Thailand travel guide for couples — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and beyond. Street Eats and Window Seats shares honest travel advice, street food experiences and practical tips for midlife travellers visiting Thailand, including temples, islands, transport and visa information.
Thailand
Temples, street food, beaches and a country that gets under your skin
Thailand was one of the first places in Asia we ever travelled together and it’s a country we keep finding ourselves back in. From the chaotic energy of Bangkok where old meets new, to the temples of Chiang Mai and the white sand beaches of Krabi — Thailand will surprise you every time you visit.
We’ve covered a lot of ground here — from the Golden Triangle in the far north at Chiang Khong and Mae Sai, down through Nong Khai on the Mekong border with Laos, across to the famous Death Railway at Kanchanaburi, and south to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. As a travel couple who plan every trip ourselves, this page pulls together our honest, realistic travel advice for Thailand — whether you’re travelling after 40, after 50, or at any stage of midlife travel.
As of 2026, many tourists can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, provided they have a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of onward travel, and adequate funds (10,000–20,000 THB). A Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) must be completed online via the Thai E-Visa website before arrival.
Thailand is still largely a cash society. ATMs are widely available but charge high withdrawal fees — take out larger amounts to minimise fees. Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants but street food and markets are cash only. The currency is the Thai Baht (THB).
Thailand has excellent mobile coverage and data is very affordable. Pick up a tourist SIM card at the airport on arrival from AIS, DTAC or True Move — they all offer good value deals for tourists. Alternatively install a Saily eSIM before you leave home.
Bangkok has an excellent BTS Skytrain and MRT metro system. Between cities, domestic flights are affordable and trains are popular — book through Trip.com. Grab works well in all major cities. Tuk-tuks and songthaews are fun for short trips but always agree on a price first.
Always dress modestly when visiting temples — cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temples and people’s homes. The Thai greeting is a wai — palms together with a slight bow. Never touch anyone on the head and never point your feet at people or sacred objects.
November to April is the best time to visit most of Thailand — cool and dry in the north, and ideal beach weather in the south. May to October brings the monsoon season with heavy rain, particularly in the south. The north is more manageable in the wet season if you don’t mind afternoon showers.