Thailand

No. French nationals benefit from a visa exemption for a stay of up to 60 days (measure in force since 2024). Please note: the Thai government has announced a reduction to 30 days; check the status of this measure before your departure. A Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory since May 1, 2025 and must be completed online before the flight. Passport valid for 6 months recommended.

The dry season (November to March) is the ideal period: bearable temperatures (25-33°C in Bangkok), clear skies, little rain. November is particularly magical thanks to the Loy Krathong festival. April sees the return of the rains and the heat rises. The monsoon (May to October) makes the cultural circuits difficult and the beaches of the west coast inaccessible. September is the rainiest month (200 mm in Bangkok): to be avoided at all costs.

Count between 35 and 70 euros per day all inclusive (3-star hotel, meals, local transport, tickets). A meal in a local restaurant costs 4-5 euros, a BTS metro ticket about 1 euro. An organized 10-12 day tour from France starts at about 1,600 euros per person excluding flights. The Paris-Bangkok return flight in economy class varies between 420 euros (low season) and 900 euros (school holidays, holidays).

Thailand is classified as "Enhanced Vigilance" (not in the red zone) by the Quai d'Orsay for the majority of the territory. The provinces of the Far South (Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla) are formally discouraged due to an active separatist conflict with recent incidents in 2026. Classic tourist areas (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Krabi) are generally safe. Usual vigilance against pickpockets in crowded places and scams aimed at tourists. Warning: Thailand has tightened its cannabis legislation in 2023-2026: transport and possession are severely penalized.

No vaccinations are required to enter Thailand. The recommended vaccinations are: DTP up to date, hepatitis A, typhoid (depending on the conditions of stay). Japanese encephalitis is recommended for prolonged stays in rural areas during the monsoon season (May-October). Malaria exists in border areas (Cambodia, Laos, Burma): chemoprophylaxis may be recommended if you are travelling to these areas. Consult a tour operator or an international vaccination centre before departure.

The direct flight from Paris (CDG) to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi, BKK) takes about 11 hours and 15 minutes on the way out and 12 hours and 30 minutes on the way back (difference due to winds). Thai Airways and Air France offer direct flights. Flights with stopovers (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) extend the journey to 14-16 hours but can be cheaper. Several French regional airports (Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux) offer connections via CDG or charter flights.

The ideal duration for a cultural tour in the north is 12 to 14 days: Bangkok (2-3 days), Ayutthaya (1 day), Sukhothai (1-2 days), Chiang Mai (3-4 days), Chiang Rai (1-2 days). If you add a seaside extension (Krabi or Koh Samui), allow 3 to 5 additional days. A first trip of 10 days allows you to cover Bangkok and the north without the islands. Three weeks offer a very complete discovery.

The currency is the Thai baht (THB). 1 euro is worth about 38.17 THB (August 2026). ATMs are present everywhere in Bangkok and tourist cities; they charge a withdrawal fee of 200-220 THB (about 5-6 euros) per transaction. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, but cash is still essential in markets, temples (offerings) and local transport.

Two festivals are absolutely exceptional. Songkran (April 13-15): Thai New Year is a gigantic water festival that turns all the country's cities into a giant water battle. Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (November 25-26, 2026): Thousands of small flowery boats float on the rivers while paper lanterns fly into the night sky. Sukhothai and Chiang Mai offer the most beautiful celebrations. Book very early for these periods as the accommodations leave in a few hours.

The ethical elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai (Elephant Nature Park, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary) allow you to observe and interact with the animals while respecting their well-being: no training, no elephant rides, natural food. Avoid traditional trekking camps where the living conditions of the elephants are often poor. Book in advance, the best structures are often full.