Thailand

Thailand is wonderfully visitable year-round, but November to March is generally the sweetest spot for dry skies and comfortable heat, especially if you’re planning islands and outdoor adventures. The hot season (roughly March–May) brings intense humidity, while the rainy season (May–October) means downpours but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Most trips start in Bangkok, thanks to its major international airport and endless things to do. Give yourself at least 2–3 days: visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, then dive into street food around Chinatown (Yaowarat) or Ari. From Bangkok, it’s easy to:

• Head north to Chiang Mai and Pai for temples, cafes, and jungle trekking.
• Go south to islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, or Koh Tao for beaches and diving.

Use the Trip planning tools in Hello to map out a loop rather than constant backtracking; grouping northern cities together and then tackling one island region saves time and money. Booking an Hello eSIM before you land means you can use local ride-hailing apps, check train times, and access digital tickets the moment you connect to airport Wi‑Fi.

Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB), and you’ll find ATMs in all cities and most towns. Many places accept cards, but keep cash for street food, markets, and smaller guesthouses. A simple meal from a street stall often costs 50–80 THB (around US$1.50–$2.50), while sit-down restaurants might be 150–300 THB per dish. Long-distance buses can be great value, and domestic flights are usually affordable if booked early.

To stay on top of your spending, use Hello’s budget tracking in baht; it’s much easier than mentally converting every purchase. If you’re traveling with friends, the expense splitting feature helps divide hotel bills, boat transfers, and family-style dinners without awkward math at the table.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: rounding up the bill or leaving 20–50 THB for good service is common. Always carry a small stash of 20s and 50s for temple donation boxes and local buses. Power sockets are typically Type A, B, and C, and the standard voltage is 230 V, so a universal adapter is useful. With an Hello eSIM, you can quickly check live exchange rates and ATM locations, making day-to-day money management smoother.

Thai food is a highlight of any trip, and the best meals are often from tiny, unassuming spots. Start with classics like pad thai, pad kra pao (holy basil stir-fry), som tam (papaya salad), and tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup). In the north, look for khao soi in Chiang Mai; in the south, don’t miss spicy southern curries and ultra-fresh seafood.

Hygiene is generally good at busy stalls where locals are lining up. Choose places with high turnover and food cooked to order. If you’re worried about spice, say “pet noi” (a little spicy) or “mai pet” (not spicy). Vegetarian and vegan travelers will find plenty of options; dishes labeled “jay” are often Buddhist vegetarian.

Night markets like Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street, Bangkok’s Chinatown, or Phuket Old Town’s weekend market are perfect for grazing on skewers, fried chicken, mango sticky rice, and coconut ice cream. Use Hello’s Trip planning to pin markets and must-try restaurants in each city so you don’t forget them, and track your food spending with budget tracking—street eats add up more slowly than you think, which is a pleasant surprise for both your stomach and your wallet.

Thailand’s transport network is extensive, with plenty of options depending on your time and budget. In cities, BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok are efficient and air‑conditioned; supplement them with metered taxis, motorcycle taxis, and the occasional tuk‑tuk for short hops. Always ask tuk‑tuk drivers for a price before you get in, and be ready to bargain politely.

For longer distances, consider:

• Trains between Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai for a scenic experience.
• Intercity buses for good value and frequent schedules.
• Domestic flights to leap between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and the Gulf islands.

To reach islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Koh Samui, you’ll often combine a bus or minivan with a ferry. Timetables can change, so having Hello eSIM active lets you check live schedules, book last‑minute seats, and navigate piers and bus terminals on maps.

Save your tickets, hotel bookings, and transfer details in Hello’s Trip planning so everything’s in one place, even offline. When sharing taxis or private boat charters with new friends, use expense splitting to divide costs fairly, then focus on the scenery instead of who owes what.