Thailand Guide
Golden temples, jade beaches, and the most complex cuisine in Asia
Introduction
History
Sukhothai and the first kingdoms
The origin of the Thai kingdom and the first great civilisation of the north
Ayutthaya: four centuries of splendour
The capital that impressed Europe and was destroyed in a single night
From Siam to Thailand
How the only uncolonised country in Southeast Asia built its modernity
Contemporary Thailand
Tiger economy, turbulent politics and the weight of tradition
Mainland
Bangkok
The city that never stops surprising
Ayutthaya
The ruins of a capital that was larger than London
Lopburi
The city of monkeys and the forgotten temples of the Javanese era
Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai
Where natural beauty and the darkest history share the same landscape
Sukhothai
The first Thai capital, where the kingdom was born among paddy fields and Buddhas
Khao Yai
The park where elephants cross the road and hornbills fly over the pines
Chiang Mai
The city the north invented to counterbalance Bangkok
Chiang Rai
The border city where contemporary art coexists with the Golden Triangle
Pai
The town where backpackers go to rest and tourists go to watch backpackers
Phuket
Thailand's largest island, between overcrowding and the beauty that persists
Krabi & Railay
The limestone towers that define the image of southern Thailand
Islands
Koh Samui
The Gulf's big island, between mass tourism and the coconut palm that persists
Koh Phangan
More than the Full Moon Party, though the Full Moon Party matters too
Koh Tao
The world capital of budget diving and the corals that still survive
Koh Phi Phi
The legend of paradise between mass tourism and the reefs trying to survive
Koh Lanta
The island that those who know Koh Phi Phi choose the second time around
Koh Lipe
The last paradise of the south, 30 minutes from Malaysia
Koh Chang
The large island of the eastern Gulf, more mountainous than its southern sisters
Koh Kood
The island that hasn't yet decided whether it wants to be famous
Koh Yao Noi
The island between Phuket and Krabi, where real fishermen still live
Which island to choose
An honest guide to choosing based on what you're actually looking for
Culture & daily life
Thai culture
Buddhism, the monarchy and the wai: how to read the country
Thai cuisine
The most complex cuisine in Asia and how to eat it properly
Essential phrasebook
Basic Thai for independent travellers
What to skip in Thailand
The tourist traps not worth falling into
Books & films
Books and films to understand Thailand before and after going
Practical information
When to go to Thailand
Two seasons, three coasts, and the only question that matters
Transport in Thailand
How to move between cities and islands without wasting time or money
Budget & accommodation
What travelling Thailand actually costs
Visa & entry
How to enter Thailand in 2026
Safety & health
What you actually need to know
