When to go to Thailand: season, price and first-trip advice
There is no bad time in Thailand, but the rainy season hits its two coasts in different months. Knowing that saves a trip.
Two coasts, two seasons
Thai resorts sit on two coasts: the west (Phuket, Krabi) and the east (Pattaya and the Samui area). Their rainy seasons do not coincide.
So when one coast is pouring, the other can be sunny. If your dates are fixed, pick the place to fit the dates, not the other way round.
A rainy season is not rain all day either — usually one or two heavy downpours that pass. But the sea can be rough and some boat trips get cancelled.
What moves the price
The flight dominates: Thailand is far, and the ticket can be over half the price. That is why trips there usually start at 10 days — a long-weekend hop does not pay for the flight.
New Year and the winter holidays are the priciest window. The months with rain risk are the cheapest.
Hotels themselves often cost less than on the usual beach destinations, but all-inclusive is rarer: in Thailand people eat outside the hotel, and it is inexpensive.
Documents and money
Entry rules and the permitted stay change from time to time, so no exact figures here. Your operator checks the rule that applies on your departure date.
Your passport should be valid at least six months beyond your return — that holds for almost every destination.
People usually change money locally: exchange booths beat airport rates. Cards are not accepted everywhere — markets and small shops want cash.
For a first trip
On a first trip, stay in one place. Thailand is large, and internal flights plus boats eat half a holiday.
The flight is long: with children, pack water, snacks and a charger in your hand luggage. Jet lag usually takes the first day — do not book an excursion for it.
Street food is normal in Thailand, but in the first days pick busy stalls: high turnover means fresher food.
Still have questions? An operator will advise you free of charge.