Why I Keep Going Back to Thailand (And What To Know When Visiting)

Updated: May 2, 2026, 8:30am CDT

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Table of Contents

How To Visit Thailand on a Budget
Understanding the Hot and Rainy Seasons
Other Practical Tips for Thailand Travel
Know Your Airports
Final Thoughts

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I’ve visited Thailand dozens of times for the country’s diverse landscape, delicious food, and welcoming, peaceful culture. My first visits to Thailand were longer, solo backpacking adventures, with last-minute plans, late nights out, and stays in small budget hotels or hostels.

As I got older, my trips became less backpacker and more organized alongside my then-boyfriend (now husband), with nicer hotels and more planning. This summer, I’ll be taking my 5-year-old son to Thailand for a monthlong family visit to show him all of my favorite places in the country.

Over the course of nearly 2 decades, I’ve learned a ton about traveling to Thailand and have made numerous mistakes alongside epic travel memories. I’m passing on some of my best Thailand advice here so you can have a safe, affordable, and enjoyable Thai vacation.

How To Visit Thailand on a Budget

Thailand is extremely affordable compared to many Western countries, and the best way to do it on a budget without sacrificing luxury is to research in advance. Yes, you can always find a cheap hostel at the last minute, but you can often find affordable luxury hotels, especially in larger cities like Bangkok, if you do your homework.

1. Choose the Right Accommodation

Many points-and-miles hotels are extremely affordable, costing around $100 per night or requiring only a few points. One of my favorite dependable spots is Marriott’s Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok. It’s not your average Sheraton — it has a gorgeous riverfront pool, and while the rooms are fairly basic, I love the river views.

There are endless options in Bangkok for 3- to 5-star hotels that aren’t affiliated with loyalty programs. My favorite is the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, which features a gorgeous 14th-floor swimming pool and an ample breakfast buffet.

Thailand is also an excellent place to take advantage of credit card hotel statement credits. For example, I recently booked the Anantara Riverside Resort in Bangkok, a Premier Collection property, via Capital One Travel for $219 per night with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, using my $300 travel credit.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Cons

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Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

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Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
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Credit Recommended

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Card Highlights

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And Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel partnerships manager and podcast co-host at Upgraded Points, recently used her prepaid hotel credit from the Platinum Card^® from American Express to stay at the fancy St. Regis Bangkok for nearly free.

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These hotel credits not only help offset some of the higher annual fees on these premium cards, but they can also stretch further in countries like Thailand, where nightly rates tend to be lower.

2. Take Public Transportation

Another way to save in Bangkok is to take the BTS Skytrain (a time-saver compared to taxis, since the city’s traffic is terrible). Taking the public riverboat in Bangkok costs between 60 cents and $4.50, and it’s a great way to see the sights from the water.

Motorcycle taxis are another easy way to get around quickly and beat traffic in many of Thailand’s cities — just confirm the driver has an extra helmet for you. And, of course, there’s the iconic Thai tuk-tuk, the three-wheeled, open-air motorized vehicle that looks like a cross between a golf cart and a scooter. (It’s known as an auto rickshaw in many other countries.)

3. Fly Low-Cost Airlines

If you’re moving around Thailand internally, consider low-cost airlines such as AirAsia or Scoot. Bangkok Airways is a boutique airline, and if you book in advance, you can usually find better prices.

Bangkok Airways plane in Koh Samui — A Bangkok Airways plane in Thailand.

Just make sure to read the fine print, since baggage fees and restrictions can add up quickly.

4. Choose the Right Destinations

Thailand, particularly Koh Samui, has become extremely popular in recent years, in part thanks to the television show “White Lotus.” Phuket and Koh Phi Phi are islands that can also be crowded, pricey, and overwhelming.

A beach in Thailand — The best islands are the lesser-visited ones.

However, the country has dozens of other, more affordable islands to visit. Some of my favorite islands for budget-friendly, quieter travel are Koh Lipe, Koh Samet, Koh Tao, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.

Understanding the Hot and Rainy Seasons

Visiting during the wrong season can make or break your Thailand vacation, from floods to breathing problems.

Hot Season

The hottest time of year in Thailand is between March and May, when it can get unbearably humid in many parts of the country. You might find low hotel rates at this time, but be prepared for high temperatures. I’ve been to Thailand around this time, and it’s extremely hot.

Burning Season

The burning season is another factor to consider, which usually occurs in Chiang Mai between February and April. This year, Chiang Mai was ranked one of the worst cities in the world for air quality. Skip visiting around this time of year, especially if you have respiratory issues.

Rainy Season

Most of Thailand’s rainy season runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall happening in September and October. However, I’ve spent many summers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with downpours occurring here and there, and it hasn’t been a major issue — just expect humidity and mosquitoes.

Beach in Koh Samui with chairs and umbrellas — I prefer visiting the islands during the dry season.

In contrast, the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao) sees the most rain in November and December. I usually avoid the wet season on these islands because rain can ruin a beach trip, especially if ferries are canceled for rough seas and storms.

Survive rainy season by bringing one of those nerdy, yellow tourist ponchos, carrying an umbrella around, and having plenty of bug spray. In cities like Bangkok, there are plenty of indoor attractions to explore if the weather isn’t great.

Other Practical Tips for Thailand Travel

Apart from budget travel, there are a few general rules for traveling throughout Thailand that will set you up for success on your trip.

1. Enjoy Food Markets and Street Food

Street food is an art in Thailand — there are even Michelin-starred street food eateries and markets with thousands of food stalls. You can find the best pad thai and mango sticky rice right on the street.

Street food no name chicken thailand — Street food is delicious.

If you’re concerned about getting sick, follow these rules when eating street food or at food markets in Thailand:

Use your intuition: If it looks or smells bad, don’t eat it.
Follow the people: The stalls with the longest lines often have the best (and freshest) food.
Skip raw produce: Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit (they may have been washed in contaminated water).
Order food cooked on the spot: Skip anything that looks like it’s been sitting out all day.

And if you’re on a budget? Grabbing toasties (sandwiches) is popular among the backpacker set.

2. Carry Cash

Yes, it’s 2026 — and yes, you need to have some cash on hand in Thailand. Many street food vendors don’t take credit cards, and neither will traditional taxis. Get some cash out of the ATM or change cash at an exchange stand.

Hot Tip:

Need some local cash? Read our guide to the best places to exchange money.

3. Watch Out for Common Scams

One of the most typical scams in Thailand is the “Grand Palace scam,” where someone will tell you the Grand Palace is closed and offer to show you the city via tuk-tuk instead, usually at a very high price. I was ready for it, so I didn’t fall for the scam when someone approached me. I simply said “no” and walked away, since I knew it was indeed open.

Other scams include gem scams, overpriced tailoring shops, and charging for fake damage on Jet Ski or motorbike rentals. To protect yourself:

Use dedicated ride-hailing and tuk-tuk apps to avoid overpaying.
If you rent a motorbike or jet ski, never leave your passport; have them make a photocopy and leave cash as a deposit instead.
Make videos and take photos of anything you rent to ensure you won’t be liable for damages you didn’t cause.

Finally, read up on scams in Thailand before visiting to ensure you won’t fall for any.

4. Use Ride-Hailing Apps

Taking a tuk-tuk ride in Thailand is basically a rite of passage (and it’s fun!). But tuk-tuk rides aren’t cheap, often requiring a level of haggling that Western travelers don’t always expect. Instead, order your tuk-tuk via the MuvMi app (Google, Apple) for better prices and more sustainable rides, as these tuk-tuks are electric.

Tuk Tuks Bangkok — Explore Thailand via tuk-tuk.

Grab (Google, Apple) is another useful app in Thailand. It lets you safely order rides (even mototaxis) and food delivery. I’ve always found better pricing with Grab than with regular taxis, and I prefer the option of digital payment. Bolt (Google, Apple) is another popular ride-hailing app in Thailand, so you can compare pricing with Grab.

5. Respect Local Customs

There are many rules in Thailand: Some are obvious, and some are unwritten. The country is generally relaxed, but there are important cultural norms to follow.

Entering Thailand: U.S. citizens need a passport valid for 6 months and a blank passport page upon arrival. You’ll also complete a Thai Arrival Card — only use the official site and avoid paid scams.
Modesty and respect: Generally speaking, you can dress casually, but cover your shoulders, knees, and temples (as in the Grand Palace). You may need to remove your shoes in some places. And never insult the Thai monarch, which is a serious criminal offense.
Never point your feet at Buddha: I learned this the hard way on my first trip, stretching my tired legs out toward a statue, completely oblivious. A security guard sternly told me, “Never point feet at Buddha.” I felt terrible, and I’ll never do it again.

Wat Arun in Bangkok — Cover up when visiting Thai temples.

Obviously, we all make mistakes, but understanding Thai culture is the best way to respect locals and ensure a smoother trip.

6. Use an eSim

In the past, I’ve purchased local SIM cards at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) upon arrival. Nowadays, I always use an eSIM, which I buy before my trip and set up before landing.

Lately, I’ve been purchasing eSIMs from GigSky because I hold certain Visa credit cards. For example, Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders get 1 complimentary GigSky global mobile plan annually as follows:

Visa Signature: 1GB, 15-day complimentary plan, and 20% off all plans
Visa Infinite: 3GB, 15-day complimentary plan, and 30% off all plans

In 2025, I was able to take advantage of these plans using my Capital One Venture X card (3GB) and my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card (1GB), and I can now redeem for more in 2026.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
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Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Other reputable companies we’ve had positive experiences with at Upgraded Points include Airalo, Voye, and Jetpac.

Know Your Airports

Bangkok has 2 airports:

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the main international hub where you’ll most likely fly in and out of when coming from or departing to the U.S. or Europe
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which is where you’ll likely be flying to and from if you’re flying a low-cost carrier

These airports aren’t close to each other, so check your ticket before heading to the airport.

A few other practical tips:

Use the Airport Rail Link: Avoid the worst traffic by taking this train to the Bangkok city center, which connects to the Skytrain.
Change money at this local spot: My local Thai friends all suggest changing money at Superrich, on the ground floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport, near the entrance to the rail link.
Koh Samui is the best airport in the world: In my humble opinion, Koh Samui is the loveliest airport where you can sit outside, walk through gardens, and take cute, open-air trams from your plane to the airport.

Final Thoughts

Thailand is an incredible country for a vacation, and having some solid traveling strategies is key to success. Avoid being scammed, offending a local, or ending up at the wrong airport. Instead, follow these tips for a safe, affordable, and enjoyable Thailand trip.