Thailand
Best time to visit
About Thailand
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most visited destination for good
reason — it delivers an extraordinary combination of ancient
temples, tropical islands, world-class street food, and warm
hospitality that few countries can match. Bangkok dazzles with
gilded temples and a chaotic, electric energy unlike any other
city on earth. Chiang Mai offers a slower, more contemplative
north. And the islands — from the party beaches of Koh Samui to
the cliffs of Railay and the quiet coves of Koh Lanta — cover
every shade of tropical escape imaginable.
513,120 km²
Total Area
40,000+
Buddhist Temples
3,219 km
Coastline
1,430
Islands
Discover the Best of Thailand
Bangkok: Temples, Street Food and Skyline
Thailand's capital is one of Asia's great cities — the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are staggering in their golden excess, Wat Pho houses the enormous Reclining Buddha, and the Chao Phraya river connects them all. By night the street food scene around Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Or Tor Kor market rivals anywhere in the world.
Chiang Mai: Temples, Night Markets and Jungle
The cultural capital of northern Thailand has over 300 temples within a medieval moat, a legendary Sunday Walking Street market, and easy access to elephant sanctuaries and hill tribe villages in the surrounding jungle. The Doi Inthanon National Park — Thailand's highest peak — is a rewarding day trip.
Phuket and the Andaman Coast
Thailand's largest island anchors one of Southeast Asia's finest coastal regions. Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches offer the full resort experience; the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay and the snorkelling around the Similan Islands are world-class. James Bond Island and a longtail boat through the sea caves of Ao Phang Nga are unmissable.
Koh Samui and the Gulf Islands
The Gulf of Thailand islands offer a different character to the Andaman coast — lush and green with calmer waters. Koh Samui has the infrastructure for a comfortable resort holiday; Koh Phangan is famous for its full moon parties; Koh Tao has some of the best value diving in Asia with excellent visibility and abundant marine life.
Ayutthaya: Ancient Capital of Siam
The ruins of Ayutthaya — Thailand's former royal capital destroyed by Burmese invasion in 1767 — are a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 80km north of Bangkok. The iconic image of a Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat is one of Thailand's most recognisable sights. Easily done as a day trip from Bangkok by train or boat.
Krabi and the Railay Peninsula
Accessible only by longtail boat due to towering limestone cliffs, Railay Beach is one of Thailand's most dramatic and beautiful locations. The rock climbing, kayaking through sea caves, and island-hopping around the Phi Phi Islands make Krabi province the adventure capital of the Thai coast. The Four Islands snorkelling tour is a highlight not to be missed.
Discover Thailand
Travel Essentials
Budget Level:
Budget to Mid-range
Best Duration:
10–14 days
Daily Budget:
USD 30–50/day (guesthouse, street food, local transport)
USD 80–140/day (3-star hotel, restaurant meals, activities)
Safety Rating:
Exercise normal caution
Safety Notes
Thailand is generally safe for tourists in established destinations. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and the main tourist trail are all well-travelled and safe. Common concerns include tuk-tuk and gem scams in Bangkok, jet ski damage scams in Phuket, and drink spiking in party areas — exercise standard caution in nightlife districts. The far south provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat have an ongoing insurgency and are not recommended for tourist travel. Always check your government's current travel advisory before departure.
Getting There
Direct flights from Doha (QR, ~6h to Bangkok), Dubai (EK/flydubai, ~6.5h), Abu Dhabi (EY, ~6.5h), and Riyadh (SV, ~7h). Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international hub. Direct flights also available to Phuket (HKT) and Chiang Mai (CNX) from Dubai and Doha seasonally. Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and flydubai operate regular frequencies making Thailand one of the most connected Southeast Asian destinations from the GCC.
Getting Around
Bangkok has an excellent BTS Skytrain and MRT metro network — the Rabbit Card covers all journeys. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) operates throughout Thailand and is far safer and more reliable than street taxis. Domestic flights connect Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi in under 2 hours on Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia. Overnight trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai are comfortable and scenic. Island hopping in the south is done by ferry — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the Krabi islands are all well-connected.
Visa Information
Citizens of over 60 countries including the US, UK, EU, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Thailand extended its visa exemption to 60 days for many nationalities in 2024. Always verify current visa exemption periods at the official Thai e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) before travel as policies have changed frequently in recent years.
GCC Visa Information
Qatari, Saudi, and UAE passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand for up to 30 days. This was extended to 60 days for many nationalities in 2024 — verify the current duration at thaiembassy.org before travel as policies are subject to change. GCC residents of other nationalities should check requirements based on their passport nationality.
Muslim Travel Guide
Essential information for Muslim travellers
Halal Food
Good
Thailand has a significant Muslim population particularly in Bangkok and the southern provinces, making halal food increasingly accessible. Bangkok has hundreds of certified halal restaurants, especially around Sukhumvit, Silom, and the Arab Quarter near Nana. Muslim-friendly Thai dishes include massaman curry, roti, and satay. The Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University certifies restaurants — look for the green halal logo. Outside Bangkok and the south, halal options become more limited and vegetarian dishes may be the safest alternative. Always ask about cooking methods as fish sauce and shrimp paste are widely used.
Mosques
Good in Bangkok and southern Thailand — limited elsewhere. Bangkok has over 200 mosques. The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun have mosques in virtually every village.
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok has a dedicated Muslim prayer room on the 4th floor of the passenger terminal. Don Mueang Airport also has prayer facilities. Major shopping malls in Bangkok including Siam Paragon and CentralWorld have prayer rooms. Outside Bangkok, prayer facilities are readily available in the south but require planning in northern cities like Chiang Mai.
Alcohol Culture
Widely available and prominent in Thai culture — alcohol is served in most restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and hotels throughout the country. Muslim travellers will need to be selective about dining venues, particularly in tourist areas and beach resorts. Halal restaurants and Muslim-owned establishments are alcohol-free. Note that alcohol sales are restricted by law between 14:00–17:00 and after midnight daily.
Ramadan Travel
Travelling during Ramadan in Thailand requires more planning than in Muslim-majority countries. Bangkok and the southern provinces have active Muslim communities with iftar gatherings and Ramadan-specific menus at halal restaurants. The Haroon Mosque area in Bangkok organises community iftars. Outside Muslim areas, finding pre-dawn suhoor options requires advance planning — stocking up the night before is advisable. Tourist sites remain fully open during Ramadan.
Useful Links
Tourism Authority of Thailand
https://www.iglta.org/listing/tourism-authority-of-thailand/2537/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23041451244&gbraid=0AAAAACr_pGnsmC1eTHtZEolyVzDOudEW8&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfB8uUSY0SyTpGdBfQbf5mHCbj5FPsJSRJjDudKOSD3SEnrYNOwdlzYaAmOjEALw_wcB
Thailand e-Visa Application
https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
Thai Embassy Locator
https://www.thaiembassy.com/thaiembassies