Temples, islands, street food, and a tourism infrastructure so well developed that first-time long-haul travellers routinely find it easier than Europe.
Temples, islands, street food, and a tourism infrastructure so well developed that first-time long-haul travellers routinely find it easier than Europe.
Canadians receive 60 days visa-free on arrival, extendable once by 30 days at an immigration office. Proof of onward travel is checked at airline check-in more often than at the border. A digital arrival card replaced the paper TM6 — complete it online before you fly.
November to February is cool, dry, and peak. March to May is very hot. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the Andaman coast from May to October, while the Gulf islands — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan — run on an opposite pattern and are best from February to September.
Bangkok for food and temples. Chiang Mai and the north for mountains and a slower pace. Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Tao for islands. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai for ruins. Two weeks covers Bangkok, the north, and one island group without rushing.
Domestic flights are cheap and quick. Overnight trains to Chiang Mai are comfortable and a genuine experience. Ferries connect the islands reliably in season. In cities use Grab rather than negotiating taxi fares. Motorbike rental is ubiquitous and the single biggest cause of tourist injury — check your insurance covers it.
Baht, cash still king for street food and markets though cards are increasingly accepted. ATMs charge a flat foreign-card fee of around 220 baht — withdraw larger amounts less often. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are excellent and inexpensive by Canadian standards. Drink bottled water. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls. Rabies exists — avoid contact with street dogs and monkeys. Comprehensive insurance including motorbike coverage is strongly recommended.
Extraordinary value at every level. Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and beach bungalows all cost a fraction of Western equivalents. High season on the islands sees rates triple. Book Christmas and New Year months ahead.
The monarchy is protected by strict lèse-majesté laws — do not joke about it. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and remove shoes before entering. Feet are considered unclean; do not point them at people or images of the Buddha. A wai greeting is appreciated but not expected from visitors.
AIS and TrueMove tourist SIMs are cheap and sold at every airport. Coverage is excellent including on most islands. Wi-Fi is universal. Power is 220V with a mix of Type A, B, and C sockets — Canadian plugs usually fit but check that devices handle 220V.
No direct flights from Canada — routings go via Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, or the Gulf carriers. Vancouver has the shortest connections. Fares from Canada are usually best in May, September, and October. Consider an open-jaw into Bangkok and out of Phuket to avoid backtracking.
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