February 5, 2025

Must-Have Apps for Traveling in Thailand

Hello, travelers, and welcome to the ethaitourism.com, and today we’re diving into one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in Southeast Asia—Thailand! Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, relax on the pristine beaches of Phuket, or hike through the lush mountains of Chiang Mai, having the right apps on your phone can make a huge difference.

For all our readers from all around the world this blog post is tailored just for you! So grab your coffee, tea, or maybe even your travel itinerary, and let’s make your Thailand trip smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable.

Travel and Navigation

Alright, let’s kick things off with the essentials. First up is navigation. Thailand is a country full of surprises, and you’ll definitely need some tools to guide you.

The number one app you need is Google Maps. It’s perfect for finding your way through busy cities, like Bangkok, or figuring out where the nearest street food stall is. If you’re going off the beaten path, though, download Maps.me. It works offline, which is super handy when you’re exploring remote islands or national parks where Wi-Fi is a myth!

I am going to list down the apps.

Google Maps– For navigating cities, finding restaurants, attractions, and planning routes.

Grab – Thailand’s equivalent of Uber. Use it for safe and reliable rides, food delivery, and grocery delivery.

Bolt -An alternative ride-hailing app, often cheaper than Grab in some areas.

Rome2rio -To plan travel routes between cities or islands, including buses, trains, ferries, and flights.

Maps.me– An offline map app that’s perfect for exploring rural areas or national parks.

Language and Translation

Okay, so we’ve sorted navigation and transportation. What about language barriers? While many locals speak English, having a little help doesn’t hurt.

Google Translate is a lifesaver, especially if you download the Thai language pack for offline use. And for conversations on the go, SayHi Translate is perfect for voice translations when haggling at markets or chatting with your tuk-tuk driver.

  1. Google Translate
    Essential for communicating with locals who don’t speak English. Download the Thai language pack for offline use.
  2. SayHi Translate
    For voice-based translations—very useful in markets or taxis.

Currency and Finance

Next up, we’re diving into money and finances. Before you step foot in Thailand, download Xe Currency Converter to keep track of exchange rates. It’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to figure out if that 100 Baht souvenir is a bargain.

  1. Xe Currency Converter
    To quickly calculate currency conversions between Euros and Thai Baht.
  2. Wise
    For sending and receiving money internationally at low rates.
  3. Revolut/Monzo/N26
    European travelers often use these apps for international transactions, as they offer favorable exchange rates with minimal fees.

Accommodation and Booking

Alright, moving on to accommodation and booking. The go-to apps here are Agoda and Booking.com. Thailand has a range of stays from budget hostels to luxury beachfront villas, and these apps give you the best deals.

If you’re looking for something unique, like a bamboo hut or a treehouse, Airbnb is the way to go.

  1. Agoda
    A highly popular app in Asia for booking hotels and accommodations.
  2. Booking.com
    Another great option for booking hotels, especially for last-minute deals.
  3. Airbnb
    For unique stays or private villas in Thailand.

Food and Entertainment

  1. ThaiFriendly
    For connecting with locals or meeting new people.
  2. OpenRice Thailand
    A restaurant directory with reviews, menus, and recommendations for local eats.
  3. Eatigo
    Offers discounts at restaurants, making it easier to enjoy dining out on a budget.

Local Communication

  1. LINE
    Widely used in Thailand for messaging and communicating. Many locals and businesses use LINE instead of WhatsApp.
  2. WhatsApp
    While not as common as LINE, it’s still useful for international communication.

Weather and Safety

  1. AccuWeather
    To keep track of weather conditions, especially during Thailand’s rainy season.
  2. Pulse by MAS
    For travel insurance, medical help, or safety tips while traveling in Thailand.

Activities and Events

For all the adventurers out there, apps like Klook and GetYourGuide are fantastic for booking activities and tours. From island-hopping in Krabi to Muay Thai matches in Bangkok, you’ll find it all there—and often with great discounts.

  1. Klook
    For booking activities, tours, tickets to attractions, and transportation, often at discounted rates.
  2. GetYourGuide
    Another option for booking local tours and experiences.
  3. Tripadvisor
    To check reviews of attractions, restaurants, and activities.

Travel Essentials

  1. 12Go Asia
    Great for booking buses, trains, and ferries across Thailand and neighboring countries.
  2. VPN App (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN)
    To keep your data safe and access services or websites from your home country.
  3. Pocket Guide (e.g., Rick Steves Audio Europe or GPSMyCity)
    For self-guided walking tours or cultural insights.

Pro Tip:

Ensure you have Thai eSIM or a SIM card with unlimited internet (e.g., AIS, DTAC, TrueMove) for seamless app usage and navigation. Apps like Airalo can help you buy eSIMs in advance.

Would you like any further tips on Thailand travel? 😊

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