Thailand Holidays
Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi's limestone islands with warm Andaman waters. Plan your Thailand beach holiday with flights, hotels, and visa info.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Thailand
Tue
Wed
Thu
SPF level in Thailand
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Thailand
Your passport must expire at least 6 months after arrival and have one blank page.
From 15 September 2026, visa-exempt tourists can stay for up to 30 days.
Visa-exempt tourism entry is normally limited to two entries per calendar year.
Complete Thailand’s digital arrival card online within 3 days before arrival.
You may need proof of funds and onward or return travel at entry.
Good to know:
Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
Declare restricted or taxable goods, and do not bring over 200 cigarettes per person.
Safety in Thailand
Thailand is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport or a copy of its photo page in case police ask for identification.
Keep valuables secure, beware motorbike bag-snatchers and avoid isolated areas at night.
Keep drinks with you, avoid strangers’ drinks and pre-arrange licensed transport home.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal, with possible detention and heavy fines.
Follow beach flags and local advice, especially during monsoon season.
Bonus tips:
Do not take cannabis out of Thailand, as this can lead to arrest or fines.
If riding a motorcycle, wear a helmet and carry the required licence and IDP.
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Driving in Thailand
A UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Thailand drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Thailand
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as health care in Thailand can be expensive. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Thailand.
No vaccinations required
Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention before traveling to Thailand. Dengue fever is also a risk, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Be aware of food and water hygiene to avoid traveller's diarrhea.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Smaller shops, markets, and street vendors usually prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
Tipping in Thailand
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. While not always expected, small tips are generally appreciated, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
10-15% for good service, or round up the bill.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave small change.
Taxi
Round up the fare or give a small tip for good service.
Hotel Porter
20-50 THB per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 THB per day.
Tour Guide
100-300 THB per day, depending on the quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming rules no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Thailand. Rates can be significantly higher than using a local SIM card.
Local SIM
15 GB for 499 THB (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Thailand
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially in tourist areas. Speeds can vary.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also a reliable option, and local SIM cards with data packages are readily available.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
191
Police
191
Ambulance
1669
Fire
199
Save 191 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Thailand
Country code
66
To call Thailand from abroad, dial 66 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
14 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
Phone
+66 (0)2 305 8333
Website
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Phuket International Airport
Koh Samui Airport
Don Mueang International Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport
Hat Yai International Airport
Recent updates
Entry Requirements
Visa-exempt entry from 15 September 2026 is limited to tourism; business travel, including conferences and meetings, requires an appropriate visa.
Visa-exempt tourism entry is normally limited to two entries per calendar year; after two entries, you may need a visa before travelling.
From 15 September 2026, British travellers entering Thailand under the visa exemption scheme can stay for up to 30 days for tourism, reduced from 60 days.
To stay longer, you must obtain the appropriate visa before travel or, if eligible, apply for an extension through Thai immigration authorities.
Travellers may be asked to show at least 10,000 Thai baht per person or 20,000 baht per family, plus proof of onward or return travel; British nationals have been refused entry for not providing this evidence.
Natural Disasters
Severe flooding is affecting Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan after heavy rainfall.
All 50 districts of Bangkok are disaster-affected areas; road closures and flooding in low-lying areas may disrupt travel.
Special public holidays apply on 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
Government offices and services in these areas may be closed or operate with reduced capacity; follow local authorities’ advice if travelling.
Periods of intense rainfall can now occur across Thailand, including outside the usual rainy seasons.
Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and transport disruption, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas.
Conditions can change rapidly, causing road closures and local travel disruption; follow local authority advice and weather warnings.
Local Laws
Thailand is increasing enforcement against unlawful business ownership arrangements involving foreign nationals, including nominee Thai shareholders.
If you invest in property or a business, seek independent legal advice and check that your ownership arrangements comply with Thai law.
Breaches can result in arrest, fines, deportation or other legal penalties.
Since 28 August 2026, foreign nationals can be deported without a criminal conviction if authorities consider their conduct contrary to public order, public morals or the wellbeing of Thai people.
Deported people may face restrictions on returning to Thailand; follow local laws and instructions from Thai authorities.
Beaches in Thailand
Ao Sane Beach
Ba Kantiang Beach
Banana beach
Bang Hoi Beach
Bang Saen
Bang Thao beach
Chalok Lam
Chaweng
Choeng Mon
Freedom beach
Haad Salad
Haad Son
Haad Yao
Hat Chai Mao
Hat Kata
Hat Khuat
Hat Puek Tian
Hua Hin beach
Jomtien
Kamala beach
Karon Beach
Karon Noi Beach
Kata Noi beach
Khlong Khong Beach
Khlong Nin Beach
Klong Dao Beach
Klong Muang Beach
Klong Muang Beach
Long Beach
Nai Harn beach
Nai Phlao Beach
Nai Yang beach
Narathat Beach
Noppharat Thara Beach
Pak Meng beach
Paradise Beach
Patong
Pattaya Beach
Phra Ae Beach
Railay Beach
Rawai
Relax Bay Beach
Sai Noi beach
Sai Ri beach
Samae Beach
Samila Beach
Silver Beach
Surin
Tawaen Beach
Ta Yai Beach
Tong Lang Beach
Tubkaek Beach
Ya Nui
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.