Thailand A to Z: The Essential Traveler's Guide
A quick and practical overview to better understand Thailand, its customs, landscapes, and must-sees before or during your trip.
A for Amulets
Religious objects believed to protect the wearer, amulets are sold either at the amulet market or near temples.
B for Baht
The national currency. Read our tips on exchanging money in Thailand.
C for Chedi
The cone-shaped golden structures found in Buddhist temples, housing sacred relics. See our temples and culture section.
D for Donations to monks
A daily practice to offer food or goods to monks and gain merit.
E for Embankments (Bangkok canals)
The city’s old khlongs, still used for transport and local life. See our Bangkok transport guide.
F for Festival of Lanterns
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai: floating lanterns and candlelit river offerings. See our Thailand festival calendar.
G for Guesthouses
Simple, affordable accommodation commonly found in tourist areas. To find the right accommodation, check out our section on hotels and guesthouses in Thailand.
H for Hotels
A wide and diverse offer: see our selections: where to stay in Bangkok and Chiang Mai hotels.
I for Islands
From Koh Samui to Koh Lipe, each island offers unique beaches, diving, and scenery. Check our Thailand islands guide.
J for Jungle
Hiking in national parks like Doi Inthanon or Khao Sok. Thailand has nearly 127 national parks (land and marine), 105 of which are land parks, protecting vast areas of jungle and tropical forests.
K for Koh
Means “island” in Thai: Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang…
L for Loy Krathong
The Festival of Lights in November. Discover its origins and meaning.
M for Night Markets
Unmissable in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket. See our best night markets selection.
N for New Year (Songkran)
In April, the water festival celebrates the Thai New Year. Read our Songkran travel tips.
O for Orchids
National flowers often gifted and used for decoration.
P for Royal Palace
A must-see in Bangkok. Prepare your visit: Grand Palace Bangkok.
Q for Quiet old quarters
Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, or Lampang preserve Thailand’s historical charm. See Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.
R for Rice fields
A symbol of rural Thailand, especially beautiful around Pai and Nan.
S for Street Food
A real institution. Check out our top street food spots in Bangkok.
T for Tuk-tuk
Iconic three-wheeled taxis for short distances. Read our tuk-tuk tips.
U for Udon Thani
Gateway to Isan and the Red Lotus Lake of Kumphawapi.
V for Visa
Entry requirements vary by nationality and length of stay. See our Thailand visa guide.
W for Wat
The Thai word for Buddhist temples, found everywhere in the country.
X for Xylophone (Ranad)
A traditional instrument used in classical Thai music.
Y for Year-end Buddhist retreat (Wan Ok Phansa)
Marks the end of Buddhist Lent with river boat parades.
Z for Zones (Protected Areas)
National parks such as Erawan, Khao Yai, or Doi Inthanon. More than 50 national parks cover a total area of over 25,000 km² dedicated to nature and the protection of flora and fauna.
Why this A to Z?
A quick resource to better understand Thailand before or during your trip. Check out our many articles to dive deeper into each topic.