Welcome to Thailand

Thailand is one of the world's most popular travel destinations for a reason. These ten experiences make the country unforgettable:

1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok — The glittering royal palace with the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's holiest site. An overwhelming interplay of gold, mosaics, and architecture over 218,000 m². Arrive at 8:30 AM before the tour groups. Entry: 500 ฿ (~13 €). → Chap. Bangkok
2. Street Food in Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat) — The Yaowarat Road transforms into a kilometer-long open-air restaurant in the evening. Pad Thai for 50 ฿ (1.30 €), grilled giant prawns for 200 ฿ (5.20 €), Mango Sticky Rice for 60 ฿. All of Bangkok eats here. → Chap. Bangkok
3. Temple Hopping in Chiang Mai — Over 300 temples in one city! Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man — and high on the mountain, the golden Doi Suthep with panoramic views over the city. → Chap. Northern Thailand
4. Snorkeling at the Similan Islands — Nine granite islands with visibility up to 30 meters, manta rays, and turtles. Open only November to May. Day trip from Khao Lak (2,000–3,500 ฿ / 52–91 €). → Chap. Andaman Coast
5. Sunset at Railay Beach — Only accessible by boat, framed by 100-meter-high limestone cliffs. Climbing, kayaking, swimming in the warm Andaman Sea — and watching the sun set behind the rocks in the evening. → Chap. Andaman Coast
6. Ethical Elephant Conservation Project near Chiang Mai — Feed, bathe, and observe elephants — without riding, tricks, or chains. The Elephant Nature Park and similar projects show how responsible animal tourism works. Full day from 2,500 ฿ (~65 €). → Chap. Northern Thailand
7. Thai Cooking Class with Market Visit — Buy ingredients at the local market in the morning, cook Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Gung yourself in the afternoon. In Chiang Mai from 1,000 ฿ (~26 €), in Bangkok from 1,500 ฿ (~39 €). A highlight to take home with you. → Chap. Northern Thailand
8. Diving on Koh Tao — The cheapest diving training in the world: PADI Open Water from 9,800 ฿ (~255 €) including four nights' accommodation. Whale sharks, barracudas, and turtles included. → Chap. Gulf of Thailand
9. Ayutthaya by Bicycle — The ruins of the former royal city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, are perfect for exploring by bike. The Buddha head in the tree roots of Wat Mahathat is Thailand's most iconic photo motif. Day trip from Bangkok (1.5h train for 20 ฿). → Chap. Central Thailand
10. Phang Nga Bay by Longtail Boat — Hundreds of limestone islands rise from the emerald waters. James Bond Island, caves, hidden lagoons. Best as a private longtail boat tour early in the morning before the speedboats arrive. → Chap. Andaman Coast

Thailand is remarkably diverse — from the megacity of Bangkok to misty mountains in the north to tropical dream islands in the south. Six regions, six different worlds:

🏙️ Bangkok

For whom: Everyone — the city is a must on any Thailand trip
A city of contrasts: centuries-old temples next to skyscrapers, food stalls next to Michelin restaurants, chaotic tuk-tuk rides next to the air-conditioned Skytrain. Bangkok is loud, hot, overwhelming — and absolutely fantastic. Plan at least 3 days.

🏔️ Northern Thailand

For whom: Culture lovers, trekking fans, peace seekers
Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural capital: over 300 temples, famous cooking classes, night markets, and the best coffee culture in the country. Further north, Chiang Rai awaits with the surreal White Temple, and the sleepy Pai in the mountains is a paradise for backpackers and yogis.

🏖️ Gulf of Thailand

For whom: Beachgoers, divers, partygoers
Three islands, three characters: Koh Samui for comfort and families (luxury resorts, palm beaches), Koh Phangan for the notorious Full Moon Party and hidden yoga retreats, Koh Tao for the world's cheapest diving courses and snorkeling paradises.

🪸 Andaman Coast

For whom: Nature lovers, climbers, beachgoers
The more dramatic of the two coasts: limestone cliffs, emerald waters, world-famous beaches. Phuket is the tourist hub, Krabi and Railay the climbing paradise, Koh Lanta the relaxed family island, and Khao Lak the gateway to the Similan Islands. In the south awaits the island paradise of Koh Lipe.

🏛️ Central Thailand

For whom: History fans, nature lovers
Often overlooked but incredibly rewarding: Ayutthaya's UNESCO ruins, Kanchanaburi's Bridge on the River Kwai, and the breathtaking Erawan Waterfalls. All doable as day trips from Bangkok or on the route north.

🌾 Isan & Northeast

For whom: Adventurers, foodies, culture explorers
Isan is the "real" Thailand — most Thais come from here, the best food was invented here (Som Tam, Larb, Gai Yang), and here you will stand alone in front of Khmer temples that can rival Angkor. Plus: Khao Yai National Park with wildlife and the Mekong as a natural border to Laos.

Thailand's climate is determined by the monsoon. There are three seasons — but the periods shift depending on the region:

The Three Seasons

• Cool Dry Season (November – February): The best travel time. Temperatures around 25–32 °C, little rain, low humidity. December/January can cool down to 10–15 °C at night in Northern Thailand — pack a jacket!
• Hot Dry Season (March – May): Scorching heat up to 40 °C, especially in April. Songkran (Thai New Year, April 13–15) with water fights across the country is the highlight of this period.
• Rainy Season (June – October): Daily showers, mostly in the afternoon for 1–2 hours. Sunshine in between. Fewer tourists, cheaper prices. Flooding possible, especially September/October.

Regional Differences

Climate Chart: Bangkok

Thailand is one of the few countries that truly works for everyone — from backpackers with €20 a day to families in luxury resorts:

🎒 Backpackers & Budget Travelers

Thailand is the ultimate backpacker mecca. The Khao San Road in Bangkok is the legendary starting point, but the real backpacker life takes place in Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Hostels from 200 ฿ (5 €), street food from 40 ฿ (1 €), beer from 50 ฿ (1.30 €). You can get by with 800–1,200 ฿ (21–31 €) per day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Thais love children — your kids will be stars. Koh Samui and Koh Lanta offer family-friendly beaches with shallow water. Chiang Mai has elephant projects and cooking classes for children. Bangkok with the Skytrain is surprisingly family-friendly. Many hotels offer family rooms from 1,500 ฿ (39 €).

💑 Couples & Honeymooners

Private villas with pools on Koh Samui from 3,000 ฿ (78 €) per night — unthinkable in Europe. Sunsets on Railay, couple massages for 600 ฿ (16 €), candlelight dinners on the beach from 1,500 ฿ (39 €). Romance at a fraction of European prices.

🧘 Wellness & Yoga

Koh Phangan is Southeast Asia's yoga capital with dozens of retreats. Thai massage is an art form — the best training is at Wat Pho in Bangkok. Detox resorts on Koh Samui, meditation courses in Chiang Mai. Professional Thai massage: from 300 ฿ (8 €) for an hour.

🏄 Adventure & Sports

Diving on Koh Tao, climbing in Railay (world-class limestone cliffs), trekking in Northern Thailand, kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, surfing in Phuket (rainy season!), mountain biking in Chiang Mai. And everywhere: Muay Thai — the national art of kickboxing, courses from 500 ฿ (13 €).

🏛️ Culture & History

Over 40,000 temples (Wats), four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant festivals, and an 800-year-old civilization. From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the ruins of Ayutthaya to the vibrant hill tribe cultures in the north — Thailand is culturally inexhaustible.

Thailand remains one of the best value travel destinations in the world. However, costs vary significantly depending on the region and style — the tourist islands are noticeably more expensive than the mainland.

Daily Budget per Person

What Costs What? (Reference Values 2025/26)

Example Daily Budget "Mid-range" (2 People, Chiang Mai)