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Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

Thailand

From big-city nights to slow island days, with people to share both.

Here for a season, working remotely in Chiang Mai or living in Bangkok for years: Unmapped helps you find your place, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

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Sunrise over the bay and limestone cliffs of the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Phi Phi Islands. Photo: Evan Krause / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
Thai
English is common in tourist areas and parts of Bangkok, less so elsewhere. Outside the main areas, signs are often in Thai script only.
Currency
Thai baht (฿, THB)
Cards work in malls, hotels and many restaurants. Street food, markets and small shops usually expect cash or a QR payment.
Time zone
Indochina Time, UTC+7
One time zone for the whole country, no daylight saving time.
Power
220 V, several plug types
Many sockets take both flat and round pins. A universal adapter is the easy choice.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Easy to set up, including at the airports. Coverage is good in cities and on the main islands.
Emergency
191 police · 1155 tourist police
The tourist police line is set up to help visitors, including in English.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • Domestic flights

    Flights link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui, and are often the simplest way to cover the long distances.

  • Trains and buses

    Trains run north to Chiang Mai and south towards Malaysia. Buses and minivans reach almost every town in between.

  • Ferries to the islands

    Ferries and speedboats connect the mainland with the islands in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea. Services change with the weather and the season.

  • Getting around town

    Bangkok has a Skytrain and a metro, and ride-hailing apps work in most cities. Scooters are everywhere, but only ride with a licence, a helmet and real experience.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in Thailand through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

SOUTHERN THAILANDBangkokChiang MaiHua HinPhuketKrabiKo Samui
Featured places in this guide. You can explore any city in Thailand in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Visiting temples

    Cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes where others do and keep your voice low inside.

  • Feet and heads

    Pointing your feet at people or at Buddha images, or touching someone's head, can come across as rude.

  • Cash and QR payments

    Cards work in larger places. Street stalls and markets mostly take cash or a local QR payment.

  • Seasons by region

    Most of the country has a hot, a rainy and a cooler season, but the timing differs between the north, the Gulf coast and the Andaman coast.

  • Tipping

    Tipping isn't expected everywhere. Leaving small change for good service is common in restaurants and tourist areas.

UNMAPPED IN THAILAND

Arrive knowing someone.

Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.

  • Meet people before you land

    Open Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Ko Samui before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about ferries to the islands, coworking in Chiang Mai or the best night market.

  • Join or host something

    Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a climbing morning in Krabi, a cooking class in Chiang Mai or a dinner in Bangkok.

  • Travel together

    Share your route from Bangkok to the islands, or post a Buddy Plan for a boat trip, a class or a night out.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in Thailand.

Can I use Unmapped outside Bangkok and the islands?

Yes. You can explore any city in Thailand through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The places on this page are just a few to start with.

Does it work for islands like Ko Samui?

Yes. Ko Samui has its own place in Unmapped's location directory. Search for it, or for the town nearest to where you're staying.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Can I explore a place before I arrive?

Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.

Can I host something myself?

Yes. Any member can host an event or start a project, and anyone can share a trip or a Buddy Plan.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Evan Krause (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

THAILAND WITH UNMAPPED

Explore Thailand with Unmapped.

Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.

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