A boat navigates a canal through a market.

Thailand Travel Guide: Practical Tips and Essential Information

Everything you need to know about traveling in Asia, including Vietnam, visas, and networks.

a red, white and blue flag flying in the wind

🇹🇭 Thailand:

Between Spiritual Depth, Mass Tourism, and a Nation in Transition

Capital: BangkokArea: 513,120 km²

Population (2025): approx. 70.3 million

Political system: Constitutional monarchy (with ongoing political instability)

Official language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

Time zone: UTC+7

Tourists in 2024: over 28 million (rising steadily post-Covid)

Thailand continues to captivate travelers with its shimmering temples, tropical islands, vibrant street markets, and warm hospitality.

Bangkok pulses with chaos and charm, Chiang Mai draws digital nomads seeking calm and culture, while southern islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui remain magnets for beach lovers and backpackers.

While still affordable and welcoming, Thailand is moving toward a more selective, conscious kind of travel — where deeper cultural engagement and environmental responsibility become central.

Travelers are increasingly encouraged to venture beyond the typical tourist circuits, discovering lesser-known provinces, supporting local artisans, and participating in eco-friendly activities like community-based tourism and nature conservation projects.

The Thai government, along with grassroots initiatives, is promoting a vision of tourism that balances economic benefits with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. For visitors seeking authentic experiences, Thailand offers a unique opportunity to witness a country in the midst of redefining its identity.