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Category

Thailand

Category

Thailand travel

Visiting temples, island hopping, photographing floating markets and eating fantastic food: yum! Thailand is a top destination for a varied trip. Ideal for backpackers and luxury travelers alike. Visit the vibrant capital Bangkok, jump in a tuk-tuk and enjoy the beaches of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

💰CurrencyThe Thai baht (THB). €1 gets you roughly 38 baht, and $1 about 32. You can use ATMs almost everywhere, but Thai ATMs often charge around 220 baht per withdrawal. So take out a bigger amount at once.
🗣️LanguageThai, with its own alphabet. In tourist areas, you’ll get by just fine with English. A “sawasdee” (hello) and “khop khun” (thank you) go a long way. Men add “khrap” at the end, women “kha”.
🛕ReligionThe vast majority of Thais are Buddhist. You see temples and monks in orange robes everywhere. Visiting a temple? Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes.
🕒Time zoneThailand is on UTC+7, with no daylight saving time. That’s 5 hours ahead of Amsterdam in summer (6 in winter), and 11 hours ahead of New York and 14 ahead of Los Angeles during US daylight saving time. Add one hour in winter.
🛂VisaSince September 15, 2026, travelers from the US, the UK, the EU and many other countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa (it used to be 60). You can extend once for 30 days in Thailand. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 more months. Also fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before you arrive.
☀️Best time to goNovember through February is dry and a little less hot. Perfect for Bangkok, the north and the coast around Phuket and Krabi. March to May is scorching, and the monsoon runs from June to October. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan march to their own beat: they get the most rain from October to December.
🔌Power outletsThailand runs on 220 volts, double the US standard. US plugs often fit, but check that your devices handle 220V (most phone and laptop chargers do). There are several outlet types, so pack a universal adapter.
🛵TrafficThailand drives on the left. Renting a scooter? Bring an International Driving Permit and your motorcycle license, or your travel insurance probably won’t cover you in an accident. For short rides, the Grab app is easy.

Quick links for planning your trip:
Accommodations | Car rental | Local transport | Activities