Your Thailand trip, figured out
Bangkok, the northern mountains, and the southern islands — honest, up-to-date guides written for travelers coming from the US.
Start here — six steps to a planned trip
~30 min of reading, in order- Sort your entryVisa-free entry and the TDAC card, in plain EnglishRead the guide
- Pick your seasonWhen the weather and crowds work for youRead the guide
- Choose a routeThe classic first-timer week, day by dayRead the guide
- Master BangkokWhere to stay and what not to missRead the guide
- Handle moneyBaht, cards, tipping — without the stressRead the guide
- Know before you goThe honest safety picture for AmericansRead the guide
Thailand at a glance
The big picture before you plan: Bangkok in the center, the mountains up north, and two island coasts down south. Tap any pin to open its guide.
Every system in Thailand has a line where it stops working — and the lines all fall on the same four islands.
See the decision manual →The best months to visit Thailand
The mainland pattern — the Gulf islands (Koh Samui side) run on a different clock.
Latest guides
When Thai Ferries Cancel: What Actually Happens
Who decides when a crossing is suspended, what happens to your ticket, and which islands let you fly out instead.
Thai ATM Fees: What Withdrawing Cash Really Costs
The flat fee now depends on your card network, and the number of withdrawals matters more than the amount. The full stack, with the arithmetic.
Renting a Scooter in Thailand: The Licence and Insurance Chain
An IDP does not add a motorcycle entitlement your home licence lacks — and that gap is where insurance claims get denied.
Money in Thailand: Cash, Cards, ATMs, and Tipping
A practical guide to handling money in Thailand — when to use cash vs. cards, ATM fees, currency exchange, and tipping customs for American travelers.
Thailand for Americans: The Complete First-Timer's Guide
The complete first-timer's guide to Thailand for American travelers — entry, when to go, where to go, getting around, costs, food, safety, and everything to plan a first trip.
How Many Days Do You Need in Thailand?
How many days you need in Thailand — what you can see in a week, ten days, two weeks, or three, and how to match your trip length to what you want to experience.
Thai Street Food: What to Eat and How to Order It Safely
A guide to Thai street food — the must-try dishes, how to find the best stalls, how to order, and how to eat safely so you enjoy one of Thailand's greatest pleasures.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Thailand: Where to Go
Where to dive and snorkel in Thailand — the best spots on both coasts, Koh Tao for learning, the Similan Islands, plus seasons, costs, and tips for underwater adventures.
Should You Take a Thai Cooking Class?
Why a Thai cooking class is one of the best things you can do in Thailand — what to expect, where to take one, what you'll learn, and how to choose a good class.