Organising transport in Thailand is the key to a successful independent trip. This diverse Southeast Asian country offers many options for getting around: from the modern metro in Bangkok to night trains, fast ferries and motorboats between the islands. How you travel around Thailand depends on your budget and time.

Our practical guide to Thailand will help you understand how to travel in Thailand and avoid tourist traps. You will learn where to find the best ticket prices and when it is worth choosing a plane over a bus to optimise your trip to Thailand and enjoy cheap travel.

Travelling to Thailand on your own: what do you need to know before departure? (Visa, currency, weather)

Good preparation is the basis for a successful trip. Thailand is a tourist-friendly country, but knowing the local regulations, currency (Thai baht THB) and weather conditions will help you avoid unnecessary surprises.

Do Poles need a visa to travel to Thailand for tourism?

The question of what kind of visa Poles need to visit Thailand is simple. Polish citizens are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays of up to 60 days (arrival and land border). A passport valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket are required. A longer stay requires an e-visa (tourist visa) or an extension of 30 days at the immigration office for a fee of 1900 THB.

When is the rainy season in Thailand and does it interfere with travelling?

When considering the best time to visit Thailand, it is worth taking the climate into account. The rainy season in Thailand usually means short, intense rainfall, followed by sunshine. Travelling at this time is often cheaper and less crowded. The weather in Thailand depends on the region:

• Andaman Coast (e.g. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta): Rainy from May to October.
• Gulf of Thailand (e.g. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan): Peak rainfall from October to December.
• North (e.g. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and Bangkok: The rainy season lasts from June to October.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Thailand and what currency should you take?

It is best to take US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR) to Thailand. USD banknotes must be new and undamaged. Exchange your money at chain exchange offices such as Superrich (they offer better rates than banks), and avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at the airport immediately after arrival. The currency is the Thai baht (THB).

Do you need adapters for electrical sockets in Thailand?

Usually, adapters are not needed to travel in Thailand. Sockets support type A and C plugs (220V). However, it is worth taking a power strip with you, as in cheap accommodation, e.g. on Khao San Road, the number of sockets can be limited.

How to plan your trip to Thailand step by step? (Vaccinations, budget, accommodation)

A good plan for a trip to Thailand requires flexibility and awareness of costs, which depend on the standard you choose. Below, we discuss the key elements that make up cheap travel in Thailand.

What vaccinations are required or recommended before travelling to Thailand?

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations for Thailand are: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. When planning trekking in national parks, it is worth considering vaccination against rabies and Japanese encephalitis. Schedule a visit to a travel medicine centre 6-8 weeks before departure.

How much money do you need per day for low-budget travel in Thailand?

Thailand is relatively inexpensive, although prices in popular resorts such as Phuket and Pattaya have increased in 2024. Here are the estimated daily costs that illustrate what cheap travel in Thailand looks like:

Expense category	Estimated cost (THB)	Estimated cost (PLN)
Accommodation (hostel/cheap room)	300 – 600 THB	35 – 70 PLN
Food (street food)	150 – 300 THB	18 – 35 PLN
Local transport	100 – 200 THB	12 – 25 PLN
Water and beverages	50 – 100 THB	6 – 12 PLN
TOTAL	600 – 1200 THB	70 – 140 PLN

Is it better to book accommodation in Thailand in advance or on the spot?

During the peak season (December-February) and Thai holidays, it is necessary to book accommodation in advance. Outside the season, you can look for accommodation in Thailand on the spot and negotiate prices. Apps such as Agoda and Booking work great in Asia, often offering lower prices than at the reception desk, which makes it easier to plan your budget.

How to plan a visit to Bangkok as the first stage of your trip?

Plan 2-3 days for sightseeing in Bangkok. Choose accommodation close to the MRT or BTS metro to make transport easier. Divide your trip to Bangkok into zones: the historic centre (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Buddhist temples) and modern districts or Chinatown. Spend your evenings at night markets or rooftop bars, admiring the city skyline.

How to travel around Thailand? A complete guide to internal transport

Efficient transport in Thailand saves time and money, which is crucial when travelling on your own. An extensive network of air, rail and bus connections allows you to reach almost anywhere, from Chiang Rai in the north to the islands in the south.

How to buy tickets for the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Night Trains (SRT) are a great way to save on accommodation and travel comfortably, e.g. from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani. Buy sleeping car tickets up to 90 days in advance through the official D-Ticket website or the 12Go.asia portal. Choose the more comfortable and slightly wider lower beds.

How to fly cheaply on domestic airlines in Thailand (e.g. AirAsia)?

Low-cost airlines (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways) are the fastest means of transport in Thailand. Book your flights 2-3 weeks in advance, avoiding weekends. Most of them operate from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok. Remember to purchase baggage allowance online to avoid high surcharges at the airport.

How to travel between islands in the Andaman Sea (e.g. Koh Phi Phi)?

Transport between islands such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta is provided by ferries and motorboats. Ferries are cheaper and more stable, while speedboats are much faster. You can buy tickets at local travel agencies, directly at the port or online via 12Go.asia.

How to book a ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan?

Lomprayah offers fast catamarans. Cheaper options are Seatran and Raja Ferry ferries from Don Sak pier near Surat Thani. When travelling from Bangkok, it is worth buying a combined ticket (bus + ferry), which will take you directly to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, where the famous Full Moon Party takes place.

How does the Grab app work in Thailand and is it cheaper than taxis?

The Grab app works similarly to Uber, eliminates the language barrier and gives you the price up front. It can be more expensive than metered taxis, but it is safer. Also install the Bolt app, which often offers lower rates in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

How to use songthaew transport in cities such as Chiang Mai?

Songthaews (red taxis) are popular shared pick-up trucks. In Chiang Mai, to use this service, simply wave your hand to stop the vehicle and tell the driver your destination. Payment (usually around 30-40 THB for a trip around the old town) is made to the driver when you get out.

What are the best ways to get around Phuket Island without your own car?

The cheapest public transport in Phuket is the Smart Bus (ticket price is around 100 THB). There are also local blue Songthaews (but only until sunset). Taxis and tuk-tuks are very expensive, so it is better to use the Grab or Bolt apps to avoid overpaying.

Safety and health in Thailand: what to keep in mind when travelling?

The question of safety in Thailand boils down to common sense. The most important thing is to be careful on the road, especially when renting a scooter, and to protect yourself effectively against tropical diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Do you need an international driving licence to rent a scooter in Thailand?

Yes, an International Driving Licence with category A is required to legally drive a scooter. A Polish category B licence is not sufficient. The police often check tourists, and not having the right licence will result in a fine and, more importantly, the invalidation of your insurance in the event of an accident.

What kind of travel insurance should you choose for Thailand to cover scooter riding?

Good travel insurance for Thailand must include a high-risk sports clause in the policy. Compensation for a scooter accident is only payable if you are driving legally (category A, international driving licence) and are sober. The recommended sum insured for medical expenses is a minimum of EUR 50,000 – 100,000.

Is it safe for tourists to eat street food in Thailand?

The famous Thai cuisine/street food is generally safe and delicious. Choose stalls that are crowded with Thai people (this is a guarantee of freshness) and avoid dishes that have been sitting in the sun for a long time. It is best to eat dishes that are prepared on the spot in front of you in a hot wok.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes and dengue fever when travelling in Thailand?

Dengue fever is a real threat in Southeast Asia, as the mosquitoes that carry it are active during the day. Use repellents with a high DEET or icaridin content (Soffell is popular in Thailand, for example). Wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, especially when visiting national parks or the jungle.

How to stay safe when encountering monkeys in tourist areas?

Wild monkeys, e.g. in Lopburi or on some beaches, can be aggressive. Do not feed them, hide food and shiny objects (glasses, jewellery). Do not smile widely, showing your teeth, which in their language is a sign of aggression. If a monkey jumps on you, stay calm and do not struggle.

Culture and etiquette in Thailand: how to avoid faux pas?

Thailand requires tourists to respect the monarchy and Buddhism. Behind the famous „Thai smile” lies an elaborate system of values and rules that are worth learning about.

What behaviours should be avoided in Thailand so as not to offend the locals?

According to local etiquette (Savoir-vivre), the head is the most sacred part of the body – do not touch anyone’s head. Feet are considered „unclean”, so do not point them at people or sacred images. Criticism of the Royal Family is severely punished (crime of lèse-majesté, Lese Majeste).

What is the dress code for visiting temples in Thailand?

When visiting Buddhist temples, your shoulders and knees must be covered (this applies to both women and men). Remove your shoes before entering sacred buildings. It is a good idea to have a sarong or scarf with you to cover yourself if necessary.

Is it easy to communicate in English outside of resorts in Thailand?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. However, in the provinces (e.g. in the Isaan region, near the border with Laos), knowledge of English is limited. In such cases, it is worth using the Google Translate app, a smile and gestures.

Thailand – a practical guide and cost of living

Knowledge of local conditions allows you to optimise your living costs/travel budget. Below are some practical tips to help you travel cheaply in Thailand.

Where to buy the best SIM card with internet access after arriving in Thailand?

The best operators offering fast internet in Thailand are AIS and TrueMove H. Tourist SIM cards/internet are much cheaper in 7-Eleven stores or official operator shops in cities than at the airport. A passport is required to register the card.

How much is the commission for withdrawing money from an ATM in Thailand and how can you avoid it?

All ATMs in Thailand charge a fixed commission of 220 THB for each foreign transaction. To minimise this, withdraw the maximum available amounts (usually 20-30 thousand Thai baht (THB)) less frequently or use the cash advance option at a bank counter.

How much does a tuk-tuk ride cost and how to negotiate the price?

Tuk-tuks are one of the tourist attractions, but they are often more expensive than metered taxis. Always agree on the price in advance, before getting into the vehicle. Always haggle, offering half the rate to start with. If the price is too high, say thank you and walk away – often the driver will call you back with a lower offer.

How much do admission tickets to national parks in Thailand cost?

Most national parks in Thailand use a dual pricing system. An admission ticket for a foreign tourist costs between 200 and 500 THB. An additional fee for entering by vehicle (scooter, car) is often added to this amount. Payment is usually only possible in cash.

Tourist attractions in Thailand: what is worth seeing and experiencing?

The biggest tourist attractions in Thailand are a mosaic of flavours, smells and unforgettable experiences. It is worth checking out what to see in Thailand to make your trip complete – from the temples in Ayutthaya to the paradise beaches.

What is worth seeing in Chiang Mai and how to get there from the south of the country?

Chiang Mai, the pearl of the north, is famous for its magnificent Buddhist temples and relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Doi Suthep temple, night markets and the atmospheric Old Town. From the south of the country, e.g. from Phuket or Krabi, the easiest way to get there is to fly directly with AirAsia. A budget option is to travel via Bangkok and then take a night train.

Where to find the best Thai massage parlours and how much does a session cost?

For a good Thai massage, look for salons marked „Massage for Health” or reputable chains such as Lila Thai Massage in Chiang Mai or Health Land. The price for an hour-long session ranges from 200-300 THB in a local salon to 500-800 THB in a higher-end spa.

On which island does the Full Moon Party take place and how do you get there?

The famous Full Moon Party takes place every month on Haad Rin beach on the island of Koh Phangan. The easiest way to get there is by boat from the neighbouring island of Koh Samui or by ferry from the port of Surat Thani on the mainland. Remember to book your accommodation well in advance.

What is worth buying in Thailand and which markets are best for shopping?

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise. Souvenirs such as Thai silk, natural coconut oil, tiger balm and spices are worth bringing back. The best shopping can be found at the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok, Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai or the numerous night markets throughout the country.