115 useful websites and apps for travelling in Thailand

Start with the official sources for entering Thailand: the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai e-Visa portal, the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and the Immigration Bureau. Since 15 September 2026 Dutch and Belgian travellers get a 30-day visa exemption, so check the current rules before you book.

• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

  tourismthailand.org

  OfficialFreeApp

  The official tourism website of Thailand, run by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Use it to explore regions, attractions and seasonal highlights before you book anything. Tip: the TAT Call Centre 1672 answers tourist questions in English, which is handy when you need a neutral, official answer instead of a sales pitch.

• TAT Newsroom – official travel news

  tatnews.org

  OfficialFree

  TAT's English-language newsroom publishes official updates on entry rules, festivals, airport changes and safety advisories. When you read a worrying headline elsewhere, check here first for the confirmed version. Tip: search the site for 'visa' or 'TDAC' a week before departure, because entry rules in Thailand changed several times in 2025 and 2026.

• TAT: new 30-day visa exemption rules (from 15 Sept 2026)

  tatnews.org

  OfficialFree

  Official TAT explanation of the visa exemption scheme that replaced the 60-day rule on 15 September 2026. Dutch and Belgian passport holders may now stay up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, and land-border entries under the exemption are generally limited to two per calendar year. Planning a longer trip? Apply for a tourist visa beforehand.

• Thai e-Visa – official online visa application

  thaievisa.go.th

  Official

  The only official portal for Thai visa applications from the Netherlands, Belgium and most other countries; embassies no longer accept paper applications. You upload documents, pay online and receive the e-Visa by e-mail. Tip: apply at least a month before departure, double-check your passport details, and print the approved e-Visa to carry with you.

• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

  tdac.immigration.go.th

  OfficialFreeApp

  Every foreign visitor must complete this free digital arrival card before entering Thailand by air, land or sea. You can submit it from three days before arrival and receive a QR code by e-mail. Tip: use only this .go.th address; look-alike websites charge fees for the same form. Save a screenshot of the confirmation on your phone.

• TDAC user guide and FAQ

  tdac.immigration.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The Immigration Bureau's own manual and FAQ for the digital arrival card. It explains who must submit, which details you need (passport, flight number, address in Thailand) and whether you can edit a submission. Tip: a TDAC is valid for one entry only, so submit a new one for every arrival, including after a side trip to Laos or Cambodia.

• THIM – official Thai Immigration app (Google Play)

  play.google.com

  OfficialFreeApp

  THIM is the Immigration Bureau's official app, fully launched in 2026. It lets you scan your passport, submit the TDAC for up to ten travellers in one go and manage immigration matters during your stay. Tip: the app is optional and does not replace the TDAC; if you already submitted via the website, do not submit again in the app.

• Immigration Bureau of Thailand

  immigration.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The official Immigration Bureau website for longer stays: visa extensions, 90-day address reporting, online appointments at immigration offices and residence notification (TM30). Most tourists only need it if they want to stay longer than their visa exemption. Tip: extend your stay before the permitted date ends, because overstaying leads to daily fines and possible entry bans.

• Thai Customs Department

  customs.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The Customs Department lists what you may bring into Thailand duty-free and what is restricted or banned. Check it before packing cigarettes, alcohol, drones, medication or large amounts of cash. Tip: e-cigarettes and vapes are illegal in Thailand and can lead to fines or arrest, so leave them at home even if they are legal in Europe.

• VAT Refund for Tourists – Revenue Department

  vrtweb.rd.go.th

  OfficialFree

  Official information on reclaiming Thailand's 7% VAT on shopping you take home. Look for shops with the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' sign, ask for the P.P.10 form with your passport, and keep receipts. Tip: purchases must reach 2,000 baht per shop per day, and you need to show the goods at the airport VAT counter before you check in your luggage.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Affairs

  mfa.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the official lists of visa-exempt countries, visa types and document legalisation rules. It is the source embassies refer to when rules change. Tip: if a blog or travel forum gives you conflicting information about how long you may stay, compare it with the current list here or on your Thai embassy's site.

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Getting around Thailand by train, Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT, city and long-distance buses, river boats and island ferries. These operator websites give real timetables and fares, so you can book directly and avoid overpriced tickets from street agents.

• State Railway of Thailand (SRT)

  railway.co.th

  OfficialFree

  The national railway operator runs night trains to Chiang Mai, lines to the south and northeast, and the scenic Death Railway to Kanchanaburi. The site lists timetables and fares, though much is in Thai. Tip: most long-distance trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, not the old Hua Lamphong station, so check your departure station.

• SRT D-Ticket – book Thai trains online

  dticket.railway.co.th

  Official

  The official online ticket shop of the State Railway of Thailand, in English. You can choose seats or sleeper berths, pay by card and show the e-ticket on your phone. Tip: lower berths in second-class sleeper cars on the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route sell out first, especially around holidays, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.

• SRTET – Airport Rail Link & Red Line

  srtet.co.th

  Official

  SRTET operates the Airport Rail Link between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai in central Bangkok, plus the SRT Red Line commuter trains. The site gives fares, timetables and station maps. Tip: the Airport Rail Link takes under half an hour and connects with the BTS at Phaya Thai and the MRT at Makkasan, which beats taxis in rush-hour traffic.

• 12Go – trains, buses and ferries across Thailand

  12go.asia

  App

  12Go is a long-running booking platform that bundles buses, trains, ferries and minivans from many Thai operators in one search. It is especially useful for island combinations, such as bus plus boat to Koh Tao or Koh Lipe. Tip: compare the price with the operator's own site, and check the pickup point carefully, because some tickets start at an office rather than a station.

• BTS Skytrain Bangkok

  bts.co.th

  Official

  The elevated BTS Skytrain is the fastest way around central Bangkok, serving Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom and the Chao Phraya riverside at Saphan Taksin. The site lists routes, fares and service hours. Tip: buy a stored-value Rabbit card for frequent rides so you skip ticket machine queues, and avoid peak hours between 7 and 9 in the morning.

• MRT Bangkok Metro (BEM)

  metro.bemplc.co.th

  Official

  Bangkok Expressway and Metro operates the underground MRT Blue Line and the Purple Line. The Blue Line reaches Chinatown, Wat Pho via Sanam Chai station, Chatuchak and Hua Lamphong. Tip: the MRT accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard cards at the gates, so you can tap in with your own bank card instead of buying tokens.

• BMTA – Bangkok city buses

  bmta.co.th

  Official

  The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority runs the city's public bus network, the cheapest way to reach places the trains do not cover, such as the Grand Palace area. The site lists routes and fares, mostly in Thai. Tip: combine it with the ViaBus app for real-time bus positions, and carry small notes or coins, as conductors rarely change large banknotes.

• Chao Phraya Express Boat

  chaophrayaexpressboat.com

  Official

  The river boats on the Chao Phraya are a scenic and cheap way to reach Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Asiatique. The site explains the flag colours of each line, piers and timetables. Tip: start at Sathorn pier next to BTS Saphan Taksin, and note that the orange-flag boat is much cheaper than the dedicated tourist boat.

• Lomprayah High Speed Ferries

  lomprayah.com

  Official

  Lomprayah runs fast catamarans in the Gulf of Thailand between Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, plus combined bus-and-boat tickets from Bangkok. Book directly on its site for schedules and prices. Tip: sea conditions can be rough during the northeast monsoon from November to January, so take seasickness tablets and keep a flexible day in your plans.

• Seatran Ferry & Discovery

  seatranferry.com

  Official

  Seatran operates car ferries and faster passenger boats from Donsak and Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. It is a reliable alternative when Lomprayah is full. Tip: if you travel with a rental car or scooter, book the car ferry from Donsak, and arrive early on Full Moon Party weekends when boats to Phangan fill up.

• Raja Ferry Port

  rajaferryport.com

  Official

  Raja Ferry runs the large car ferries from Donsak pier to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, with frequent departures throughout the day. The website lists timetables and fares for passengers, cars and motorbikes. Tip: it is slower than a speedboat but stable in rough seas, which makes it the most comfortable option for families and travellers who get seasick.

• Transport Co. (BKS) – government intercity buses

  transport.co.th

  OfficialApp

  Transport Co. Ltd, known in Thailand as Bor Kor Sor (BKS), is the state bus company behind most long-distance routes from Bangkok's Mo Chit, Ekkamai and Southern bus terminals. This page explains how to reserve seats. Tip: the BKS E-Ticket app sells tickets online, so you avoid queues and touts at the terminal; keep your passport name identical to the booking.

• Nakhonchai Air – VIP buses

  nca.co.th

  OfficialApp

  Nakhonchai Air is one of Thailand's best-known private bus companies, with comfortable VIP and first-class coaches on dozens of routes from Bangkok to the north and northeast, such as Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The website shows routes, branches and booking channels. Tip: book the front seats on the upper deck for the view, and bring a jumper because the air conditioning is strong.

• Sombat Tour – long-distance buses

  sombattour.com

  Official

  Sombat Tour runs long-distance coaches from Bangkok to the north and northeast of Thailand, including overnight services with reclining seats. On the website you can check routes and departure times and book a seat online. Tip: night buses save you a hotel night, but book a day or more ahead around Thai holidays such as Songkran and New Year, when buses sell out.

• Phuket Smart Bus

  phuketsmartbus.com

  Official

  Phuket Smart Bus links Phuket Airport with the west-coast beaches, including Patong, Karon and Rawai, and also runs a Patong to Phuket Town route. The website has the timetable, live GPS tracking of the buses, payment options and a day pass. Tip: it is far cheaper than a taxi from the airport; check the live tracker before walking to the stop.

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Emergency numbers, the English-speaking Tourist Police (1155), international hospitals, vaccination advice for Thailand and official weather and air quality information. Prepare before you go and know where to turn if you get sick, are robbed or face a storm warning.

• Tourist Police Bureau (call 1155)

  touristpolice.go.th

  OfficialFreeApp

  The Tourist Police help foreign visitors with theft, scams, lost documents and disputes, with English-speaking officers on the 24-hour hotline 1155. They have stations at airports and major tourist areas. Tip: save 1155 in your phone; for medical emergencies call 1669, and get a police report for theft, because your insurer will ask for it.

• Bumrungrad International Hospital

  bumrungrad.com

  OfficialApp

  Bumrungrad in Bangkok's Sukhumvit area is one of Asia's best-known private hospitals, treating many international patients with interpreters and English-speaking doctors. It is the place for serious problems or specialist care. Tip: contact your travel insurer's emergency line first, so the hospital can arrange a direct payment guarantee instead of asking you for a large deposit.

• Bangkok Hospital (BDMS network)

  bangkokhospital.com

  OfficialApp

  Bangkok Hospital is part of Thailand's largest private hospital group, with branches in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and other tourist areas. That makes it the most likely international-standard hospital near your hotel. Tip: look up the branch closest to your accommodation in advance and save its emergency number next to the ambulance number 1669.

• Samitivej Hospitals

  samitivejhospitals.com

  OfficialApp

  Samitivej is a respected private hospital group in Bangkok and Sriracha with a strong children's hospital, which makes it a good choice for families travelling with kids. It has international patient services and English-speaking staff. Tip: for minor problems such as an ear infection after diving, a hospital outpatient clinic is often quicker than a small local clinic.

• Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm & rabies clinic)

  saovabha.com

  Official

  This Thai Red Cross institute in Bangkok produces antivenoms and runs a well-known travel clinic for rabies vaccinations, as well as the popular Snake Farm shows. It is the place to go after a dog or monkey bite. Tip: rabies needs urgent treatment, so even after a small scratch from a monkey at a temple, go to a clinic the same day.

• Department of Disease Control – Ministry of Public Health

  ddc.moph.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The Thai Department of Disease Control publishes official information on dengue fever, malaria, rabies and other outbreaks. It is the place to check when you hear about a local health alert. Tip: dengue spreads by day-biting mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season, so use DEET or icaridin repellent during the day and not only in the evening.

• LCR – vaccination advice Thailand

  lcr.nl

  OfficialFree

  The Dutch national travel health centre (Landelijk Coördinatiecentrum Reizigersadvisering) lists which vaccinations and precautions are advised for Thailand, including hepatitis A, DTP and rabies for certain travellers. It is the official Dutch source GPs and GGDs use. Tip: check it six to eight weeks before departure, because some vaccination schedules need several doses.

• GGD Reisvaccinaties

  ggdreisvaccinaties.nl

  Official

  The Dutch public health services (GGD) offer travel consultations and vaccinations at locations across the Netherlands. You can book online and receive advice tailored to your route, such as for jungle trekking or a long stay. Tip: bring your vaccination booklet to the appointment, and ask whether your health insurance covers part of the costs.

• CDC Travelers' Health – Thailand

  wwwnc.cdc.gov

  OfficialFree

  The US Centers for Disease Control provide a clear English overview of health risks in Thailand, from food and water safety to mosquito-borne diseases and road accidents. It is a helpful extra source for non-Dutch speakers. Tip: the packing list on this page is practical, including sunscreen, oral rehydration salts and a basic first-aid kit.

• Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)

  tmd.go.th

  OfficialFreeApp

  The official weather service of Thailand, with forecasts per province, storm and monsoon warnings, and rain radar. Check it before boat trips, island hopping or mountain treks. Tip: the Gulf coast (Samui, Phangan, Tao) and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) have different rainy seasons, so compare both regions before deciding where to go.

• Air Quality Index – Bangkok & Thailand (AQICN)

  aqicn.org

  FreeApp

  This real-time air quality map shows PM2.5 levels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other Thai cities, using official and local sensors. Smog can be serious in the north during the burning season, roughly February to April. Tip: if the index is in the red, wear an N95 mask outdoors and consider moving your trip south for a few days.

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Official sites for the Grand Palace, museums, UNESCO World Heritage cities such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, and the national festival calendar. Plan around Songkran or Loy Krathong, learn temple etiquette and buy event tickets only through official channels.

• TAT Events & Festivals calendar

  tourismthailand.org

  OfficialFree

  The official festival calendar of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, covering Songkran in April, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in November, and many regional events. Use it to plan your trip around a festival, or to avoid crowds and higher prices. Tip: hotels in Chiang Mai sell out months ahead for Yi Peng, so book early if the lantern festival is on your list.

• The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

  royalgrandpalace.th

  Official

  The official site of Bangkok's Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the country's most important landmark. It lists opening hours, ticket prices, closures for royal ceremonies and the dress code. Tip: cover shoulders and knees, and ignore strangers outside who claim the palace is closed today; that is a classic scam leading to an overpriced tuk-tuk tour.

• Fine Arts Department – museums & historical parks

  finearts.go.th

  OfficialFree

  The Fine Arts Department manages Thailand's national museums, archaeological sites and historical parks such as Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Phimai. Its site announces opening times, exhibitions and restoration news. Tip: the National Museum in Bangkok near the Grand Palace offers a great introduction to Thai history, and is far quieter than the palace itself.

• Museum Siam – Discovery Museum Bangkok

  museumsiam.org

  Official

  Museum Siam is an interactive museum about Thai identity and culture, housed in a colonial-era building next to Wat Pho. Its playful exhibitions work well for families and first-time visitors. Tip: MRT Sanam Chai station has an exit right at the museum, so you can combine it with Wat Pho and the riverside in a half-day walk.

• Jim Thompson House Museum

  jimthompsonhouse.org

  Official

  The former home of the American 'Thai Silk King' Jim Thompson is a group of traditional teak houses filled with Asian art, in a garden in central Bangkok. Visits to the main house are guided in several languages. Tip: entry is 250 baht for adults; buy tickets only through the official site or ticket office, as the museum warns about scam sellers.

• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

  bacc.or.th

  OfficialFree

  BACC is Bangkok's leading contemporary art centre, with free exhibitions, a library, cafés and small design shops opposite MBK and Siam. It is a good air-conditioned break between shopping malls. Tip: it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00, reachable from BTS National Stadium, and the Bangkok Art Biennale runs here from late October 2026.

• Sanctuary of Truth (Pattaya)

  sanctuaryoftruth.com

  Official

  The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a huge temple-like building made entirely of carved wood, under construction since 1981. It shows Thai, Hindu and Buddhist philosophy through sculptures. Tip: visitors must wear a hard hat in some areas because carving continues, and the official site lists show times and dress rules, which require covered shoulders.

• UNESCO: Historic City of Ayutthaya

  whc.unesco.org

  OfficialFree

  UNESCO's World Heritage page on Ayutthaya, the former royal capital about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, with temple ruins and Buddha heads entwined in tree roots. It explains the history behind what you see. Tip: take a cheap train from Bangkok and rent a bicycle near the station; start early, because the ruins get very hot by midday.

• UNESCO: Historic Town of Sukhothai

  whc.unesco.org

  OfficialFree

  UNESCO's page on Sukhothai and the associated towns of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, the cradle of the first Thai kingdom. The ruins lie in a quiet, green park with lotus ponds. Tip: rent a bicycle at the park entrance and stay for sunset; in November the park hosts a beautiful Loy Krathong festival with light shows.

• ThaiTicketMajor – event tickets

  thaiticketmajor.com

  OfficialApp

  ThaiTicketMajor is Thailand's main ticketing platform for concerts, theatre, sports, Muay Thai and shows. If an event is announced in Bangkok, tickets are often sold here first. Tip: popular concerts sell out within minutes, so register an account in advance; and buy only from official channels, as resold e-tickets are frequently fake.

• Thailand Foundation – Thai culture explained

  thailandfoundation.or.th

  OfficialFree

  The Thailand Foundation, linked to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explains Thai culture, religion, customs and arts in clear English. It is ideal reading before visiting temples or a Thai home. Tip: learn the wai greeting and temple etiquette, such as removing your shoes and never pointing your feet towards a Buddha image or a monk.

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Order Thai food, drinking water or groceries to your hotel, condo or villa. Grab, LINE MAN, ShopeeFood and Robinhood deliver meals from restaurants and street stalls; supermarkets such as Lotus's, Big C and Tops deliver groceries. Foodpanda stopped in Thailand in May 2025, so ignore older tips that still recommend it.

• LINE MAN – food, groceries & taxis

  lmwn.com

  App

  LINE MAN is one of Thailand's biggest delivery apps for food, groceries, parcels and taxis, linked to the Wongnai restaurant database. It is handy for ordering local dishes to your hotel during a rainy evening. Tip: many hotels and condos ask drivers to leave orders in the lobby, so add your room number and a phone number that works in Thailand.

• GrabFood Thailand

  grab.com

  App

  GrabFood delivers meals from thousands of restaurants and street food vendors, using the same Grab app many travellers already use for rides. Menus are often available in English with photos. Tip: compare delivery fees with LINE MAN, and check the restaurant's rating and distance, because food from far away can arrive cold in Bangkok traffic.

• ShopeeFood – food delivery

  shopee.co.th

  OfficialApp

  ShopeeFood is the food delivery service built into the Shopee shopping app, with restaurants, street food and drinks in many Thai cities. It often has discount codes and free-delivery deals. Tip: orders below 80 baht carry a small-order fee, so combine dishes; the app is mostly in Thai, so use photos and your phone's translate function while ordering.

• Robinhood – Thai food delivery

  robinhood.co.th

  OfficialApp

  Robinhood is a Thai food delivery app that focuses on Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. It asks restaurants for a low commission, and many dishes are offered at the same price as in the shop. Since foodpanda left Thailand in 2025, Robinhood has added more English. Tip: compare the final price with Grab and LINE MAN, because fees differ per order.

• GrabMart – groceries via Grab

  grab.com

  OfficialApp

  GrabMart is the grocery and convenience-store delivery service in the Grab app. You order drinking water, snacks, toiletries, fruit or baby products from nearby supermarkets and shops, delivered by a Grab rider. Tip: handy when you arrive late at your accommodation or are ill in your room; use the same app and card you already set up for rides.

• Lotus's – supermarket delivery

  lotuss.com

  OfficialApp

  Lotus's (formerly Tesco Lotus) is one of Thailand's largest supermarket chains. Its website and app deliver groceries, fresh food and household items, with fast delivery in many areas, next-day slots and click-and-collect at a branch. Tip: useful for longer stays in a condo or villa; check first whether your address falls inside the fast-delivery area.

• Big C Online – groceries

  bigc.co.th

  OfficialApp

  Big C is a large Thai hypermarket chain. Big C Online delivers groceries and household products, with express delivery within about an hour in covered areas or parcel delivery nationwide, and you can pay online or on delivery. Tip: the website is in Thai, so use your browser's translate function; it is good value for bottled water and basics during a longer stay.

• Tops Online – supermarket delivery

  tops.co.th

  OfficialApp

  Tops is a Thai supermarket chain known for imported and Western products, from cheese and bread to baby food and wine. Tops Online delivers groceries from its stores and has an English website. Tip: a good choice if you miss familiar products from home or need specific dietary items; check the delivery slots, because same-day slots fill up in the evening.

• Makro PRO – wholesale online

  makro.pro

  OfficialApp

  Makro PRO is the online shop of Makro, Thailand's wholesale chain for restaurants, hotels and households that buy in bulk. You can order food, drinks and supplies in large packs for delivery. Tip: mainly worth it for long stays, group trips or a villa with a kitchen, when you need large quantities of water, rice or cleaning products.

• 7-Eleven TH app – 7Delivery

  play.google.com

  OfficialApp

  The official 7-Eleven TH app includes 7Delivery, which brings snacks, drinks, ready meals and toiletries from your nearest 7-Eleven, generally between about 6am and 10pm in covered areas. Tip: the app interface is in Thai only, so it suits people who stay longer and are willing to use a translation app; for a quick order, walking to the shop is often faster.

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