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Visas & entry
Visa rules change frequently. Under the dossier’s stated rules effective September 15, 2026, passport holders from the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia and listed European countries may enter visa-free for up to 30 days; other nationalities should verify with the relevant Thai embassy. All non-Thai nationals must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival; carry proof of onward travel, accommodation, funds and a passport with at least six months’ validity.
Getting in
- Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bangkok’s main long-haul international airport and the usual choice for full-service arrivals. Use the Airport Rail Link if it suits your hotel, or an official metered taxi/Grab; airport taxis add a THB 50 surcharge and passengers pay expressway tolls.
- Don Mueang International Airport: The main low-cost and domestic-flight airport, useful for onward travel within Thailand but not interchangeable with BKK. It connects via the SRT Red Line and airport buses; allow generous time because it is not central.
Getting around
Use BTS and MRT for central Bangkok, then Grab or metered taxis for the last mile; the rail systems are fast but not fully frictionless as a single fare network. Chao Phraya boats are genuinely useful for the Old City, Chinatown and Thonburi. Avoid renting a car: traffic, parking and navigation make it a liability; tuk-tuks are an occasional experience, not an efficient transport plan.
Money
The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards work well at hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but carry cash for street food, markets, local boats and small taxis; ATMs are widespread. Tipping is optional—round up or leave a little for good service, and check upscale bills for service charge before adding more.
Book before you land
Mahanakhon SkyWalk sunset or date-specific slots · Top tasting-menu restaurants · New Year’s Eve riverfront venues and special festival dinners · Major concerts
- Start temple sightseeing at opening time; by late morning the heat makes heritage walks miserable.
- Plan one geographic cluster per half-day. What looks close on a map can take an hour by taxi in traffic.
- Use the meter in street taxis; if the driver refuses, take another cab. Agree tuk-tuk fares before getting in.
- Dress conservatively for temples and the Grand Palace: shorts, sleeveless tops and revealing or torn clothing can be refused.
- Use boats strategically for Old City–Chinatown–Thonburi connections rather than treating every river trip as a cruise.
- Keep cash for small purchases; foreign visitors cannot always use Thailand’s ubiquitous PromptPay QR system.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.