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.
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Thailand or Cambodia for Songkran 2026: Which festival fits your travel style?
Here is something to consider today: the land border between Thailand and Cambodia has been closed since mid-2025. Armed conflict along the shared border escalated to the point where multiple governments, including the UK and US, now advise against travel near the border zone. If you were planning to combine both countries overland for Songkran season, that option is off…
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Chiang Mai and Lamphun are doing something special for Songkran 2026
If you are spending Songkran in the north this year, two cities are worth your attention if you are up north or going there. The Water Festival 2026, the 11th edition of the Thai Waterways Festival, brings Chiang Mai and Lamphun together under the theme “Have fun at Songkran in my hometown”, and both cities are running their own distinct…
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What resort managers told us about oil and island travel in Thailand for 2026
Global oil markets have been in chaos since late March 2026. Escalating tensions in the Middle East choked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, sending the Singapore refined diesel benchmark from around US$92 per barrel to US$238 per barrel in weeks. Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund burned through 42 billion baht in subsidies before the government let diesel float to 40.74…
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Can immigration check your phone when you arrive in Thailand?
Deep forensic searches of phones at Thai immigration are extremely rare. Most travellers pass through without anyone touching their devices. However, your phone will likely be required for border crossing, as Thailand now requires digital documentation for entry. The chances that phone immigration will search your phone when you enter Thailand will be slim, but here is what that process…
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Why flying this Songkran 2026 might actually be cheaper than you think
Flights that normally cost 1,500 baht are hitting 8,000 baht during Songkran 2026. If you haven’t booked yet, you’re running late, but not out of options. Thailand’s April 13 to 15 public holidays create a natural five-day break that will push roughly 2.7 million domestic passengers through the country’s six major airports. The good news? Government intervention, including a 30%…
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6 reasons you can be denied entry into Thailand
Thailand has significantly tightened its border controls since 2024, and what used to be casual entry procedures have become strict enforcement checkpoints. While most travellers enter without issues, understanding what can get you denied entry into Thailand and detained at the airport is essential for anyone planning a trip to the kingdom. The legal framework comes from the Immigration Act…
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Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 to unite industry leaders for a forward-looking dialogue on the future of travel
Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector will gain a new national industry platform with the launch of Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026), a focused forum bringing together hotel owners, operators, investors, and senior decision-makers from across the archipelago to examine the forces shaping the country’s tourism economy at a time of renewed growth and increasing complexity. Taking place on May…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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10 things you absolutely cannot bring into Thailand
Your vape just got you arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport. You thought it was fine, legal in your home country, tucked discreetly in your carry-on. But Thailand does not care if what you bring is legal back home. The customs officer is now holding your device, citing a 2014 import ban, and you are facing up to 10 years in prison…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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When is the Chinese New Year in 2026 and what is the Fire Horse?
As the sound of firecrackers from the international New Year celebrations begins to fade, the atmosphere of the most important festival for Thai people of Chinese descent is drawing near. The year 2569 BE, or the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, carries special significance. According to Chinese astrology, it is a Fire element year, known as the “Fire Horse,”…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Is it better to travel before or after the New Year in Thailand?
Thailand’s year-end holiday period presents travellers with a dilemma: join the festive chaos of late December, or wait until January when things calm down? With the 2025 to 2026 season approaching, this decision carries more weight than usual. The Thai government has declared an extended five-day holiday from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026, creating a double-peak where international…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Which countries are exempted from needing a visa to come to Thailand?
When planning a trip to Thailand, one of the first questions many travellers ask is, “Do I need a visa to enter?” The answer depends on your nationality and the length of your intended stay. As of 2025, Thailand has updated its visa exemption and tourist visa policies, aiming to make travel more flexible and attractive for a wider range…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget
The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to tea plantations and night markets. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance gives travellers peace of mind with flexible, borderless coverage ideal for long…
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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…
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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…
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