Travel to Thailand: tailor-made guide & inspiration

Entry into Thailand involves simple, paperless formalities for French-speaking and European travelers:

Mandatory TDAC System (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

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  Mandatory Digital Form: All international travelers must complete the electronic entry declaration within 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival.
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  Free Official Portal: Completely free of charge via the official Immigration website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th (beware of deceptive paywall third-party sites).
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  Format Provided: An individual QR Code is issued instantly, to be kept on your smartphone or printed for boarding and arrival checks.

Visa Framework & Exemptions

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  Tourist Visa Exemption (30 to 60 days): Nationals of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the European Union benefit from visa exemption on arrival (a standard tourist stay of 30 to 60 days depending on the regulations in force).
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  Extension of Stay: May be extended once for an additional 30 days at an official Thai Immigration office (Form TM.7, 1,900 THB).
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  Land Border Entry Cap: Visa-exempt arrivals via land or river crossings are strictly capped at two (2) entries per calendar year.
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  Electronic Tourist Visa (e-Visa): For stays exceeding exemption periods or specific categories, apply prior to departure on the unified official portal: https://thaievisa.go.th.
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  Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date and contain at least 2 consecutive blank pages.

Last updated: August 2026

For domestic and regional flights across Thailand, the standards applied by major airline carriers are as follows:

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  Bangkok Airways (PG): 20 kg checked baggage (economy), 40 kg (Blue Ribbon) + 7 kg cabin baggage. Complimentary access to the signature Boutique Lounge is offered to all passengers.
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  Thai Airways (TG): 20 to 30 kg checked baggage depending on fare category + 7 kg cabin baggage (56x45x25 cm). The premier national flag carrier.
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  Low-Cost Carriers (AirAsia, Nok Air, VietJet): Strict 7 kg cabin baggage (suitcase + personal bag). Checked luggage allowances are paid add-ons automatically integrated into our guest bookings.
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  Airport Security: External power banks must be carried in cabin baggage (maximum capacity 32,000 mAh) and are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.

Last updated: August 2026

From the mountainous North to the two distinct coastlines of the South, Thailand benefits from a remarkable climatic asymmetry: when rain falls along the Andaman coast, the Gulf of Thailand enjoys bright sunshine. Here is the monthly overview to guide your journey:

ANNUAL WEATHER CALENDAR

Legend: ☀️ Sunny and dry | 🌤️ Changeable weather | 🌦️ Passing showers | 🌧️ Rainy season | ❄️ Cool season

DETAILS BY REGION:

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  The North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son): November to February brings dry, luminous days and crisp highland nights. March and April are very hot and affected by seasonal agricultural burning; the green season runs from May to October.
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  Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi): The mildest window spans November to February. April is the hottest month; from May to October, tropical showers are intense but brief, peaking in September.
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  Isaan (Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima): November to February offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Heat builds in March and April, followed by monsoon rains that turn rural landscapes emerald green from May to September.
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  The Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): The Gulf delivers prime beach weather from February through September, perfectly aligning with European summer holidays. Heaviest rains arrive only in October and November.
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  The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta): The ideal dry window runs from November through April, with calm seas and crystal waters. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings swell and some national marine parks close temporarily.

Last updated: August 2026

With its ultramodern infrastructure, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s main air and land transport hub:

International Airports & Flight Hubs

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  Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok (BKK): Major intercontinental hub with the new SAT-1 satellite terminal. Transfer to the city center takes 30 minutes by Airport Rail Link or 45 to 60 minutes by private car.
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  Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok (DMK): Primary base for low-cost and domestic flights (AirAsia, Nok Air), located 25 km north of central Bangkok.
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  Phuket International Airport (HKT): The kingdom's secondary international gateway, directly linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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  Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): Gateway to the Lanna North, accessible via a 1h15 flight from Bangkok.
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  Koh Samui International Airport (USM): Award-winning open-air boutique airport owned by Bangkok Airways, serving the Gulf islands.

Traveling Across the Kingdom

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  Domestic Flights: The fastest way to connect the North, Isaan, and southern islands in 1 to 1.5 hours of daily flight time.
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  Railway Network (SRT): Comfortable departures from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, notably modern Special Express sleeper trains to Chiang Mai and the South.
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  Private Chauffeur Vehicles: Fleet of modern, air-conditioned executive minivans and sedans ensuring safe, comfortable intercity travel.
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  Urban Transit & App Mobility: BTS Skytrain and underground MRT in Bangkok, Chao Phraya express riverboats, and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt) across major cities.

Last updated: August 2026

Thai society is renowned for legendary courtesy and an innate pursuit of harmony. Here are essential etiquette guidelines for respectful travel:

1. Veneration of Monarchy & the Sacred

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  Respect for the Monarchy: The royal institution is treated with deep reverence. Never show disrespect toward portraits of the King or banknotes bearing his image.
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  Veneration of the Buddha: The Buddha is not a decorative object. Exporting sacred statues without permit is illegal, and Buddha tattoos must remain respectfully covered in public.

2. Visiting Temples & Shrines

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  Modest Dress: Shoulders and knees must be covered (light trousers or maxi skirts). Tank tops, short shorts, and see-through garments are strictly barred at sanctuary gates.
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  Remove Shoes: Always take off your shoes before stepping into the inner sanctuary of a temple (ubosot) or a private residence.
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  Direction of Feet: Never point the soles of your feet toward a Buddha image, a monk, or an elder. Sit with your legs tucked under or to the side.

3. Social Grace & Etiquette

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  The Traditional Greeting (Wai): Greet others by pressing your palms together before your chest with a slight head bow.
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  Sanctity of the Head: The head is considered the spiritually highest part of the body. Never touch anyone's head, including children.
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  Emotional Poise (Jai Yen): Keeping a cool heart and smiling in all situations is a cardinal virtue. Raising one's voice or showing open anger causes loss of face.

Last updated: August 2026

Practical advice regarding currency, banking, and tipping etiquette in Thailand:

Currency & Payment Methods

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  Official Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht. Coins in 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht.
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  ATMs: Available everywhere. Local banks charge a fixed fee of 220 THB (~€5.70) per foreign-card withdrawal. Always choose 'Without Conversion' to benefit from the official interbank rate.
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  Licensed Money Changers: To exchange cash euros, choose reputable counters such as SuperRich (green or orange) offering the best rates. Presentation of the original passport is mandatory.
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  Credit Cards & QR Payments: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. QR code payments (PromptPay) are widespread, but keep cash on hand for street food and traditional markets.

Suggested Tipping Guidelines (Private Services)

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  Private French-Speaking Guide: 400 to 600 THB per day for the party.
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  Private Driver: 200 to 350 THB per day per vehicle.
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  Luggage Porters & Hotel Staff: 50 to 100 THB per bag or per night.
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  Upscale Dining: Bills showing '++' already include 10% service charge and 7% VAT. A discretionary cash tip of 50 to 100 THB remains appreciated.

Last updated: August 2026

Thai cuisine ranks among the world's greatest culinary arts, renowned for its masterly equilibrium of five fundamental flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. Here are 8 unmissable culinary icons:

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  Pad Thai: Wok-tossed rice noodles with eggs, firm tofu, dried shrimp, crisp bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce.
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  Tom Yum Goong: An iconic spicy and sour soup with giant prawns, scented with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s-eye chili.
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  Som Tam: Crisp shredded green papaya salad, freshly pounded in a mortar with garlic, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, and roasted peanuts.
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  Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry): Rich coconut milk curry infused with fragrant Thai sweet basil, fresh green chili paste, and pea aubergines.
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  Khao Soi: An essential specialty of the Lanna North: creamy yellow curry and coconut milk broth, tender noodles, and golden crisp noodles.
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  Massaman Curry: Mild, aromatic southern curry slow-simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, tender potatoes, and roasted peanuts.
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  Tom Kha Gai: Silky, velvety chicken soup infused with mild galangal, lemongrass, and fragrant coconut cream.
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  Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice): Royal dessert of warm sweet coconut sticky rice served with ripe golden mango slices and salted coconut cream.

Last updated: August 2026

Thai Customs enforces stringent rules upon entering and leaving the country:

Permitted Duty-Free Allowances

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  Tobacco & Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes (1 carton) OR 250 g of tobacco per adult over 18 years. Customs exercises zero tolerance with instant confiscation and heavy fines for exceeding allowances.
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  Alcoholic Beverages: Maximum 1 liter of spirits or wine per adult traveler.
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  Personal Effects: Personal items with an aggregate value under 20,000 THB.
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  Currency Declaration: Any amount of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of 20,000 USD must be declared on arrival and departure.

Strictly Prohibited Goods

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  E-Cigarettes & Vaping: The import, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and heated tobacco products are strictly illegal in Thailand.
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  Narcotics & Illicit Drugs: Extreme severity under Thai law: severe prison terms and mandatory custodial sentences for narcotics violations.
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  Buddha Statues & Antiquities: Exporting sacred Buddha statues requires an official export license from the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture.

Last updated: August 2026

Thailand boasts the most sophisticated hospital and healthcare infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Here are simple preventive recommendations for your journey:

Medical Recommendations & Health Advice:

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  Advised Vaccinations: No vaccinations are mandatory for European travelers (a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for arrivals from endemic countries). Be up to date on DTP, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid.
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  Mosquito Protection: Prevention against dengue and tropical fevers: apply proven repellent (DEET or Icaridin) and wear light long sleeves in the evening.
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  Drinking Water & Ice: Never drink tap water. Drink exclusively verified bottled water. Ice cubes served in reputable venues are manufactured industrially from purified water and are entirely safe.
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  International Travel Insurance: Take out comprehensive health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Private Thai hospitals require a payment guarantee before admission.

Last updated: August 2026

Emergency telephone contacts, premier medical institutions, and diplomatic missions in Thailand:

National Emergency Numbers (24/7)

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  Tourist Police (Multilingual): 1155 (toll-free 24/7 emergency dispatch with English and French assistance).
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  Medical Emergency & Ambulance: 1669 (national medical emergency center).
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  Police: 191 | Fire Department: 199.

Recommended International Hospitals

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  Bumrungrad International Hospital (Bangkok): 33 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Wattana, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 066 8888 (dedicated French interpreting service).
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  Bangkok Hospital (Bangkok): 2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Rd, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 310 3000.
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  BNH Hospital (Bangkok Nursing Home): 9 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 686 2700.

French-Speaking Embassies & Consulates

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  Embassy of France: 35 Rue de Brest, Charoenkrung Soi 36, Bangrak, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 657 5100.
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  Embassy of Belgium: 16/F Sathorn Square, 98 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 108 1800.
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  Embassy of Switzerland: 35 North Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 674 6900.
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  Embassy of Canada: 15/F Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Rd, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 646 4300.

Last updated: August 2026

To prepare for your journey across Thailand with complete peace of mind, here is our expert checklist:

1. Recommended Clothing & Equipment

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  Natural Fibers: Choose lightweight cotton and breathable linen, loose and airy to remain comfortable in humid tropical heat.
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  Temple Attire: Long light trousers or maxi skirts covering knees, and shirts or tees covering shoulders (strictly enforced at sacred shrines).
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  Slip-On Footwear: Comfortable loafers or strap sandals that are quick to remove and put back on when visiting temples and homes.
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  Light Layer for Air Conditioning: A light cardigan or pashmina is essential: indoor spaces (malls, airports, express trains) are strongly chilled.

2. Medical Kit & Personal Care

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  High-Protection Sunscreen: SPF 50+ sunscreen that is reef-safe (required in national marine parks), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
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  Tropical Insect Repellent: Repellent with DEET or Icaridin and soothing after-bite gel.
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  Basic Pharmacy: Paracetamol, skin disinfectant, blister plasters, anti-diarrheal medication, and oral rehydration packets.
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  Personal Treatments & Documents: Original passport, medical prescriptions for regular treatments, and digital copies of your travel documents.

Last updated: August 2026