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 without the crowds: Where do you go when everywhere else is packed?
Thailand welcomed over 32 million international visitors in 2025, and the vast majority of them went to the same places. Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, these destinations are genuinely worth visiting, but they come with queues, inflated prices, and the creeping sense that you are sharing a postcard with several thousand other people. If you are trying to…
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A new study just named Chiang Mai the world’s top biohacking destination and it is not even close
Global searches for the term “biohacking” have jumped 53% in the past year, and searches for wellness retreats are up 22% year on year. More people are actively looking for places to optimise their health, and a new study has identified which cities around the world are best set up for exactly that. Biohacking, broadly speaking, is the practice of…
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Stranded in Thailand after Songkran? Here is what to do
Songkran is one of the biggest travel periods in Thailand, and when it ends, millions of people try to leave at the same time. In 2026, that pressure has combined with a series of disruptions, Middle East airspace closures, water-damaged passports, financial strain, and unexpected legal complications, leaving a significant number of tourists stranded in Thailand after Songkran with no…
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Songkran finished but Pattaya is still going — Here is the full Wan Lai 2026 schedule
Songkran in Pattaya runs longer than anywhere else in Thailand, and that is not an accident. The local tradition known as Wan Lai extends the water festival well beyond the national three-day holiday, with different districts rotating their celebrations across the entire month of April. If you missed the main Songkran dates or simply want more, Pattaya is where you…
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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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Thailand’s April heat can kill, but it can also bankrupt you
The heat in Thailand in April is not just uncomfortable. It is, by measurable standards, medically dangerous. Air temperatures regularly hit 40°C and above, but the number that actually matters is the heat index, which is how hot it feels when humidity is factored in. In Bangkok, that figure climbs to around 53°C on an average April afternoon. The reason…
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6 ways your transit route can affect entry into Thailand
Most travellers spend time making sure their visa is in order, their passport is valid, and they have enough cash before flying to Thailand. What far fewer people think about is the route they take to get there. The hub you connect through, how your tickets are booked, and even where you stopped two weeks ago can all determine whether…
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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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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…
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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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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,…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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