Visitors to Thailand must obtain a visa from one of the Thai diplomatic missions unless a) they come from a visa-exempt country or b) one of the countries whose citizens are eligible to obtain visas on arrival.

Thailand currently offers visa-free travel to 57 countries, covering most Western nationals. Now there are some countries, like those from Eastern Europe, that still need visas. In most cases, the visa is issued on arrival at the airport. For a detailed breakdown of countries, visa waivers and visa durations check out the following link.

You should always double check online with the Thai government’s website for visa requirements for your country prior to booking or traveling to Thailand. 

Southeast Asia is a backpacker’s dream for accommodations. You can easily find rooms in guest houses that rent for 300 THB a night (or less). If luxury travel’s your thing,  don’t worry. Thailand has some of the world’s finest hotels and boutiques offering all the creature comforts you could ever ask for. This is truly a country where both a pauper and a prince can travel and feel like kings.

Below is a break down of the types of accommodations you can find in Thailand:

• Budget Hostels/Guesthouses:
  • These are shared dorms or basic rooms with no creature comforts: 100 – 400 THB
• Midrange Guesthouses:
  • These are rooms that offer hotel like conditions. They may include AC, fridge and a safe : 600 – 1000 THB
• Upscale or Boutique Hotels:
  • You have money and you want to enjoy yourself. There’s a wide range of upscale hotel chains, resorts and rentals you can choose from. Rates start from 3000 THB upwards.

One thing’s for sure. You won’t go hungry traveling through Thailand. There’s much to be had in terms of street food, local delicacies and restaurants; and don’t get me started on the cheap alcohol. Seriously, traveling here will test the boundaries of your gluttony – hopefully in a good way.

Below is a quick guide to how much you should expect to spend on food in Thailand:

• Basic Thai street food costs around 30 – 50 THB
• Sit down Thai restaurants, prices can cost from 100 -300 THB (depending on the dishes you order)
• Bottle of water costs 13 THB
• Beer (Singha or Chang) from a grocery store is 40 -60 THB
• Beer from a restaurant or bar is usually priced around 100 THB range

One final note. Prices increase significantly while traveling through popular island locations (Ko Phi Phi is a prime example). These are party destinations and, depending on how much you like to drink, you could easily spend 700 – 1000 THB or more a day.