect provinces. But using them isn’t always intuitive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating Thailand’s expressways, including when to pay, how to get a pass, and tips to avoid fines or delays. On this…

  • Overstay rules in Thailand: What happens, how much it costs, and how to resolve it | Thaiger

    Overstay rules in Thailand: What happens, how much it costs, and how to resolve it

    The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand enforces strict fines and penalties for staying beyond your permitted date, with no official grace period. Short overstays usually mean fines, while longer overstays can lead to bans, detention, or deportation. Resolving the issue quickly, either by leaving or contacting immigration, is essential to avoid serious consequences If you’ve ever lost track of dates while…

  • Phuket’s fitness boot camps: Why expats fly across the world to train here | Thaiger

    Phuket’s fitness boot camps: Why expats fly across the world to train here

    Phuket has built a global reputation for many things, including tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and bustling tourism, among them. But in recent years, another scene has quietly exploded on the island’s southern coast: fitness boot camps. From complete lifestyle overhauls to elite-level training, Phuket has become a destination where people fly in, sometimes from halfway around the world, not to…

  • Lopburi’s survival guide for monkeys: 10 tips to keep your snacks and sanity intact | Thaiger

    Lopburi’s survival guide for monkeys: 10 tips to keep your snacks and sanity intact

    Lopburi, Thailand’s ancient city filled with Khmer ruins, scenic temples, and monkeys. Lots of monkeys. While most people come for the culture and history, many leave with stories about simians stealing their sunglasses, water bottles, or in more dramatic cases, their sanity. So before you find yourself locked in a staredown with a macaque over a half-eaten banana, here’s your…

  • Addressing the change in the alcohol laws in Thailand | Thaiger

    Addressing the change in the alcohol laws in Thailand

    Thailand’s alcohol regulations have long been a source of confusion for both tourists and residents. But as of late 2025, the Thai government has officially made adjustments to two key aspects of its alcohol policy. These changes mark a shift toward a more flexible and tourism-friendly approach, while still retaining Thailand’s broader public health framework. Here’s what’s new under the…

  • What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand? | Thaiger

    What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?

    The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and coastal areas. Having reliable medical insurance, such as SafetyWing, helps cover emergencies, hospital care, and evacuation, giving expats peace of…

  • Best islands to visit in Thailand before peak tourism season hits | Thaiger

    Best islands to visit in Thailand before peak tourism season hits

    The Thaiger key takeaways November is the sweet spot. The month offers sunshine without the crowds or inflated prices. The Andaman Sea and Eastern Gulf are dry and peaceful, while the Southern Gulf is still rainy. ravel insurance like SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance keeps you covered across Thailand’s islands for stress-free adventures. Thailand’s peak season (the cool and dry season from…

  • Everything you need to know about the magical Yi Peng Festival | Thaiger

    Everything you need to know about the magical Yi Peng Festival

    If you happen to be in Chiang Mai from November 5 to 6, don’t miss out on the magical Yi Peng Festival. The Yi Peng lantern festival in northern Thailand is considered to be the most ethereal event worldwide. This celebration is not only magnificent, but it also has a lot of religious and cultural significance. Thus, it’s a great…

  • Where to Travel in Thailand in November [2025] | Thaiger

    Where to Travel in Thailand in November [2025]

    The Thaiger key takeaways November marks the beginning of the cool season in Thailand to travel around, with crisp air, lower humidity, and perfect conditions for outdoor exploration across the country. Iconic festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng transform Thailand into a spectacle of floating lights, symbolising release, renewal, and hope. Northern mountains, central riversides, and southern beaches all…

  • New rules, same fun? Everything travellers need to know about Thailand’s new drinking laws | Thaiger

    New rules, same fun? Everything travellers need to know about Thailand’s new drinking laws

    Alcohol can now be served in restaurants between 2pm to 5pm, but fines up to 10,000 baht apply if drinking outside legal hours. Most establishments already follow rules so it will be hard to break this law. Minimum drinking age is 20, with restrictions at temples, schools, hospitals, and on election days. Travellers can still enjoy Thailand’s nightlife by respecting…

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

    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, and festivals, offer cultural experiences without overspending Travelling around Thailand on a budget of just US$30 (under 1,000 baht or…

  • How to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2025 | Thaiger

    How to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2025

    The Thaiger key takeaways The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025 runs from October 20 to 29, filling the island with sacred rituals, parades, and vegan food stalls. Watch the street processions in Phuket Town, visit famous shrines like Jui Tui and Kathu, and try local Jay dishes marked with yellow flags. Stay near the action in Phuket Town or unwind at…

  • Thailand Train guide: A journey through the kingdom by rail | Thaiger

    Thailand Train guide: A journey through the kingdom by rail

    The Thaiger key takeaway Thailand’s rail network spans over 4,800 kilometres with major lines to Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Western regions, offering both scenic journeys and cross-border connections. Train classes range from third-class benches to first-class sleepers, accommodating all budgets and comfort levels, while local food vendors add unique travel experiences. Upcoming projects like double-tracking and high-speed rail will improve…

  • Where to experience Thailand’s nightlife without the tourist traps | Thaiger

    Where to experience Thailand’s nightlife without the tourist traps

    The Thaiger key takeaways Local nightlife in Thailand offers a calmer, more authentic experience compared to crowded tourist areas, with options ranging from Bangkok’s RCA and Thonglor to Koh Samui’s Lamai and Maenam beaches. Night markets, small bars, and beachside venues provide cultural immersion, live music, and local flavours while avoiding overpriced tourist traps. Safety and planning are essential; using…

  • 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…

1 3 8