DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Having the right apps on your smartphone is essential, if you want to travel around Thailand in an organized and stress-free way. From booking transport and taxis to health and safety, here is a complete guide to the most useful apps for a trip to Thailand.
In this article I recommend all the essential apps that I personally used during my last solo trip to Thailand, so if you are about to leave, make sure to download them.
Useful apps to use during a trip to Thailand
Transport and getting around
Getting around Thailand is very easy and there are options for every budget. Knowing the right platforms helps you save time and avoid unpleasant surprises.
12Go
12Go is an essential app for planning long-distance travel in Thailand and other Asian countries. I have been using it for years and it works extremely well.
It allows you to book trains, buses, ferries and private transfers between cities and islands, with updated timetables and online payment. It is especially useful for routes such as Bangkok–Chiang Mai or connections to the islands.
Taxi apps in Thailand
Grab
Grab is the most widely used app for urban transport. You can book taxis, private cars and motorbike taxis with transparent fares, avoiding negotiations. It is very reliable in big cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and it is also useful for ordering food with Grab Food.
Bolt
Bolt is an alternative to Grab available in some Thai cities. It often offers competitive fares and a simple interface. It is worth comparing it with Grab to choose the best price, especially for short rides.
Google Maps and Maps.me
Google Maps is reliable for everyday navigation, public transport and route planning. Maps.me is an excellent offline alternative, especially on islands or in areas with limited internet connection.
Moovit
Moovit is useful for public transport, especially in Bangkok, where it provides detailed directions for BTS, MRT and buses.
eSIM and internet
Holafly
To always stay connected in Thailand, I find it very convenient to buy an eSIM with unlimited data like Holafly. You can download the app and buy it online, installing it instantly on your phone. With my code BANCALE you also get a 5% discount.
BUY THE HOLAFLY ESIM WITH 5% DISCOUNT HERE
Airalo
Airalo is another great solution to buy international eSIMs, with unlimited data or specific data packages that you can monitor and top up directly from the app.
Spa and beauty apps
GoWabi
GoWabi is a wellness and beauty app that is very popular in Thailand. It allows you to book massages, spas, beauty treatments and wellness centers, often at discounted prices. Perfect for treating yourself while travelling.
Flights, hotels and accommodation
These apps make it easy to book in advance or manage your accommodation during the trip.
Trip.com
Trip.com lets you book flights, hotels and transport on one platform. It offers attractive deals and allows you to collect credits for additional savings. I find it very convenient to manage all my bookings in one place.
Booking.com
Booking.com offers a huge selection of hotels, resorts, apartments and hostels worldwide. I have been using it for years because it is reliable, offers competitive prices and a wide choice.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is useful for comparing flight prices, especially for domestic routes or multi-destination trips.
Activities and excursions
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is perfect for booking tours and experiences throughout Thailand. From temple visits to boat trips and cultural or food activities, the app lets you compare reviews and prices with instant confirmation.
DOWNLOAD GETYOURGUIDE APP HERE
*USE INVIAGGIODASOLA5 code to get tours at a discounted price!
Klook
Klook is a great alternative to GetYourGuide and is very popular in Asia. It offers discounted tickets for attractions, tours, transport and activities, often with great promotions.
Klook.comInsurance and safety
Heymondo travel insurance
Heymondo is an essential app when travelling in Thailand. It allows you to contact 24/7 assistance directly from the free app and always have your policy details at hand. In a non-European country like Thailand, travel insurance is highly recommended because medical expenses can be extremely high in case of accidents or hospitalization.
With my discount code you can also get 10% off – GET A QUOTE FOR HEYMONDO TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE
Payments and exchange
Wise or Revolut
Both are ideal for paying and withdrawing Thai baht with favourable exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks.
XE Currency
XE Currency lets you check exchange rates in real time and offline, helping you avoid mistakes while shopping or paying.
Communication and translation
Google Translate
Essential to overcome the language barrier, thanks to offline translation and the camera function for menus and signs.
WhatsApp and LINE
WhatsApp is widely used to communicate with hotels and tour guides. LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand and is useful for interacting with local services and contacts.
Food and services
Grab Food and Foodpanda
Both allow you to order food delivery in major cities. They are perfect for trying local cuisine or enjoying a meal comfortably in your hotel after a long day.
Having the right apps on your smartphone allows you to experience Thailand in a more organized and informed way. Let me know in the comments if you also use these apps or if you know others that could be useful for travellers.
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Heymondo free App, the travel insurance app every traveler needs (+5% discount)
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