Thailand

US passport holders get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival, extendable by 30 days at any immigration office. Longer stays require an e-visa applied for before travel. Bring proof of onward travel and a passport with at least six months validity.

A classic first trip is 10–14 days: 3 in Bangkok, 3 in Chiang Mai, 4–5 on an island (Phuket or Koh Samui). Add a week for a second island, the Phi Phi archipelago, or Chiang Rai. For beach-only trips, a week on one island is plenty.

Mid-range daily budget runs $60–100 per person including a 3-star hotel, three meals, transit, and activities. Shoestring travellers manage $25–40 with guesthouses and street food; luxury easily exceeds $300 in Phuket or Koh Yao Noi. Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia's best-value destinations.

Thailand is safe for most travellers — violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for scam tuk-tuks in Bangkok (use Grab), beach-theft in Phuket, and jet-ski deposit scams. The deep south (Yala, Narathiwat) has ongoing political tensions and should be avoided; the rest of the country including beaches and the north is fine.

Phuket is the most developed (easy flights, resorts, nightlife). Krabi and Koh Yao Noi are quieter with dramatic karst scenery. Koh Samui offers a good middle ground. Koh Phangan has Full Moon parties and wellness retreats. Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe are the quietest. Match the island to the trip you want.

Thai street food is world-class and generally very safe when you follow the queue: busy stalls with high turnover mean fresh ingredients. Stick to cooked dishes fresh off the wok or grill. Avoid raw seafood at small stalls, ice from unknown sources, and pre-cut fruit that's been sitting out. Bangkok's Michelin-starred street vendors prove the scene's quality.