Asia
Thailand
- Flight from Zurichapprox. 11 h
- Best monthsNovember to February
- CurrencyThai Baht (THB)
- Visa for CHNo visa needed
Free intro call, we usually reply within 24 h
Experiences and tickets
What makes Thailand special
Thailand suits a first long-haul trip and a repeat visit alike.
The flight from Zurich takes about 11 hours, and after that it is temples, canals and night markets in Bangkok, a sleeper train north to Chiang Mai, or a boat out to an island. A meal on the street can cost just a few Swiss francs, and getting around is easy.
The north has hills, temples and jungle treks, and the south has islands from Krabi and Koh Lanta to Koh Samui. If you would like the airport ride settled in advance, our experiences include a private transfer from CHF 50 on request.
Ideal for: First-timers in Asia, Backpackers, Island hoppers, Food lovers
When to travel
January
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
February
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
March
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
April
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
May
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
June
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
July
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
August
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
September
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
October
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
November
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
December
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
By region
Bangkok and central Thailand
November to February is comparatively dry and less sticky. The months before are hot and rainy.
Chiang Mai and the north
The cooler months suit hiking. Towards the end of the dry season there can be smoke in the air.
Southern islands
The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have different rainy seasons. Look up your specific island before booking.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
No visa needed · stay of up to 60 days
For Swiss citizens
Swiss tourists can usually enter for short holidays without a visa under a visa exemption, but check how long a stay it covers. Make sure your passport runs for another six months at entry, as a national ID card is not accepted. You may also have to complete a digital arrival card before you travel. Look at the FDFA and the Thai representation for current rules, all information without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 45
per day
Comfortable
CHF 95
per day
Generous
CHF 210
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 11 h
Direct to Bangkok, or 13 to 16 h with a stop depending on season and airline
Getting around
Bangkok has an elevated train and a metro, plus taxis and ride-hailing apps. For longer distances use domestic flights, the night train or intercity buses, and ferries reach the islands. Thailand drives on the left, which matters mainly if you consider a scooter or rental car.
Connected and mobile on the ground
eSIM for Thailand
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
Car rental in Thailand
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Thailand
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Bangkok
Temples such as Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, canals and night markets. The city is loud and hot, so build in breaks in air-conditioned cafés.
Chiang Mai and the north
An old town full of temples, cooking classes and day trips into the hills. Visit elephants only at sanctuaries that do not offer rides.
Krabi and the Andaman Sea
Limestone cliffs, longtail boats and beaches like Railay, which you reach only by boat. Island trips to Phi Phi or Koh Lanta are easy to add.
Koh Samui and the Gulf of Thailand
Palm beaches, waterfalls and the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, the latter popular with divers.
Photos: Isla Phi Phi Lay, Tailandia, 2013-08-19, DD 04 by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0; 20171201 Wat Arun Bangkok 6443 DxO by Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0; Doi Suthep Temple Chiang Mai Thailand by Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0; Railay, Krabi, Thailand by Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Bangkok
Hostels, small hotels and apartments close to the elevated train or metro
Chiang Mai
Guesthouses and boutique hotels in or near the old town
Islands
Beach bungalows to resorts, book early for peak season
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
Swiss travellers are generally not required to have any vaccinations, but a consultation at a travel clinic before departure is sensible. Repellent and long sleeves in the evening help against mosquitoes, and dengue does occur. Sun and heat are easy to underestimate, so drink plenty. On a scooter, accidents are a real risk, so wear a helmet and carry a valid licence. Confirm travel-health cover with your provider before you fly.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Thai
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C, F
- Dialling code
- +66
- Traffic
- Drives on the left
- Tipping
- There is no tipping obligation. Small change in restaurants is fine, and masseurs and guides appreciate a few baht.
- Internet
- Data and Wi-Fi work well in cities and on the bigger islands. A tourist eSIM is usually cheaper than roaming.
- Customs
- Thai baht is the currency. Keep cash for markets and street stalls, and ATMs are easy to find. Sockets mix types A, B, C and O at 230 volts, and two-pin Euro plugs often fit, while your three-pin Swiss plug (type J) goes nowhere, so an adapter belongs in your bag. Temples expect covered shoulders and knees and no shoes inside. Avoid touching anyone's head, and speak respectfully about the royal family.
How long to stay
Recommended length
14 to 21 days
Suggested route
- Bangkok (3 nights) for temples and markets
- Chiang Mai and around (4 nights)
- Krabi or Koh Lanta (5 nights) for beach time
- Optionally Koh Samui and Koh Tao (4 nights)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Thailand?
November to February is mostly dry and comfortable for travelling. From June to October it is rainy season, with short heavy showers, but also quieter and cheaper.
What daily budget should I plan?
Travelling simply works on roughly CHF 45 to 95 a day, with more comfort and excursions closer to CHF 95 to 210. Flights and island hopping come on top.
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Thailand?
For short tourist stays usually not, as a visa exemption applies. Check the permitted length and any formalities such as a digital arrival card shortly before you leave, with the FDFA and the embassy.
How do I get between Bangkok, the north and the islands?
By night train or domestic flight to the north, and by flight plus ferry to the islands. In the city use the elevated train, the metro and ride-hailing apps.
Is renting a scooter in Thailand a good idea?
Only if you have experience and a valid licence. Traffic is on the left and dense, and a helmet is a must. Taxis and ride-hailing are the more relaxed option.
Do I need to carry cash?
Some baht for markets, tuk-tuks and small eateries, and you can withdraw the rest from ATMs. Check your card's fees before you go.
How many days should I plan?
Because of the long flight, two weeks is a good start. With three weeks you can combine Bangkok, the north and at least one island group.
We plan your trip to Thailand
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
Loading the calendar embeds Cal.com. Data is transferred to the provider. Privacy
Reply usually within 24 h