Thailand

Thailand is a welcoming mix of glittering temples, chaotic markets, and easy-going beach life, and it helps to land with a loose plan. Start by picking a rough route: many travellers combine Bangkok, the northern cities like Chiang Mai or Pai, and an island group such as Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.

Bangkok is a natural first stop. Base yourself near the BTS Skytrain or MRT (areas like Sukhumvit or Silom) for quick access to sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chinatown. Up north, Chiang Mai offers night markets, cooking classes, and access to ethical elephant sanctuaries. In the south, choose your vibe: party beaches around Patong, chilled coves in Krabi’s Railay, or easy island-hopping from Koh Phi Phi.

Use Hello’s trip planning to keep track of hotel bookings, transfers, and must-see spots; it’s especially handy when juggling flights and ferries. Buying and activating a Hello eSIM before you land means you’re online as soon as you switch off airplane mode, so you can grab a taxi, check opening times, or message your guesthouse without hunting for airport Wi‑Fi. Aim for a mix of big-name sights and unscripted wandering—Thailand rewards curiosity as much as checklists.

Thailand is remarkably easy to move around, with transport options for nearly every budget. For long distances, low-cost domestic flights link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and many smaller airports; booking a few weeks ahead usually keeps prices reasonable. Night trains and buses are slower but can save you a hotel night—book air-conditioned classes for more comfort.

Within cities, the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok are fast and cheap, while metered taxis, tuk‑tuks, and motorbike taxis fill in the gaps. Always confirm a price before hopping into a tuk‑tuk, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it feels high. On islands, you’ll often use songthaews (shared pickups), scooters, and long‑tail boats. If you rent a scooter, wear a helmet, keep your speed low, and take photos of any existing damage.

Reliable data makes navigating all of this far less stressful. Activate a Hello eSIM before arrival so you can instantly use map apps, translation tools, and ride‑hailing services without roaming charges. Hello’s budget tracking helps you log daily spending on taxis, boats, and flights in Thai baht, so you can see if you’re sticking to your transport budget or splurging more than planned.

Eating in Thailand is a highlight of any trip, from street stalls to riverside restaurants. You’ll find classics like pad thai, som tam (spicy green papaya salad), khao soi in the north, and fresh grilled seafood in coastal towns. Street food is often excellent value: a bowl of noodles might cost 50–80 THB (about 1.50–2.25 USD), while a sit‑down meal at a mid-range restaurant runs 150–300 THB (4.25–8.50 USD).

For street food, look for busy stalls with high turnover and locals eating there; that’s usually a good sign. If you’re sensitive to spice, learn to say “phet noi” for a little spicy, or ask for no chili at all. In tourist areas, many menus are in English, but having data to check unfamiliar dishes online is helpful.

Use Hello’s expense splitting when dining with friends to divide shared plates or set menus without awkward math at the table. Hello’s budget tracking lets you categorize spending—handy if you want to see how much of your budget is going to coffee shops, bar nights on Khao San Road, or sunset cocktails on the islands. With a Hello eSIM, you can quickly look up nearby places, read recent reviews, and follow food bloggers’ maps while wandering Bangkok’s Chinatown or Chiang Mai’s night bazaars.

Thailand is generally affordable, but costs vary widely between simple guesthouses and luxury resorts. You’ll pay with Thai baht (THB) almost everywhere; cash is still useful at markets, street stalls, and smaller guesthouses, while cards are widely accepted at malls, chain cafes, and many hotels. ATMs are common, though they often charge a fixed withdrawal fee, so taking out larger amounts less frequently can be more economical.

Typical daily budgets range from about 1,000–1,500 THB (30–45 USD) for simple guesthouses and street food up to 3,000–5,000 THB (85–140 USD) if you prefer boutique hotels, frequent taxis, and cocktails. Keep small notes for tuk‑tuks and local buses, and remember that tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up small amounts is appreciated in more touristy areas.

Hello’s budget tracking helps you monitor spending in baht, with categories for accommodation, food, transport, and activities, so you can adjust on the fly if you overspend in one area. When travelling with others, use expense splitting to keep shared costs—like island tours or multi‑day treks—fair and clear. Having a Hello eSIM active means you can quickly check exchange rates, pay via apps where available, and confirm that that “special deal” really is good value before committing.