Why visit
Thailand spans Bangkok's temples and street food, Chiang Mai's markets and mountain trekking, and a constellation of islands. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta. Suited to both resort and backpacker travel.
Country - Asia
Thailand
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How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Thailand works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Bangkok as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Thailand.
At a glance
Location
15.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
513,120 km²
198,117 mi²
Country population
71.7 million
140/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Thai baht (฿)
THB
Dial
+66
Language
Thai
Demonym
Thai
Internet
.th
UN
Member state
ISO code
TH / THA
Where in the world
15.0° - 100.0°
Thailand
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Thailand was never colonized by a European power: one of only a handful of Asian countries with this distinction.
- The official capital name is the longest city name in the world: Krungthepmahanakhon... (listed in the Guinness Book).
- Red Bull was invented in Thailand (originally called Krating Daeng).
Bordering Thailand
Traveler notes
- Visa-exempt for most for 30–60 days
- Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi is the two-week classic
- Low season (May–Oct) has fewer crowds and lower prices
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Bangkok, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital. 300+ temples, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the hill tribes of Mae Hong Son.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Phi Phi and James Bond island day-trips, Patong's nightlife, quieter Kata and Kamala beaches, and Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Krabi
Krabi is Andaman limestone cliffs. Railay beach accessible only by boat, Ao Nang's base, Hong Islands, and the jungle interior at Khao Phanom Bencha.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Thailand
What is the capital of Thailand?
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.
What currency does Thailand use?
Thailand uses the Thai baht (฿), ISO code THB.
What languages are spoken in Thailand?
The primary language is Thai.
Is Thailand landlocked?
No, Thailand has a coastline.
What countries border Thailand?
Thailand borders Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia.
What is the international calling code for Thailand?
The calling code is +66.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
Japan
Japan balances neon-dense Tokyo, temple Kyoto, Osaka food alleys, Hiroshima peace memorials, and the rural snow country with remarkably punctual infrastructure. A two-week first trip writes itself.
Jordan
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Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country: the Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, singing dunes in Altyn-Emel, and Almaty's leafy, mountain-backed boulevards. Winter adds cheap, empty skiing at Shymbulak.
Kuwait
Kuwait is an oil-era city-state on a natural Gulf harbor, with the Kuwait Towers, a serious Islamic art collection, and a dhow-trading past remembered along the corniche. It sees few leisure travelers, which makes it easy to cover in two days.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is the budget Switzerland of Central Asia: Song-Kul's summer yurt camps, Ala-Archa's glacier valleys, and the world's second-largest alpine lake at Issyk-Kul, all organized through a strong community-based tourism network.
Laos
Laos is the slow boat down the Mekong, Luang Prabang's gilded monasteries and morning alms, the Plain of Jars, and Vang Vieng's karst country, now more about kayaking and hot-air balloons than its old party reputation.