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Thailand travel guide

Golden temples and street food in Bangkok, then islands, beaches and limestone bays in the south, about six hours from the UAE.

For travellers from the UAE · Checked

Thailand packages from USD 707
The Phi Phi Islands from the viewpoint at sunrise A gilded hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Thailand is one of the most popular holidays from the UAE, and it is easy to see why. Bangkok has palaces, temples, markets and shopping on a grand scale, and an hour's flight takes you to Phuket and the islands of the Andaman Sea.

It works for every kind of trip: families come for the beaches, elephants and water parks, couples for island resorts and pool villas. The tropical climate means planning around the monsoon, which reaches the Andaman coast from May to October.

Visa and entry

  • From 15 September 2026, citizens of the UAE and more than 60 other countries can visit Thailand without a visa for 30 days, down from 60. One 30-day extension can be requested in Thailand.

    Source: The National (Ajanta Paul) and Gulf News (Stephen N R)

  • The rules follow your passport, not your residence: UAE residents follow the rules for their own nationality. Carry a passport valid for six months, a return ticket and a hotel booking.

    Source: The National (Ajanta Paul)

  • Every traveller, including visa-exempt visitors, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival and show the confirmation at immigration.

    Source: Gulf News (Dhanusha Gokulan)

Entry rules for Thailand can change at short notice. Share your nationality and residence details and our team will confirm what applies to you before you book. For the latest developments, see the Thailand travel advisory.

Things to do in Thailand

  1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

    The former royal palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok's most celebrated sights.

  2. Wat Arun and Wat Pho

    The porcelain-studded Temple of Dawn on the river, and the giant reclining Buddha across the water.

  3. The Chao Phraya River

    Express boats and evening cruises past temples and riverside markets.

  4. Phuket Old Town

    Colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and the Sunday walking street market.

  5. Phi Phi Islands

    Limestone islands, Maya Bay and coral reefs, a day trip by boat from Phuket.

  6. Phang Nga Bay

    Towering limestone stacks and sea caves, explored by long-tail boat or canoe.

  7. Safari World and the water parks

    Bangkok's family days out, with animal parks and slides close to the city.

Dos and don'ts

Do

  • Complete the TDAC online within 72 hours before you land.
  • Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at temples.
  • Use the Grab or Bolt apps, or insist on the meter in taxis.
  • Respect the royal family at all times, including the anthem played in cinemas.
  • Choose ethical elephant sanctuaries that do not offer riding.

Don't

  • Criticise or joke about the monarchy; it is a serious criminal offence.
  • Bring or use e-cigarettes or vapes; they are illegal in Thailand.
  • Touch anyone's head or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
  • Book Phi Phi or other boat trips on the Andaman coast in rough monsoon weather without checking conditions.

Food to try

Pad thai
Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tamarind, peanuts and prawns or chicken.
Tom yum
Hot and sour soup with lemongrass, lime leaf and chilli.
Green curry
Coconut curry with Thai basil and green chilli.
Massaman curry
A mild, rich curry of southern Thailand, often halal, with potatoes and peanuts.
Mango sticky rice
Sweet coconut rice with ripe mango, the classic dessert.

Practical tips

Getting around
Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT avoid the traffic; Grab works in Bangkok and Phuket. Flights between Bangkok and Phuket take about 90 minutes.
Money
Carry baht in cash for markets, boats and small shops; cards are accepted in malls and hotels.
Halal food
Bangkok has a large choice of halal restaurants, particularly around Sukhumvit and Soi Nana, and Phuket has a long-established Muslim community.
Weather
Hot all year. The Andaman coast is calmest from November to April; the monsoon brings rough seas from May to October.

Thailand holiday packages

Three itineraries in Thailand, built on the places in this guide, with the hotel, tours and transfers in one price.

All holiday packages

Thailand in photographs

The Phi Phi Islands from the viewpoint at sunrise A gilded hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Boats in the turquoise water of Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands Beach chairs under the trees at Patong, Phuket The clock tower and shophouses of Phuket Old Town The Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline

Questions about travelling to Thailand

Do UAE residents need a visa for Thailand?

It depends on your passport. UAE citizens and nationals of more than 60 other countries can stay 30 days without a visa from 15 September 2026; others need a visa. Everyone completes the TDAC before arrival.

Bangkok and Phuket in one trip?

Yes. A short domestic flight links them; eight nights allow three days in Bangkok and five by the sea.

Is Thailand good for families?

Very. Beaches, animal parks, water parks and easy food make it one of the best family destinations in Asia.

When should we go to Phuket?

November to April, when the sea is calm and boat trips to the islands run reliably.

More travel guides

All travel guides

Enquiries

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