Thailand All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Phuket is Thailand at its most effortless: warm Andaman water, limestone islands a boat ride away, night markets and massage shops everywhere, and beach resorts that make the most of all-inclusive. It's long-haul from the US, but few places reward the flight quite like Thailand's biggest island does.
U.S. State DeptLevel 1: Exercise Normal Precautionsupdated Jul 7, 2026 · see latest ↗ · what does this mean?
- Language
- Thai (English widely used in tourist areas)
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB); cards common, cash for markets
- Power
- 230V, Type A/B/C plugs (bring an adapter)
- Driving
- On the left
- Main airport
- Phuket International (HKT)
- Flight time
- ~20–24h from the US with one stop
Do you need a passport or visa for Thailand?
U.S. citizens get visa-exempt entry for tourism – currently 60 days as of June 2026, though Thailand has approved a rollback toward 30 days, so confirm the number before you fly. Your passport should be valid at least six months.
Everyone arriving must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours of arrival and show the QR code. Beware copycat sites that charge fees, and verify current rules on travel.state.gov.
Is Thailand safe?
Thailand carries a country-wide U.S. travel advisory (the current level is shown at the top of this guide), but that's driven by specific regions – the deep-south provinces (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat) and a fragile ceasefire zone within 50km of the Cambodian border, both far from Phuket.
Phuket and the main tourist areas sit at the calmer end of the spectrum. Watch for scooter accidents, jet-ski scams, and rip currents. Always check the latest by region on travel.state.gov.
Currency and tipping
The Thai baht is king. Cards work at resorts and malls; carry cash for markets, taxis, and street food. ATMs are everywhere but charge a per-withdrawal fee.
Tipping isn't obligatory but is appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave 20–50 baht for housekeeping, and tip 30–100 baht after a massage. Upscale restaurants often add a 10% service charge.
When to visit
Phuket's dry season runs roughly November to April – calm seas, sunshine, and peak prices around Christmas and New Year. This is the sweet spot for beach days and island hopping.
May to October is the green, wetter monsoon season: lower rates, lush scenery, and rain that often comes in short bursts rather than all-day washouts.
Getting there & around
Fly into Phuket International (HKT), usually via a Middle East, East Asian, or Bangkok hub. Resort transfers and metered taxis (or apps like Grab and Bolt) cover most airport runs.
Thailand drives on the left. Many visitors skip renting a car; songthaews, taxis, and tours handle the island, and longtail or speedboats reach Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands.
What to do beyond the resort
Day-trip by boat to Phi Phi, the Similan Islands, or James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Closer in, ride the Big Buddha viewpoint, wander Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese streets, and catch sunset at Promthep Cape.
Save an evening for a Thai cooking class, a Muay Thai match, or the buzz of a night market.
Good to know
Power: 230V, Type A/B/C – pack an adapter. Water: drink bottled or filtered, not tap. Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered).
Respect the monarchy and Buddha images – both are taken seriously here. A wai (palms together) is a gracious greeting, and shoes come off indoors.
When to go to Thailand
Beach-comfort at a glance: warmth against rainfall, month by month. Greener is better.
Typical daytime highs (°F) and rainfall for Phuket / Andaman coast: approximate climate normals, planning guidance, not a forecast.
Storm risk. Phuket sits below the main typhoon track; the southwest monsoon (May–October) brings rain and rough seas rather than storms.
Sweet spot. November–April (the Gulf side, Koh Samui, runs on a different clock; wettest October–December); rainy season runs May–October, wettest September–October.
Getting to Thailand
Indicative round-trip fares into Phuket (HKT) from the major US gateways, cheapest first. Tap through for live prices and dates.
Where the Thailand resorts are
8 resorts mapped gold stars are five-star properties select a pin for details
The best all-inclusive resorts in Thailand
The Thailand properties we'd actually book. Tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Where to stay in Thailand
The resort areas we cover, and which properties sit in each.
Phuket
Koh Samui
Surat Thani Province
Resort chains in Thailand
The brands operating here. Tap any chain for its full ranking and what its all-inclusive plan really covers.
Centara Grand (2) · Club Med · Diamond Cliff · Marriott Hotels & Resorts · OUTRIGGER Hotels & Resorts · Sheraton
Thailand, head-to-head
Torn between two beaches? We put Thailand side by side: price, flights, sand, food, and safety, compared honestly.
Thailand vs Jamaica · Mexico · Dominican Republic · Maldives · Greece · Spain · Turks & Caicos · Aruba · Barbados · St. Lucia · Italy · Portugal · Turkey · Antigua · Curaçao · Brazil · Costa Rica · Philippines · French Polynesia · Morocco · Egypt · South Africa · Mauritius · Kenya · Tanzania · Mozambique · Indonesia · Malaysia · Punta Cana · Cancún · Riviera Maya · Los Cabos · Puerto Vallarta · Montego Bay · Negril · Ocho Rios · Guanacaste · Crete · Bahia · Bora Bora · Malé Atolls · Rodney Bay · Barbados South Coast · Barbados West Coast · Viti Levu · Vanua Levu · Fiji · Croatia · U.S. Virgin Islands · Sri Lanka · Seychelles · Bahamas · Chile · Argentina · United States
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
No – U.S. tourists get visa-exempt entry (60 days as of June 2026, with a move toward 30 days approved, so reconfirm). You must also file the free TDAC online within 72 hours of arrival.
Is Thailand safe to visit?
Phuket and the main tourist areas are calm. The country-wide advisory reflects the deep-south provinces and the Cambodian border zone, both far from Phuket – check the current level at travel.state.gov.
What currency is used in Thailand?
The Thai baht. Cards are accepted at resorts and malls; keep cash for markets, taxis, and street food.
Do you tip in Thailand?
It's optional but welcome – round up fares, leave 20–50 baht for housekeeping, and 30–100 baht after a massage. Nicer restaurants may add 10% service.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
November to April for dry, sunny beach weather; book early for the December–January peak. May to October is greener, wetter, and cheaper.
Which airport do I fly into for Phuket?
Phuket International (HKT), typically with one stop via an Asian or Middle East hub. Resort transfers, taxis, and ride apps handle the airport run.
Not sure which Thailand resort is right for you?
Take our two-minute quiz and we'll match you, or browse the whole collection.