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Things to do in Thailand

6 destinations in Thailand, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Thailand

Best time to visit Thailand

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Bangkok
The cheapest months to fly to Bangkok are May through August (the rainy season), when fares from Western hubs can be 25-40% lower than the November-to-February peak tourist season. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) saves an additional 10-15% compared to weekend travel.
Chiang Mai
Fly to Chiang Mai in the low season months of May through September (outside the brutal smoke season of March-April) for airfare 25-40% cheaper than the peak November-February cool season. Mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently run $30-80 cheaper per round trip than weekend flights.
Koh Samui
The cheapest months to fly and stay in Koh Samui are September and October (low season due to Gulf of Thailand monsoon rains), where flights and hotels can be 30-50% cheaper than the December-February peak. For better weather with moderate savings, aim for May or early June before the heaviest rains hit.
Krabi
The cheapest months to fly to Krabi are May through October (green/shoulder season), with fares and hotel rates running 30-40% lower than the November-March peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) save an additional 10-15% on regional connections from Bangkok.
Pattaya
Flying into Bangkok for Pattaya is cheapest from May through September (the shoulder and low season), when you can save 20-35% versus peak December-January prices. Midweek departures on Tuesday and Wednesday consistently come in $50-100 cheaper than weekend flights from most Western hubs.
Phuket
The cheapest months to fly are May through September (the green/rainy season), when round-trip fares from major hubs can be 25-40% lower than the November-to-April peak, and hotels often cut rates by half. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently offer the lowest fares regardless of season.

Is Thailand expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Bangkok
About $21 a day on a shoestring, about $145 comfortably.
Chiang Mai
About $18 a day on a shoestring, about $140 comfortably.
Koh Samui
About $28 a day on a shoestring, about $208 comfortably.
Krabi
About $29 a day on a shoestring, about $180 comfortably.
Pattaya
About $22 a day on a shoestring, about $158 comfortably.
Phuket
About $24 a day on a shoestring, about $193 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Thailand

  • Bangkok: Lumpini Park Sprawling urban green space where locals do tai chi, paddle boats, and spot massive monitor lizards.
  • Chiang Mai: Wander the Old City Moat The square moat and ancient walls make a perfect sunrise or sunset stroll through living history.
  • Koh Samui: Sunset at Chaweng Beach Grab a cheap Chang beer from a 7-Eleven and watch the sky turn pink from the sand-no entry fee required.
  • Krabi: Ao Nang Beach Sunset Walk Stroll the main beach at golden hour with karst views and no admission charge
  • Pattaya: Pattaya Beach Boardwalk Stroll A long, lively promenade perfect for people-watching, sunset views, and soaking up the beach-town energy.
  • Phuket: Karon Viewpoint Panoramic overlook of three beaches at once, no entry fee, just a short songthaew ride south.

Cheap eats in Thailand

  • Jay Fai in Bangkok, Drunken noodles or crab omelette (Michelin-starred street food at street prices) Plates $8-15
  • Huen Phen in Chiang Mai, Khao Soi (Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup) Plates $1.50-3
  • Lamai Night Market in Koh Samui, Pad kra pao (basil stir-fry) with rice and fried egg Plates $1.50-3
  • Krabi Town Morning Market in Krabi, Khao Tom (rice soup) or pad kra pao with egg Plates $1-2
  • Moom Aroi Restaurant in Pattaya, Steamed crab and spicy seafood curry Plates $3-7
  • Kopitiam by Wilai in Phuket, Mee hun sup (Hokkien noodle soup) or crab curry with roti Plates $2-4

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