Thailand Travel Guide

The jewel of Southeast Asia, Thailand enchants visitors, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with its golden temples, floating markets, and lush green rice paddies. The beaches of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi invite relaxation, while the bold flavours of Thai food delight the senses. Above all, the kindness of Thai people reveals why Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles.”

Top cities to visit

  • Aerial view of Bangkok at dusk, with illuminated skyscrapers and the Chao Phraya River winding through the city.

    Bangkok

    Vibrant and fascinating, Bangkok blends tradition and modern life. Buddhist temples stand alongside illuminated skyscrapers, and floating markets and bold Thai aromas fill the streets. From the Chao Phraya River to lively rooftop terraces, Thailand’s capital is a feast for the senses.
  • Buddhist pagodas at Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Thailand, perched on a mountain and surrounded by colourful gardens.

    Chiang Mai

    Nestled between mountains and rice paddies, Chiang Mai charms visitors with its golden temples, famous night markets, and local craftsmanship. Blending Buddhist serenity with vibrant culture, the “Rose of the North” offers an authentic and truly immersive experience.
  • Phuket’s Big Buddha atop a hill with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea at sunset, in Thailand.

    Phuket

    As the capital of Thailand’s largest island, Phuket invites you to explore its temples, the Big Buddha, bustling markets, and Sino-Portuguese architecture. By night, the city comes alive with music, lanterns, and street food, revealing the festive and warm spirit of southern Thailand.
  • Seated Buddha statue at Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand, surrounded by ruins and a blooming lotus pond.

    Ayutthaya

    Located 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya captivates visitors with the remnants of its royal past. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains temples, palaces, and Buddhist statues. It offers a striking journey into Thailand’s past.
  • White temple, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand, featuring its contemporary Buddhist-style architecture.

    Chiang Rai

    A peaceful city in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai invites you to explore its mountainous landscapes and iconic temples, such as Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten. As the gateway to the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai enchants visitors with its local cuisine, night markets, and hill tribes.
  • Aerial view of Bangkok at dusk, with illuminated skyscrapers and the Chao Phraya River winding through the city.

    Bangkok

    Vibrant and fascinating, Bangkok blends tradition and modern life. Buddhist temples stand alongside illuminated skyscrapers, and floating markets and bold Thai aromas fill the streets. From the Chao Phraya River to lively rooftop terraces, Thailand’s capital is a feast for the senses.
  • Buddhist pagodas at Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Thailand, perched on a mountain and surrounded by colourful gardens.

    Chiang Mai

    Nestled between mountains and rice paddies, Chiang Mai charms visitors with its golden temples, famous night markets, and local craftsmanship. Blending Buddhist serenity with vibrant culture, the “Rose of the North” offers an authentic and truly immersive experience.
  • Phuket’s Big Buddha atop a hill with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea at sunset, in Thailand.

    Phuket

    As the capital of Thailand’s largest island, Phuket invites you to explore its temples, the Big Buddha, bustling markets, and Sino-Portuguese architecture. By night, the city comes alive with music, lanterns, and street food, revealing the festive and warm spirit of southern Thailand.
  • Seated Buddha statue at Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand, surrounded by ruins and a blooming lotus pond.

    Ayutthaya

    Located 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya captivates visitors with the remnants of its royal past. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains temples, palaces, and Buddhist statues. It offers a striking journey into Thailand’s past.
  • White temple, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand, featuring its contemporary Buddhist-style architecture.

    Chiang Rai

    A peaceful city in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai invites you to explore its mountainous landscapes and iconic temples, such as Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten. As the gateway to the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai enchants visitors with its local cuisine, night markets, and hill tribes.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Thai (also called Siamese) 

In Thailand, tourism is so well-developed that English is widely understood. Road signs, menus, and transport schedules are generally displayed in English as well.

Flight duration

Direct Flight: There are no direct flights from Quebec to Thailand.
Connecting Flight: 20 to 25 hours (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Thailand time zone: UTC+7
12 hours ahead Quebec (EST)
11 hours ahead Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Thai Baht (THB) 

Visitors to Thailand should always carry some Thai baht because cash is used in markets, small shops, and taxis. US dollars are also widely accepted, though the exchange rate is less favourable. ATMs are plentiful and reliable, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in major cities.

Tips

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave around 10% in restaurants if service is not included. For taxis or street food, rounding up the bill is common. Allocate approximately 150 THB per day for a guide and 65 THB for a private driver.

Safety

Stay alert in tourist areas to avoid theft and scams. Driving can be chaotic, with heavy traffic, left-hand driving, and frequent disregard for traffic rules. Southern border areas near Malaysia should be avoided due to local tensions. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Thailand Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Visit a floating market.

  • Explore Krabi’s limestone cliffs in a long-tail boat.

  • Enjoy an authentic Thai massage.

  • Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary.

  • Relax on the idyllic beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Lanta.

Hidden gems to discover

  • Sukhothai

    Sukhothai Historical Park, the cradle of the first Thai kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to over 70 temples, Buddha statues, and ruins set amidst nature. Whether on foot or by bike, it is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

  • Lampang

    Located in northern Thailand, Lampang is a peaceful, less-touristy city. It charms visitors with its rich heritage and authentic character. Discover temples and houses made from teak, lively traditional markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an elephant sanctuary for a unique northern Thai experience.

  • Laem Haad Beach on Koh Yao Yai

    Laem Haad Beach is the true gem of Koh Yao Yai. Less than an hour from Phuket or Krabi, a long stretch of white sand extends into the turquoise waters of the sea. It’s a paradise for relaxing, strolling under Thailand’s warm sun, and capturing unforgettable memories.

  • Khao Sok National Park

    Khao Sok National Park is a true natural gem. It features an ancient tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs, rivers, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, lined with floating bungalows. Hiking, kayaking, cave exploration, and wildlife await visitors.

  • Sukhothai

    Sukhothai Historical Park, the cradle of the first Thai kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to over 70 temples, Buddha statues, and ruins set amidst nature. Whether on foot or by bike, it is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

  • Lampang

    Located in northern Thailand, Lampang is a peaceful, less-touristy city. It charms visitors with its rich heritage and authentic character. Discover temples and houses made from teak, lively traditional markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an elephant sanctuary for a unique northern Thai experience.

  • Laem Haad Beach on Koh Yao Yai

    Laem Haad Beach is the true gem of Koh Yao Yai. Less than an hour from Phuket or Krabi, a long stretch of white sand extends into the turquoise waters of the sea. It’s a paradise for relaxing, strolling under Thailand’s warm sun, and capturing unforgettable memories.

  • Khao Sok National Park

    Khao Sok National Park is a true natural gem. It features an ancient tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs, rivers, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, lined with floating bungalows. Hiking, kayaking, cave exploration, and wildlife await visitors.

Highlights

  • Authentic cuisine made with fresh ingredients
  • Affordable tourism options
  • The stunning beaches of southern Thailand
  • The extreme politeness and friendliness of the Thai people

Keep in mind

  • In Thailand, driving is on the left. Extra caution is required on roads, both as a driver and a pedestrian.
  • Never show disrespect to the king or the royal family. It is considered a serious offence in the country.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Pad Thai

    A traditional Thai dish, pad thai consists of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and fresh herbs. It is flavoured with a savoury sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce.

  • Tom Yum Soup

    An iconic Thai soup, tom yum is spicy, tangy, and aromatic. Made with a fragrant, clear broth of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, it is typically served with shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

  • Som Tam

    Originating from northeastern Thailand, som tam is a fresh and crunchy salad. It is made with shredded green papaya and pounded in a mortar with chili, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, tomatoes, and roasted peanuts. It is typically served cold.

  • Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang)

    Mango sticky rice is the quintessential Thai dessert. Simple yet delicious, it consists of steamed sticky rice topped with sweet coconut milk and served with fresh sliced mango. This delicious combination offers creamy, fruity sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.

  • Singha or Chang Beer

    Singha and Chang are the two main beers of Thailand. Singha is a pale, full-bodied beer with a dry, slightly bitter taste, making it a perfect match for spicy dishes. Chang is a light, smooth lager, ideal for hot days.

  • Pad Thai

    A traditional Thai dish, pad thai consists of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and fresh herbs. It is flavoured with a savoury sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce.

  • Tom Yum Soup

    An iconic Thai soup, tom yum is spicy, tangy, and aromatic. Made with a fragrant, clear broth of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, it is typically served with shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

  • Som Tam

    Originating from northeastern Thailand, som tam is a fresh and crunchy salad. It is made with shredded green papaya and pounded in a mortar with chili, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, tomatoes, and roasted peanuts. It is typically served cold.

  • Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang)

    Mango sticky rice is the quintessential Thai dessert. Simple yet delicious, it consists of steamed sticky rice topped with sweet coconut milk and served with fresh sliced mango. This delicious combination offers creamy, fruity sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.

  • Singha or Chang Beer

    Singha and Chang are the two main beers of Thailand. Singha is a pale, full-bodied beer with a dry, slightly bitter taste, making it a perfect match for spicy dishes. Chang is a light, smooth lager, ideal for hot days.

Good to know

  • The food in Thailand is excellent! Do not hesitate to try traditional dishes. To check if a dish is very spicy, simply ask: “Spicy spicy?”
  • Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home is a sign of respect. It is mandatory in museums and temples.
  • Instead of shaking hands as a greeting, Thais traditionally use the wai gesture: hands pressed together and a slight bow of the upper body.
  • When the national anthem is played or the king’s photo appears on a screen, make sure to stand to show respect for the monarchy. Thais hold their king in high regard—avoid any criticism in their presence.

What to bring back?

  • A piece of Thai silk

  • Hand-painted umbrella from Chiang Mai

  • Hand-carved wooden elephant sculpture

  • Tuk-tuk made from recycled cans

  • Handwoven krajood crafts

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. The weather is dry, temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C, and rainfall is minimal. However, the Christmas period is not ideal, as many businesses are closed. 

It is best to avoid travelling to Thailand from May to October, which is the monsoon season.

In Thailand, the most efficient way to cover long distances is by plane. Flying to your destination is fast, reliable, and affordable, and it helps avoid long hours on buses or trains. In Bangkok, it’s best to use the subway and the Grab app (similar to Uber) to get around easily and avoid heavy traffic. For a local experience, a short tuk-tuk ride is worth trying. Between the islands, boats are the preferred mode of transport. Keep in mind that in Thailand, driving is on the left, which requires some adjustment, whether crossing the street or when driving a vehicle.

14 to 21 days.

It is an ideal duration for a well-paced trip and will allow you to enjoy Thailand’s full diversity without feeling rushed.

  • Songkran, the Thai New Year, celebrated throughout Thailand around April 13 each year. You can join in a massive water fight meant to purify and bless. It’s a colourful, joyful, and refreshingly fun festival! 
  • Yi Peng, the Lantern Festival, in Chiang Mai. One of Thailand’s most spiritual festivals, it takes place every November during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. People release paper lanterns into the sky with wishes, symbolizing luck and renewal. Chiang Mai transforms into a magical city during this enchanting spectacle.
  • Chinese New Year, best experienced in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. Celebrated in January or February according to the lunar calendar, the four-day festival features parades, dragon dances, fireworks, and various festivities.

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Getting ready for your trip

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