Thailand travel guide for independent travellers

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Thailand is close, good value and easy to do alone, whether that means a long weekend in Bangkok, beach time in Krabi or a slow month in Chiang Mai.

Entry for Singapore passports

From 15 September 2026, Singapore passport holders can stay up to 30 days visa-free, down from 60 days. All visitors must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arrival.

When to go

• November to February: the cool, dry season and the best time for most of the country.
• March to May: very hot; northern Thailand is often hazy in March and April.
• Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi): dry roughly November to April, rough seas in the monsoon.
• Gulf coast (Koh Samui): a different pattern, with the heaviest rain around October to December.

Getting there from Singapore

Direct flights serve Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and several other cities; check current routes for Krabi and Koh Samui. For Chiang Rai, Pai or the smaller islands, connect in Bangkok or combine a flight with a ferry or minivan.

Getting around

Grab and Bolt work in cities and on the main islands. In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain and MRT avoid the traffic. For island hopping, book ferries a day ahead in high season.

Where to stay

• Bangkok: Sukhumvit (Asok to Thong Lo) for transport links, Riverside for views, Ari for a local feel.
• Chiang Mai: inside the Old City walls for temples, Nimman for cafes.
• Krabi: Ao Nang for convenience, Railay for the cliffs and beaches.

Questions people ask

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