For many people Thailand is the gateway to Asia – and it can be reached nonstop from Munich. New entry rules apply since September 2026, so check them before you book. Here are the facts and my travel story.

Thailand at a glance

Populationapprox. 65.8 million (end of 2025)

CapitalBangkok

CurrencyBaht (THB), €1 ≈ THB 37–38

LanguageThai; good English in tourist areas and on the islands

Time difference+6 h (CET) / +5 h (CEST)

Cost of livingCheap: simple meal approx. €3.60, beer approx. €2.75; basic island rooms from approx. €40

SafetyPartial travel warning: Cambodian border area (20 km) – all border crossings closed; travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and parts of Songkhla is strongly advised against. Rising theft, drink spiking, scooter-rental scams

VaccinationsRequired: none when arriving from Germany. Recommended: hepatitis A; depending on the trip dengue, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, typhoid, hepatitis B

EntryPassport valid for at least 6 months (German ID card not accepted); return/onward ticket mandatory; digital arrival card TDAC (at the earliest 3 days before, free); proof of THB 20,000 per person may be requested

VisaNot required for German citizens for up to 30 days

Length of stayNew since 15 Sept 2026: max. 30 days visa-free (previously 60), extendable once by 30 days; longer only with a tourist visa

Travel costsThai Airways nonstop Munich–Bangkok, approx. 11 h, approx. €640–1,000 return

Best time to travelBangkok/North: November–February. Ko Phangan & Ko Tao: January–August (rain October–December). Khao Sok: January–March

Top sights

Ko Phangan

The island in the Gulf of Thailand is world-famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach – yet it is also quiet, green and full of secluded bays in the north. Getting there: fly to Ko Samui or Surat Thani, then take the ferry (about 30 minutes from Ko Samui). About the Full Moon Party: the German Foreign Office reports fatal incidents and sexual assaults – never go alone and never leave your drink unattended.

Ko Tao

One of the world’s best-known dive destinations for beginners: a PADI Open Water course costs around THB 11,000–12,500, a fun dive THB 800–1,200. Best visibility from March to September. Ferry from Ko Phangan about 75 minutes, from Chumphon 1.5–2 hours. The German Foreign Office names the island as a place with elevated crime.

Khao Sok National Park

One of the oldest rainforests in the world, with limestone karsts rising from the emerald Cheow Lan reservoir. Staying overnight in floating bungalows is the highlight. Entry for foreigners: THB 200 for the park plus THB 300 for the lake (separate). About 1–1.5 hours from Surat Thani airport. There is hardly any mobile signal on the lake.

My travel story

Thailand is the country you never quite leave – sooner or later you come back. Bangkok is the loud, hot, brilliant start, then it’s south.

Khao Sok was the surprise: morning mist over the lake, limestone walls rising straight out of the water, and at night the sounds of the jungle outside the floating bungalow.

Ko Phangan has two faces. At full moon, thousands of people on Haad Rin beach; on all the other days, hammock, coconut and sunset. Ko Tao is the island for the water: learn to dive here and you look at every sea differently afterwards.

Getting there from Munich

Thailand is one of the most convenient long-haul destinations from Munich: Thai Airways flies nonstop to Bangkok, up to ten times a week from December 2026, with a flight time of around 11 hours. Domestic flights and ferries take you on to the islands. Note: with only 30 days visa-free, your return date has to fit. We take you to Munich Airport at a fixed price and pick you up after the overnight flight home – no need to be wide awake.

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As of November 2026. All information without guarantee; entry and vaccination rules can change at short notice. Entry details apply to German citizens. Please check the German Foreign Office travel advice and consult a travel-medicine specialist about vaccinations.