thailand tourism app

17 Must-Have Thailand Travel Apps In 2024

Visiting a new country can be a challenge, especially when you don’t speak the local language. I’ve been in your situation so I’ve put together a list of the best Thailand travel apps which I recommend.

The days of holding a paper map trying to figure out which street is which are over. Or holding a Lonely Planet guidebook to decide where you want to go next, it’s a changed world.

When I visited Thailand for the first time, I made sure I was well prepared with all of the most important apps downloaded . And I want to make sure you’re in the same boat I was.

So without further ado, let’s get into what you need downloaded on your phone for your Thailand trip.

Thailand Travel Apps

From transport to activities, translation to navigation, and everything in between, there is an app for anything you can imagine in Thailand.

Some of them are the same as home, some of them you can use in any country, but some are specific to Asia, and some are specific to Thailand.

I recommend downloading all of these and putting them into a folder. I named mine “Thailand travel apps” so it was easy to find.

The number one app you need when travelling in Thailand is Grab .

There is no Uber in Thailand and Grab is the best alternative. In my opinion, it’s much easier to use too.

Grab is an “all in one” sort of app as you can get transport, food deliveries and grocery deliveries all from the same place.

As well as booking experiences and hotels – but Grab is best known for its transport.

Taxis in Thailand are very expensive, usually overpriced to rip off tourists, but Grab is a much more affordable option .

If you want to save even more money, you can take Grab bikes. This is what I did when I backpacked Bangkok – it’s not only transport, but it’s fun to be amongst the organised chaos that is the roads in Thailand!

It is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store .

When you’re in Europe or the US, you probably use Viator or GetYourGuide for activities, and while it’s possible to use these platforms to book things to do in Thailand, I don’t actually recommend it.

Instead, I recommend downloading Klook and using it. It’s what the locals use when they travel, which means within Thailand, it has the most options for things to do, and also the best prices.

When I was comparing the platforms to see if it was worth downloading and using Klook, I found the same tour on all 3 platforms but on Klook it was like 30% cheaper. It’s a no brainer!

Though to be honest, Thailand makes it very easy to be spontaneous. You can easily book things in person for last-minute tours and get the best prices – one of my favourite backpacking hacks is to book tours in person in Thailand.

In my opinion, the best eSIM for Thailand is Airalo .

If you aren’t familiar, an eSIM means you can connect to mobile data in Thailand without the need for a physical SIM card.

It’s super convenient and the coverage across Thailand is incredible. I even had 5G while jungle trekking in Chiang Mai.

Most of the apps on this list won’t work without a connection to the internet, so Airalo is a must-have in order to make the most of the rest of these apps for Thailand.

If you’re backpacking Thailand or visiting the country for an extended period of time, you’re going to need a way to get between destinations.

Whether it’s from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or Phuket to Koh Tao, there’s a way to get between anywhere and everywhere in Thailand using 12Go .

12Go works throughout all of Southeast Asia and allows you to book buses, trains, vans, ferries and any other modes of transport required to get you from A to B.

I use it all the time and it’s so easy and convenient. The only downside is that usually, the journeys take longer than it says they will – but that’s just Southeast Asia for you.

5. BTS Skytrain

Getting around Bangkok is really easy – and cheap too.

Obviously, you have Grab as the main option for getting between exact places, but if you want to save money, or experience Bangkok in a different way, then you could use public transport.

The bus system is a bit of a mess and the trains are average, but the underground and BTS Skytrain in Bangkok are really good.

You can download the app to save money on fares and have your tickets easily accessible on your phone.

I would recommend everyone take a journey on the Skytrain at least once while in Bangkok. If nothing else, it offers some nice views over the city.

In the West, most people use Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp as their main messaging service app.

In Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, they use LINE to send messages to each other.

To be honest, it’s very similar to WhatsApp in terms of design, but there are some differences. One thing I’ve noticed is that Thai people love to send stickers.

As a tourist, you probably don’t exactly need this app, but if you want to communicate with locals by messages, it’s best to do it with LINE.

Planning a trip to Thailand can be difficult. On top of using my blog posts about Thailand as guides to help you, I also recommend downloading and using Stippl .

Stippl is the best planning app for travelling , and is an app that I took a long time to find but I’m so glad I did. Before I found it, I must have used 10+ different planning apps and I didn’t like a single one of them.

The layout is super clean and simple, and it’s so easy to use. It makes planning straightforward and it shows your itinerary in a really clear way.

You can also invite other people you’re travelling with to create a shared plan across your two phones. It plans everything from transport to things to do, and even your accommodation.

Here’s an example of my itinerary from my latest Southeast Asia backpacking trip. Yes, I really stayed in Chiang Mai that long. It’s one of my favourite places in Thailand – the Gate Market plays a big part. It has some of the best street food in the world IMO!

To help you plan your trip on Stippl, try out Teenee. It’s one of the most underrated apps for travelling Thailand.

Teenee is essentially an interactive map of Thailand with all of the best recommendations and suggestions of things to do, places to eat and where to stay.

It’s been put together by locals and expats living in Thailand, so it goes a lot further than the typical touristy things to do.

If you ask me, it’s one of my favourite apps and one that not many people know about – yet it’s so useful and helps to fill those days where you’re like “What should we do today?”

While Grab is my personal go-to as an equivalent to Uber in Thailand, in some parts of the country, Bolt (another alternative) is cheaper.

This is the case in the south from my experience in the likes of Krabi and Phuket.

I’ve no idea why it’s cheaper sometimes, but it’s just one of those things I guess.

It’s worth having both Bolt and Grab downloaded and going with whichever one is cheaper for each specific ride.

10. Google Translate

While Google Translate is a good app to have when visiting anywhere in the world, it’s also a good app to have when visiting Thailand.

In the big cities and the most popular destinations, most Thai locals will speak English pretty well , but if you go further afield or somewhere a bit more remote, the levels of English will likely drop.

That’s why I always have Google Translate on my phone. It helps in situations where there is no common language between the two of you, and it allows you to communicate with anybody in the world.

One of my top tips is to download the language , in this case, Thai, as it means you can translate between English (or your mother tongue) into Thai and vice versa without a mobile signal.

I recommend using it even if the local speaks English in important scenarios, such as if you have an allergy when ordering in a restaurant.

11. Google Maps

Another Thailand travel app that is useful to have anywhere in the world is Google Maps.

To be honest, I have no idea how people travelled before using Google Maps . I have so much respect for anyone who backpacked in the days before technology – I can’t imagine how I could do it without my phone.

Whether it’s for walking between attractions, choosing a local restaurant or figuring out whether it’s worth taking a Grab or not, you never know when you’ll need Google Maps.

Another tip I have is to download the map of the destination you’re in (I don’t recommend downloading the whole of Thailand as it will take up a lot of storage) so you can use it offline.

12. Revolut

One of my favourite tips for travelling on a budget is to use Revolut, but I also recommend it to anyone, regardless of if you’re on a budget.

Revolut allows you to pay in foreign currencies without charging you a fee for exchanging between currencies.

It’s so much better than normal bank cards, and for every £100 I spend in Thailand (in baht), I save £3, which is roughly what my exchange fee is with my normal bank.

Revolut in Thailand does work, but it does not waive ATM fees, which are set at 220 baht across the country. Still though, who wouldn’t want to save money?

13. WhatsApp

Even though I said that Thai people use LINE to communicate with each other, many tour companies use WhatsApp to accommodate tourists and will use it for important communication such as hotel pick-up times, or for simply sending you photos afterwards.

I would guess that most people will already have WhatsApp downloaded, but if not, I would recommend getting it downloaded before heading to Thailand as you’ll probably be asked for it at some point.

One thing I do like about WhatsApp is that it allows you to continue using your phone number from home even if you have a different SIM card in. It means you can stay in touch with family at home too – which is another reason to have it downloaded.

Shopee is Thailand’s equivalent of Amazon.

You can buy literally anything and have it delivered to your door. It’s just as easy to use as Amazon and in most cases, it’s cheaper too.

This one only really applies to anyone staying in Thailand for a longer period of time , or anyone who is considering moving to Thailand, as otherwise, you probably won’t be in one place long enough to have anything delivered.

Though that being said, you can also use it for food and grocery delivery, which would only take a matter of minutes or hours.

15. Currency Converter

In Thailand, the currency is the Thai baht, and it can get pretty hard to work out the conversion rates.

For example, $1 USD is 35.67 Thai baht. You can do some quick mental maths to get a rough idea, but for difficult numbers or if you want complete certainty, I recommend downloading a currency-converting app.

There are a lot of options and I don’t have one in particular which I recommend but they all pretty much do the same thing. You simply type in the number in Baht and it will convert it to the selected currency of your choice. You can use them offline too usually.

There are a lot of options available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

16. Foodpanda

While Grab and Shopee both offer food delivery services, if you want an app completely dedicated to food delivery , then I suggest checking out Foodpanda .

But in all honesty, I don’t overly recommend using them, or recommend ordering food in Thailand at all. There are restaurants and street food stalls everywhere in the country, and it’s so easy to find good places to eat.

The food is delicious and the cuisine has a really big variety of dishes – you don’t ever need to order food. But if you really want to, then Foodpanda is a good option.

Last but by no means least of these apps to have for visiting Thailand is Flush.

It’s one of the most niche and unique apps I have ever seen, and when someone asks the question “What is the most random app you have on your phone?”, it’s always this. And yes, that’s a common question – it’s a good icebreaker when staying in hostels .

What Flush does is it shows you all of the available public toilets near you on a map. It works in pretty much every country in the world, and it’s really helpful to find somewhere to go if you’re desperate.

It even includes instructions to find the toilet if it’s in a building, if it costs to use, and some other bits of information about bathrooms which you would probably have never thought you needed to know – but proves useful once you know it.

Below are some commonly asked questions relating to the best travel apps for Thailand along with my answers to each question.

The most used travel app in Thailand is Grab. It’s the equivalent of Uber in Thailand and it’s really convenient for getting between two places. It is also very affordable and there are always lots of cars and bikes available.

You can use the BTS Skytrain app to get around Bangkok, and the 12Go app allows you to find buses, trains, vans and ferries between locations in Thailand for affordable prices. Both apps are must have when it comes to public transport in Thailand.

Thai people use LINE to communicate with each other. It is a messenger app similar to the likes of Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger. It is popular in Asia including Thailand, and it is how locals speak to each other online.

Thailand uses Grab, as there is no Uber or Lyft in Thailand. It is a similar concept but much more affordable. There are always lots of drivers available. Another ride app is Bolt, but it is usually more expensive than Grab.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a complete list of all of my favourite apps for Thailand.

Each one of them provides something a bit different, and they all come together to help you have the best trip possible in a country which is so incredible to visit.

If you only download 3 apps from this list I would recommend it to be Grab for transportation, Klook for activities and Stippl for planning your trip.

Now that you know what you need on your phone before visiting Thailand, it’s time to start finding things to do. I suggest starting with a Bangkok temple tour .

Read more about Thailand:

• Are There Sharks In Thailand? Know Before You Go
• Drinking Age In Thailand & Other Important Laws
• Thailand UK Time Difference (With Current Times)
• Is Thailand Expensive To Visit?
• Phuket Pronunciation: How to pronounce Phuket, Thailand
• Does it snow in Thailand? Thailand in Winter 
• Can You Drink The Water In Thailand?

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

A Guide to the 20 Best Travel Apps For Thailand

Traveling to Thailand offers an experience filled with cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. To make the most out of your time in the Land of Smiles, consider getting these best travel apps for Thailand before you even get on a plane.

The main apps I found to be useful are my map and translation apps. These apps have helped me get around the country easier and reduced confusion especially in a country where I don’t speak the native language. My WISE app comes second, becoming very useful in managing my finances and my trip budget. Then there those other apps like booking apps and mobile data apps that makes it way easier than ever to get around in a country that’s completely new to me.

In this guide, I lists all the apps I found to be useful in staying in Thailand. Let’s get started!

Hostelworld

Google translate, xe currency, google maps, need to always stay connected, wrapping up, best travel apps for thailand: transportation.

Now you won’t need to line up to get a cab to pick you up, all you need to do is the download an app and book a ride.

Bolt is a ride-hailing app, allowing users to book reliable and safe transportation services at the tap of a button. Originally known as Taxify, Bolt offers an accessible and convenient solution for navigating urban areas and beyond. It’s the best travel app to book cab rides.

When is it useful?

Bolt is particularly useful for grab getting around cities efficiently, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok or seeking a convenient ride to a tranquil beach destination.

Why choose Bolt?

Bolt stands out for its competitive pricing, user-friendly interface, and a wide network of drivers. The app’s transparent pricing and ease of use make it a top choice for travelers looking for hassle-free transportation. When I was in Thailand, prices in Bolt are significantly cheaper compared to other alternatives like Uber or Grab.

It also has the same safety feature in alternatives, like in-app emergency buttons, driver rating systems, and real-time tracking, ensuring a secure journey.

Benefits of using Bolt:

• Cheaper fares compared to Uber and Grab
• Transparent pricing
• Quick and reliable service
• Cashless transactions for added convenience

🔗 Related : 10 day Itinerary in Thailand – 3 BEST Routes for an Epic Adventure

Grab is a versatile ride-hailing app that provides users with convenient and reliable transportation solutions. From car rides and motorbike taxis to food delivery and package services, Grab offers a comprehensive platform for various on-demand needs.

What is it for?

Grab is incredibly useful for navigating Thailand. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant urban centers, venturing into rural areas, or simply craving a quick and delicious local meal delivered to your doorstep, Grab has you covered.

Why choose Grab?

Grab’s all-encompassing platform sets it apart as a go-to option for travelers. The app’s extensive services, including GrabCar for comfortable rides, GrabBike for nimble transport in traffic, GrabFood for culinary delights, and GrabExpress for reliable package delivery, make it a versatile companion throughout your journey.

In Thailand, Grab is often favored for its widespread availability. Grab in Phuket is very popular. It competes strongly with other ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber. Additionally, GrabRewards, the app’s loyalty program, provides users with attractive discounts and perks, making it a rewarding choice for frequent users.

Benefits of using Grab:

• Multifaceted Services: Beyond transportation, Grab extends its services to food delivery and package delivery, offering a one-stop-shop for various needs.
• Wide Availability: Grab is widely available across Thailand, ensuring that users can access its services in urban and remote areas alike.
• GrabRewards: The loyalty program allows users to earn points for every transaction, leading to discounts and exclusive benefits over time.
• Cashless Transactions: Grab facilitates cashless transactions, providing users with a bseamless and hassle-free payment experience.

Uber, a pioneer in the ride-hailing industry, is an app that connects users with drivers for convenient and on-demand transportation services. Offering a range of vehicle options, from standard rides to luxury cars, Uber is synonymous with accessible and comfortable travel.

Uber for Thailand is well-established, especially if you try to book an uber in Bangkok. It provides a reliable option for getting around, whether you’re heading to a tourist attraction, airport, or a local restaurant.

Why choose Uber?

This travel app has been a dominant force in the ride-hailing sector, and its reputation for reliability, ease of use, and a global presence makes it a popular choice for many travelers. When compared to local alternatives in Thailand, Uber may offer a familiar and consistent experience, although it’s a bit pricier. It faster to get rides though because it incentivises drivers more compared to other apps.

Benefits of using Uber:

• Global Familiarity: Uber is widely recognized and used globally, providing a sense of familiarity for international travelers.
• Varied Vehicle Options: Uber offers different vehicle options to suit various preferences and budgets, including standard rides, XL for larger groups, and UberBLACK for a more premium experience.
• Reliability: Uber’s extensive driver network contributes to its reliability, ensuring that users can find available rides quickly, even during peak times.

Rome2Rio provides comprehensive information on transportation options between two destinations, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and driving routes.

Essential for planning your journey and understanding the various transportation options available between destinations.

Benefits of using Rome2Rio:

• Shows detailed information for each let of a trip, whether it requires taking trains, buses, or ferries
• Displays durations, costs, and even shows specific locations of necessary transfers on the trip
• Available in offline mode

12Go is a transportation booking app that facilitates the planning of journeys via buses, trains, ferries, and flights.

When exploring different regions of Thailand, 12Go becomes your go-to app for organizing and booking various modes of transportation.

Why choose 12Go?

12Go streamlines the booking process, offering a wide range of transportation options and schedules, allowing for convenient travel planning.

Benefits of using 12Go:

• Comprehensive transportation options
• Easy booking process
• Real-time schedule information

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Flights

Get the cheapest deal on both domestic and international flights with Skyscanner.

Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare flight prices

Skyscanner is a must-have when planning air travel, allowing you to discover the best deals on flights to and from Thailand.

Why choose Skyscanner?

Skyscanner stands out for its comprehensive flight search, price comparison features, and the ability to find the most cost-effective travel options.

Benefits of using Skyscanner:

• Comprehensive flight search
• Price comparison for cost-effective options
• User-friendly interface

Who Doesn’t Love Cheap Flights?

Skyscanner is your trusted service for buying cheap flight tickets, with no extra fees or markups! Their flight search will not only find the best option for your specific dates, but it will also offer another period when the cost may be even lower.

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Hotels and Accommodation

There’s a variety of options now to find an accommodations whether it’s a hotel or something alternative like a local homestay.

Agoda is a hotel booking app that provides an extensive selection of accommodation options across Thailand.

It’s the best travel app when planning your stay, offering a comprehensive range of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Why choose Agoda?

Agoda is known for its user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and a vast array of reviews, helping you make informed decisions about your accommodation.

Benefits of using Agoda:

• Extensive accommodation options
• User reviews for informed decision-making
• Special deals and promotions for cost savings

🔗 Related : Where to Stay in Bangkok: The 8 Best Neighborhoods & Hotels/Hostels

Hostelworld is an online platform that specializes in providing accommodation options, primarily focused on hostels. It connects travelers with a vast network of hostels worldwide, offering a budget-friendly and communal lodging experience.

Hostelworld is especially useful for budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, and those seeking a social and communal atmosphere during their travels. It caters to individuals or groups looking for affordable accommodations while promoting interactions with fellow travelers.

Why choose Hostelworld?

Hostelworld is a preferred choice for those who prioritize budget-friendly stays without compromising on quality. The platform offers a comprehensive selection of hostels, allowing users to find options that suit their preferences, whether it’s a vibrant city center location, a beachside retreat, or a cozy countryside setting.

The detailed hostel profiles, including user reviews and ratings, enable travelers to make informed decisions based on the experiences of previous guests. Hostelworld’s booking platform is user-friendly, making it easy for users to secure their accommodations quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of using Hostelworld:

• Extensive Hostel Network: Hostelworld provides access to a wide network of hostels across different destinations, giving travelers diverse options to choose from.
• Budget-Friendly Accommodations: The platform specializes in budget-friendly stays, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to minimize accommodation costs.
• Social Atmosphere: Hostels listed on Hostelworld often emphasize a social atmosphere, promoting interactions among guests through common areas, group activities, and shared facilities.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Travelers can read reviews and ratings from other users, offering insights into the quality of accommodations and the overall hostel experience.
• Convenient Booking Process: Hostelworld’s booking process is straightforward, allowing users to secure their hostel accommodations quickly and easily.

🔗 Related : 10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai for the Ultimate Stay

Airbnb allows users to book unique accommodations and experiences offered by local hosts. It also features experiences from locals themselves.

This travel app is useful for finding alternative and often more personalized accommodations than traditional hotels, especially in areas with limited hotel options.

Benefits of using Airbnb:

• Features alternative accommodations that has home-like amenities, like kitchen and laundry facilities
• These accommodations are usually in residential neighbourhoods that gives tourists an opportunity to see how it’s like to live long-term in the area
• Flexible booking options

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Tours and Experiences

You won’t need to walk down to a local tour agency when you can just book everything online and have them pick you up on the day of your excursion.

Klook is a one-stop-shop for booking tours, activities, and attractions in Thailand.

Klook becomes essential when planning your itinerary, providing a convenient platform to discover and book a variety of experiences, from cultural tours to adventure activities.

Why choose Klook?

Klook’s platform offers a seamless booking process, often with exclusive discounts, and provides instant confirmation for peace of mind in your travel planning.

Benefits of using Klook:

• Diverse range of activities, it’s the leading platform in Asia
• Exclusive discounts and promotions
• Instant confirmation for booked activities

Viator is an online travel platform that specializes in providing travelers with a diverse range of tours, activities, and experiences at destinations worldwide. Owned by TripAdvisor, Viator serves as a one-stop-shop for booking guided tours, excursions, and attractions.

Viator is particularly useful for travelers seeking curated and well-organized experiences at their destination. Whether you’re interested in historical tours, adventure activities, or cultural excursions, Viator offers a comprehensive selection of activities to enhance your travel itinerary.

Why choose Viator?

Viator’s strength lies in its extensive catalog of activities and tours curated by local experts. Additionally, booking through Viator provides a level of reliability and trust, given its affiliation with TripAdvisor.

Benefits of using Viator:

• Viator offers a wide range of activities, from guided city tours and museum visits to outdoor adventures and unique cultural experiences.
• Travelers can read reviews and ratings from other users, helping them make informed decisions about the activities they choose.
• As part of the TripAdvisor network, Viator provides a reliable and trustworthy platform for booking activities, giving travelers confidence in their choices.

🔗 Related : Living in Bangkok as a Digital Nomad: The BEST Guide

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Language and Translation

Language barriers are no longer the biggest reason to not like traveling. With the available language apps out there, you can be more confident in walking around and enjoying what Thailand has to offer.

Google Translate is a language translation app that can be a lifesaver when dealing with language barriers.

When is it useful? Google Translate is indispensable when communicating with locals, reading signs, or deciphering menus in Thai.

Why choose Google Translate? Google Translate is great to have because of its offline mode, that will allow you to still translate without using up your data. It supports voice and image translations, making it a versatile tool for travelers.

Benefits of using Google Translate:

• Sufficiently accurate language translations
• Voice and image translation capabilities
• Offline mode for use without an internet connection

ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art language model developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text. The ChatGPT app harnesses the power of this language model to assist users with various tasks, including translation, conversation, and information retrieval.

ChatGPT 4.0 is accurate is most scenario compared to Google Translate. While not perfect, it is a good idea to check on ChatGPT when you find the person you’re speaking to looking puzzled over the last thing you asked them. Sadly, it’s not available in offline mode

Why choose ChatGPT?

While Google Translate is widely recognized for its accuracy, it does not fare too well when it comes to translating English to Thai. This is where ChatGPT comes in.

Benefits of using ChatGPT:

• More accurate language translations
• It can do more than translations, it can even recommend itineraries

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Money Management

No need to carry huge sums of cash with you if you just get the right money management apps on your phone.

The Wise app, formerly known as TransferWise, is a financial technology application that specializes in international money transfers and currency exchange. It offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for funding travel and managing finances across borders.

WISE is invaluable for funding your travels, exchanging your home currency, and receiving payments in the local currency.

When exchanging currencies, WISE provides a cost-effective solution for avoiding excessive fees and unfavorable exchange rates. It’s also easy to fund your travels because your WISE debit card can be used in ATMs abroad.

Why choose WISE?

WISE stands out for its transparent fees and real exchange rates (no markups), making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers. The app also makes managing your finances intuitive, whether it’s paying bills, receiving income, or transferring funds between different currencies.

The Wise Credit Card is a traveler’s ally, offering a host of benefits tailored to globetrotters. With just one card offering competitive exchange rates in 160 countries, it ensures seamless spending abroad for a worry-free journey. This is the card we use while traveling as it offers the best rates and lowest fees.

Benefits of using WISE:

• Transparent and low fees
• Real exchange rates. The foreign exchange rate you see on Google is what you get, no markups
• Allows you to receive and withdraw multiple currencies
• You get a VISA debit card for in-person transactions

XE Currency is a currency conversion app that helps you stay informed about exchange rates.

XE Currency is useful when making financial decisions, whether it’s shopping, dining, or exchanging money.

Why choose XE Currency?

XE Currency provides real-time exchange rates, historical charts, and a user-friendly interface, making it a reliable tool for currency conversion.

Benefits of using XE Currency:

• Real-time exchange rates
• Historical charts for reference
• Simple and intuitive interface

🔗 Related : 6 Top Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Options: Most Comprehensive Guide to Thai Visas

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Maps and Navigation

Day trips just got a whole lot easier with map apps that makes sure you’ll get home safe without getting lost.

Maps.me  is a navigation app that allows you to download detailed maps for offline use.

Maps.me  is particularly handy when exploring remote areas or places with limited internet connectivity, providing reliable offline navigation.

Why choose  Maps.me ?

Maps.me  offers detailed maps that are accessible offline, enabling users to navigate with ease even in areas with no internet connection. While Google Maps is the most widely used, it tends to drain battery faster and can have tendencies to not show maps when in offline mode.

Benefits of using  Maps.me :

• Detailed offline maps
• User-friendly navigation
• Points of interest and local attractions marked on maps

Google Maps is a widely used navigation app that provides real-time directions, traffic updates, and local business information.

Google Maps is an all-encompassing navigation tool, useful for exploring cities, finding nearby restaurants, and getting accurate directions.

Why choose Google Maps?

Google Maps is known for its accuracy, real-time updates, and integration with other Google services, making it a reliable choice for travelers.

Benefits of using Google Maps:

• Real-time navigation and traffic updates
• Extensive database of local businesses
• Integration with other Google services

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Messaging or Chat

Stay connected with both family back home and new friends with the most widely used messaging apps in Thailand.

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that facilitates text, voice, and video communication, enabling users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe. It has become an integral part of modern communication, offering a range of features that enhance the user experience.

When is the app useful?

WhatsApp is particularly useful for international communication. Users can exchange messages, make calls, and share media with people abroad without incurring international SMS or calling charges.

While it’s not the leading messaging platform in Thailand, many businesses have started using WhatsApp.

Why should you pick this app over all other alternatives?

WhatsApp boasts a massive user base globally, making it likely that your contacts, whether personal or professional, are already using the app. This widespread adoption enhances its convenience and effectiveness. Almost every traveler I’ve met have WhatsApp installed so it’s not only a great way to keep in touch with family back home but also to connect with new friends as they move on to new destinations.

WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the content. This commitment to privacy and security sets it apart from some other messaging platforms.

Line is a messaging app widely used in Thailand for communication and staying connected.

Line is essential for staying in touch with locals, fellow travelers, and accessing important information shared through Line groups.

Why choose Line?

Line is a popular communication platform in Thailand, offering text, voice, and video messaging, as well as additional features like stickers and group chats.

Benefits of using Line:

• Popular among locals for communication, so it’s great if you need to ask shop owners before heading to stores
• Versatile messaging features
• Access to Line groups for shared information

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Mobile Data and Internet

For any remote worker, mobile data is essential and this is where eSIMs and mobile data providers help.

Airalo is an innovative eSIM app that transforms the way travelers connect to mobile networks while exploring new destinations. Through virtual SIM technology, Airalo allows users to access local data plans without the need for physical SIM cards.

Airalo eSIM makes it easy to travel as a digital nomad. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs in over 200+ countries.

Airalo is incredibly useful for travelers seeking seamless and cost-effective mobile connectivity abroad. Whether you’re on a short business trip, an extended vacation, or a backpacking adventure, Airalo ensures you stay connected without the hassle of traditional SIM cards.

Why choose Airalo?

Travelers can easily browse and purchase affordable eSIM data plans for their destination, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and providing instant connectivity upon arrival. The app’s user-friendly interface and the ability to preload plans before departure contribute to a stress-free travel experience.

🔗 Related : Best eSIMs for Travel

Benefits of using Airalo:

• No Physical SIM Card Required: Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, allowing users to access local data plans through virtual eSIM technology.
• Cost-Effective Connectivity: Airalo offers competitive rates for eSIM data plans, often providing more affordable options compared to traditional roaming services.
• Convenient In-App Management: Users can easily browse, purchase, and manage eSIM data plans directly through the Airalo app, providing a seamless and convenient experience.
• Global Coverage: Airalo provides eSIM data plans for a wide range of destinations, ensuring travelers can stay connected in various countries around the world.
• Instant Activation: Upon arrival at your destination, the purchased eSIM data plan is instantly activated, providing immediate mobile connectivity without delays.

Best Travel Apps for Thailand: Food Delivery

Maybe you’re tired from going around the entire day and want to take it easy? Not a problem, it’s easy to get freshly cooked Thai food to your door with food delivery apps.

Foodpanda is a food delivery app that allows you to explore and order from a variety of local restaurants.

Foodpanda is perfect for those times when you want to savor local cuisine without leaving the comfort of your accommodation.

Why choose Foodpanda?

Foodpanda offers a diverse range of restaurant options, quick delivery, and the convenience of ordering food from your smartphone.

Benefits of using Foodpanda:

• Wide selection of local restaurants
• Quick and convenient food delivery

As you explore Thailand, these handy apps make everything easier. Need a ride? Grab and Bolt have you covered. Want cool activities? Check out Klook and Viator. These apps help you navigate the busy streets, discover awesome experiences, and taste the best local food.

So, enjoy your trip, use these apps, and make your time in Thailand unforgettable!

Related Posts

Thailand is the second most visited country, and Bangkok tops as the most popular city based on Agoda's data. However, understanding Thailand's visa rules and the available options for staying…

Having traveled both solo and with Riley for several years now, I’ve refined my list of go-to travel resources for every part of any trip. From packing essentials to the…

Imagine this—a region full of waterfalls and hikes, high enough to have cool, temperate temperatures for coffee and cocoa farms. You can start your day with a yoga session while…

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Destinations

Remote work.

© Half Digital Nomad

By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.  Read more

Manage cookies

13 Must-Have Apps In Thailand

If you've never heard of Grab and Eatigo, this list of must-have apps in Thailand is for you.

These apps are for anyone who's coming to Thailand.

Whether you're coming as a backpacker for a week or relocating to the beautiful land of smiles, you need them on your phone.

These apps will help you get around, save money and time, and make your life a lot easier.

Let's jump into the list of apps you need to have in Thailand.

Google Maps

Google translate, booking.com, cyberghost vpn, currency converter, dating apps, coming for the first time in thailand.

Google Maps should always be on your phone, no matter where you go.

It's easy to use, works really well to help get around anywhere, including in Thailand, and it even has reviews and information about the places around you.

If like me you try to have as few apps as possible on your phone, Google Maps is like Yelp, Tripadvisor, Waze, and *insert your favorite travel app* altogether.

Don't forget to download maps offline when you go to new places to access the map even when you don't have access to internet.

• Google Maps for Android
• Google Maps for iOS

Thai is a tough language for translator apps and I'm yet to see one that does a perfect job.

Like the other translator apps I've tried, Google Translate isn't perfect with Thai but it does a good enough job to get around.

And it has one feature that even the best Thai translator app doesn't have, it does a live translation using your phone's camera .

If you want to translate a street sign or a menu, all you have to do is pull out your phone, open Google Translate and point the camera at it so the app can translate it in real-time.

It can also translate what's written in Thai on your photos and screenshots.

• Google Translate for Android
• Google Translate for iOS

My go-to app for booking hotels now (and even flights sometimes) is Booking.com

The app is super easy to use, you have a wide range of options, and you have a lot of great "mobile-only" deals when you book through the app.

In Thailand, they have a large selection of hotels, resorts, villas, and a good range of apartments like on Airbnb.

And while you're traveling in Thailand and Asia, make a lot of different bookings to reach the Genius 3 Level (the highest level of their loyalty program).

That's when things get really interesting.

When you are a Genius 3 customer, you have

• 🤑 Better deals
• ⬆️ Frequent free upgrades
• 🥐 Free breakfast (sometimes)
• and more...

Just use the link below to book your hotels on Booking.com and download the app.

I love Airbnb for its clean design and the variety of their listing.

Where Booking or Agoda can be confusing with all the options they have, it's always easy to find what you want on Airbnb.

But the main reason to use Airbnb in Thailand, other than to find a place to stay, is all the "experiences" they offer on the site.

They have all sorts of unique ways to visit Thailand, from "Instagram tours" with pro photographers to cooking classes and even nightlife tours.

• Airbnb for Android
• Airbnb for iOS

Grab is the Asian equivalent of Uber, but even more powerful.

Grab has different types of cars, motorbike taxis and in some cities, you can even rent a car.

The app also has food delivery, chauffeurs, package delivery, and offers a ton of special rewards and coupons that you can buy with the points you earn with each booking.

• Grab app for Android
• Grab app for iOS

Speaking just a few basic words and phrases in Thai can save you a lot of time, and money.

And it will help you connect with Thai people, and that's priceless.

Ling app is the best app I've tried to learn these basic words and phrases.

And it's free.

When possible, I prefer to stick to AirAsia to fly in and around Thailand.

And there are a few reasons for that :

• They have really good rates.  Not always the cheapest, but really close most of the time.
• They have a good quality of service , especially for a low-cost company.
• They always have special deals with really cheap flights , in and around Thailand.
• Their app works great and allows you to book flights, do your online check-in, check your flight status, and even work as the boarding pass for some flights, all from your phone.

Overall, their app and service are way better than other local companies so whenever possible, fly with AirAsia.

• AirAsia for Android
• AirAsia for iOS

Eatigo is by far the best app ever invented and it’s as essential as Grab or Line if you're in Thailand.

Eatigo is the best app to find discounts for restaurants.

It has a selection of restaurants with discounts of up to 50% on the whole menu.

That's it. There's no catch.

The app is free to use and gives you huge discounts on all types of restaurants including some of the best high-end hotel buffets in Thailand.

• Eatigo for Android
• Eatigo for iOS

If you don't find the restaurant you want on Eatigo, at least book your table with Chope.

Chope is also free to use and gives you rewards for every meal you book through the app.

• Get 250฿ Off your first booking

Everybody in Thailand has a love and hate relationship with Foodpanda.

On one side, they have an amazing selection of restaurants and always offer special deals and discounts.

On the other hand, the order tracking system kind of suck and their customer support is almost non-existent.

But as long as they keep offering great deals and send discount coupons, it is still a must-have app in Thailand for your Netflix and chill nights.

You can find other food delivery apps and a list of recommended restaurants to order from in my post here .

• Get 100฿ Free Off You First Order
• Foodpanda for Android
• Foodpanda for iOS

If most of the world use Messenger or WhatsApp to chat, in Thailand everybody uses Line to message their friends, family and even colleagues.

If you hear someone ask you for your line ID, they want to know your username on Line to "Add you"

You can get by without it if you're just traveling in Thailand, but if you live here or if you're single, you're gonna need it.

The app is also becoming more like Wechat and is constantly adding new features like LinePay that let you pay with your phone at some retailers or LineMan, a messenger and delivery service.

• Line for Android
• Line for iOS

You want to have a VPN when you travel to:

• 🔒 Protect your connection when you use public wifi
• 📍 Change your location to access content you can't access in the country where you are (like some p*rn websites in Thailand  😅)

There are a lot of good VPNs out there, but my favorite is CyberGhost.

It's simple to use, fast, and it's cheap.

It's only $2 per month when you take a 3-year subscription.

And you can use it on up to 7 devices.

It's easy to think everything is cheap in Thailand, so I like to convert prices in Thai baht to USD.

And sometimes you'll be surprised to see things aren't so cheap.

I also like to see how much things cost in Bitcoin.

On my Android phone, I love to use an app called CoinCalc .

It has all the currencies you can think of, and crypto and it's super fast and easy to use.

No matter which app you prefer, get a currency converter on your phone.

• CoinCalc for Android

That's it for the must-have apps in Thailand.

I limited myself to 11 apps but in reality, there are a lot more apps I could add.

Depending on how long you stay and what you do in Thailand, there are other apps you want to have a look at.

If you're single, check my list of the best dating apps in Thailand .

From Tinder to Thaifriendly, all the most popular dating apps in Thailand are there.

If you have a Thai bank account, Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand.

It's also the cheapest way to convert and send money all over the world.

Check it out.

• Try Wise for free
• Read my review

With the high level of pollution that Thailand has seen in the last few years, especially in Bangkok and in the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai...) it's always good to check the pollution before you go out or plan a trip.

The most popular app for that is AirVisual.

• AirVisual for Android
• AirVisual for iOS

In that case, check my guide on how to plan your trip to Thailand for more tips and recommendations for your trip, and read my first-time guide for Bangkok (and Thailand).

Now it's your turn.

What are for you the most useful apps in Thailand? What are the apps you use the most?

Let me know in the comments.

And if you have any questions about any of the apps above, feel free to ask me anything under this post.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

16 Best Must-Have Apps When Visiting Thailand

Are you planning your next big adventure to Thailand? Navigating a new country or city can be challenging. Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful mobile apps available in Thailand to aid you with transport, accommodation, attractions, and food options.

Let’s dive into some recommended apps you’ll need when visiting Thailand:

• Google Maps – navigation and finding local things to do
• Google Translate – on-demand Thai translation
• Agoda – hotel booking platform (most popular one in Thailand)
• Booking.com – hotel booking platform (compare against Agoda prices)
• Skyscanner – compare domestic and international flights
• Grab – ride-hailing service (similar to Uber)
• Bolt – alternative ride-hailing service
• Foodpanda  – food delivery
• Klook – book/find local activities, guided tours, and transport
• XE – currency exchange with market rates
• Wise (Transferwise) – hold THB and avoid hidden currency exchange fees
• LINE – chat communication app (similar to WhatsApp)
• AirVisual – track pollution in real-time (Yes, Thailand has a pollution problem!)
• ExpressVPN – keep your privacy secure when using public wifi
• NordVPN – alternative VPN for privacy security
• AmazingThailand – government tourist app with recommended activities

Read on to learn more about each app.

Google Maps

Google Maps is a must-have for navigating Thailand with real-time traffic updates, street view, and finding various transport options for your route. As well as planning your route with the various transport options available in Thailand .

Google Maps is great for finding local restaurants, attractions, and hotels within your area.  Plan your trip early by placing pins on the desired places you want to visit.

Rating : 4.7/5

Recommended for:  

• Finding places to go

Apple App Store Google Play

Google Translate

Did you know? Only 27% of people in Thailand can speak English .  The Google Translate app helps translate Thai when encountering a language barrier.

The app has easy-to-use features like text, speech, and image translation.  So if you get to a local street food restaurant and find the menu is in Thai, use the app to take a snap of the menu then it can translate into your native language.

Off the beaten track? Google Translate has language packs that can be pre-downloaded for offline usage.

Rating : 4.4/5

• Translation

Also, check out my article on helpful Thai phrases for your travels in Thailand .

Agoda is a popular travel booking app offering various accommodation options, flights, and activities. Agoda offers excellent rates within the Asian region and is Thailand’s most used hotel booking platform.

Agoda offers special localized promotions, coupons, and VIP status discounts for members who use the platform regularly.

Rating : 4.8/5

• Booking hotels, especially in the Asian region

Booking.com

The biggest hotel platform with over 27 million properties Booking.com, is an excellent app for finding accommodation in and around Thailand. 

You can also book flights, car rentals, attractions, and private taxis through the app and hotels.

The app has advanced hotel filtering, verified guest reviews, and 24-hour support.

• Booking hotels, 
• Comparing hotel prices with Agoda

Compare flights from global airlines as well as Asian-based carriers. Use the rates provided in the booking calendar to find the cheapest dates to fly.

Skyscanner also offers accommodation, car rentals, and flight price tracking.

• Booking flights

Do you use Uber? Grab is the alternative to Uber in Asia , providing ride-hailing services and food delivery.

Use cash or a credit card to pay for a taxi or private car by booking through one of Thailand’s most popular super app.

Rating : 4.9/5

Compare transport rates against Grab by using the Bolt app. Although available in fewer regions, Bolt is generally cheaper than Grab for taxi and private car transport.

In-app safety features include ride share, an onboard emergency button, and customer-rated drivers. Cash is the only payment method unless you have a local bank account.

• Compare rates against Grab

Food Panda is a food delivery app with countless food categories available in major cities around Thailand.  

In-app features of Food Panda include tracking your delivery, communicating with the driver, and delivery time estimates. 

Rating : 4.5/5

• Food delivery

Pre-book attractions around Thailand with Klook and get special discounts or skip queues.  Order a Rabbit Card for BTS Skytrain transport, then pick up the card when you arrive in Bangkok to avoid queuing at BTS ticket stations.

The Klook app also offers accommodation booking, charters, airport transport, and food experiences.

• Booking attractions

Get on-demand exchange rates when traveling and check the Thailand currency rates against your home currency when visiting Thailand.  Get currency conversion rate alerts and view historical currency data.

XE also offers a transfer service to avoid getting overcharged through hidden bank fees when transferring abroad.

Rating : 4.3/5

• Checking currency conversion rates

Wise (Transferwise)

Use the Wise app, which supports 50+ currencies, to get cheaper currency exchange rates compared to banks. Sign up for an account and get a virtual UK, EU, or US bank account to get a borderless bank account for international travel.

Wise also offers ATM cards in specific regions that you can use abroad to avoid hidden international fees.

Rating : 4.6/5

• International transfers

The alternative to Whatsapp in Thailand is LINE, a communication platform that supports text messages, voice, and group chat.  LINE is excellent if you want to chat with Thai friends or signup for local services.

Link your Rabbit Card with Rabbit LINE Pay so you can use your Rabbit top-up Card to pay for meals.

Rating : 3.5/5

• Communication

Thailand has an air quality issue in certain regions within specific months of the year. To track the pollution in your area, download AirVisal which provides accurate air quality measures and gives recommendations on wearing masks and outdoor activity based on pollution rates.

Other features include tracking your pollution exposure throughout the day and 7-day pollution forecasts in the local region.

• Pollution monitoring

Secure your devices using public WIFI through a VPN like ExpressVPN, which has VPN servers in up to 90+ counties and offers a 7-day trial.

• Internet security and privacy

With VPN servers in 60+ counties, NordVPN is a cheaper alternative to secure internet usage while traveling abroad.

AmazingThailand

Use the Tourism Authority Thailand app to help plan your holiday in Thailand with a list of recommended cities, sights, and attractions.  Once you’ve settled on your must-sees, build an in-app itinerary to help plan your days in the Kingdom.

Rating : 3.9/5

• Itinerary planning

Before you go…

Looking for other travel guides? We have compiled a list of helpful articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand .

Written by Nicky

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission through affiliate programs if you book through a provided link, which helps us maintain and improve the site. Our recommendations are based on independent research and analysis, and we always strive to provide our readers with unbiased and helpful information.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• X (Twitter)

16 Essential Thailand Travel Apps: Your Must-Have Phone Apps for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

Planning a trip to Thailand? Navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok or unwinding on the serene beaches of Phuket? Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. In today’s digital age, Thailand travel apps have become indispensable companions for adventurers seeking seamless experiences. From uncovering hidden gems to effortlessly translating menus, finding the best apps to use in Thailand can elevate your journey from ordinary to extraordinary. Join us as we explore the essential apps for tourists in Thailand, ensuring that your trip is not only unforgettable but also hassle-free.

Best Travel Apps for Thailand

The essential apps for tourists in thailand.

Setting off on a Thailand trip is an exhilarating experience filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. As you venture into the adventure of a lifetime, equipping yourself with the best travel apps for Thailand becomes paramount. These digital companions are like having a local guide in your pocket, ready to assist you in navigating bustling markets, discovering hidden gems, and immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Thai culture. From essential transportation apps to handy translation tools, join me as I share insights into the must-have apps for your Thailand journey, ensuring that every moment is optimized for exploration and discovery.

1. Line App

Dive deeper into Thai culture and connect with locals on a whole new level with LINE! This must-have app for your Thailand trip, isn’t just a messaging platform – it’s a gateway to a more immersive experience. As Thailand’s most popular app, LINE allows you to chat with locals and fellow travelers, opening doors to insider recommendations, invitations to events, and a chance to practice your Thai language skills. Plus, LINE integrates with many Thai businesses, so you might find food delivery options, restaurant reservations, or even booking features for local tours and activities – all within the app! This one-stop shop for communication and convenience will make navigating Thailand a breeze.

2. XE Currency

XE Currency is an invaluable tool for travelers exploring Thailand. This app provides up-to-date currency exchange rates, allowing tourists to easily convert their home currency to Thai Baht and vice versa. By keeping users informed about the latest exchange rates, XE Currency ensures that tourists can make informed decisions when shopping, dining, or exchanging money during their trip. Personally, I use it often because rates change frequently, and it’s much easier to just punch in a number and get a quick conversion. With XE Currency, tourists can navigate Thailand’s bustling markets and vibrant attractions with confidence, knowing they have access to accurate and reliable currency information at their fingertips.

The Agoda app emerges as an indispensable ally for travelers embarking on Thai adventures. Boasting a user-friendly interface and an extensive array of accommodations, Agoda streamlines the quest for the perfect stay. Whether your preference leans toward budget-friendly hostels or lavish resorts, this app caters to all needs. Its intuitive search filters and real-time availability ensure swift comparison of prices and seamless booking experiences with just a few taps. My go-to for hotel bookings, Agoda consistently offers the most competitive rates in Asia, coupled with robust search filters and enticing cashback offers. From budget-conscious backpackers to luxury-seeking travelers, Agoda remains an indispensable companion for anyone planning a memorable trip to Thailand.

Kayak is my go-to for quickly searching for flights, as I can easily sort by the cheapest options. It stands out as one of the best apps for travelers planning a trip to Thailand, offering an extensive range of features that streamline the complexities of travel. Whether you’re searching for flights, hotels, car rentals, or vacation packages, Kayak provides comprehensive solutions. Its user-friendly interface and powerful search engine simplify the process of finding the best deals effortlessly. As one of the essential apps for tourists in Thailand, Kayak remains indispensable for anyone embarking on a trip to this vibrant destination. Kayak stands out as one of the must-have apps for your Thailand trip.

5. Google Maps

Google Maps stands out as one of the best apps to use in Thailand. With its comprehensive database of locations, detailed navigation instructions, and real-time traffic updates, Google Maps ensures seamless exploration throughout the country. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok, venturing into the serene countryside, or discovering hidden treasures, Google Maps provides accurate directions and valuable insights. I frequently rely on it to search and check reviews for the best restaurants near me. As one of the must-have apps for your Thailand trip, Google Maps empowers you to confidently explore unfamiliar territory, uncover new experiences, and make the most of your journey with ease.

Bolt stands out as one of the best travel apps for Thailand, offering essential transportation solutions for tourists exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Renowned for its competitive pricing and reliable service, Bolt ensures cost-effective transportation options, making it a must-have for your Thailand trip. Notably, Bolt operates on a cash-only basis, providing added convenience for riders who prefer not to rely on digital payment methods. However, it’s important to note that during peak hours, ride availability may be limited. Despite this occasional challenge, Bolt remains a top choice for tourists seeking convenient and affordable transportation solutions during their Thailand trip.

The Grab app is a game-changer for travelers exploring Thailand, offering a wide range of services beyond just ride-hailing. As one of the best travel apps for Thailand, Grab provides convenient transportation options, including taxis, private cars, and motorbike taxis, ensuring you can get around the country with ease. Additionally, Grab offers food delivery services, enabling you to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine from the comfort of your accommodation. With its user-friendly interface and reliable service, Grab is a must-have app for your Thailand trip, enhancing your travel experience and making every journey seamless and enjoyable.

The Thaiger app is an essential tool for travelers exploring Thailand, providing comprehensive information and updates on local news, events, and attractions. As one of the best travel apps for Thailand, Thaiger offers valuable insights into the country’s culture, lifestyle, and current affairs, helping you stay informed and connected while on your trip. With its user-friendly interface and reliable reporting, Thaiger ensures that you have access to accurate and up-to-date information, empowering you to make the most of your Thailand experience. Whether you’re looking for the latest news headlines, recommendations for dining and entertainment, or insights into local customs and traditions, the Thaiger app is a must-have companion for your Thailand trip.

With its wide range of activities, tours, and attractions, Klook helps travelers discover and book unique experiences that showcase Thailand’s rich culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring historic temples in Bangkok, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Thai islands, or embarking on an adventurous jungle trek, Klook has something for everyone. With its user-friendly interface and convenient booking process, Klook ensures that you can easily plan and book unforgettable experiences for your Thailand trip. As one of the must-have apps for Thailand travelers, Klook enhances your journey by providing access to the best activities and attractions the country has to offer.

Meetup offers opportunities to discover unique experiences, meet new people, and make meaningful connections during your Thailand trip. Whether you’re interested in cultural exchanges, outdoor adventures, or culinary tours, Meetup has a diverse range of activities and communities to choose from. With its user-friendly interface and wide variety of options, Meetup ensures that you can easily find and participate in activities that align with your interests and preferences, enhancing your overall travel experience in Thailand. As one of the must-have apps for Thailand travelers, Meetup opens doors to new friendships and unforgettable experiences in the Land of Smiles.

11. Bumble or Tinder

Bumble, known for its dating features, also serves as one of the best travel apps for Thailand, offering essential tools for meeting new people and exploring the country. With its Bumble BFF feature, travelers can connect with locals and fellow tourists to share experiences, and even find travel buddies for exploring Thailand together. Whether you’re looking for a relationship, or someone to join you on a hiking adventure, or simply hoping to make new friends while abroad, Bumble provides a platform for meaningful connections and memorable experiences. With its intuitive interface and focus on fostering genuine connections, Bumble enhances the social aspect of your Thailand trip, making it a must-have app for travelers looking to expand their social circle.

12. Food Panda

Food Panda stands out as one of the essential apps for tourists in Thailand, offering convenient access to a wide variety of delicious cuisines from local restaurants and eateries. As one of the best apps to use in Thailand, Food Panda ensures that travelers can easily satisfy their cravings and explore the diverse culinary scene of the country. With its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of dining options, Food Panda allows you to discover new flavors, order with ease, and enjoy mouthwatering meals wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re craving authentic Thai street food, international cuisine, or indulgent desserts, Food Panda delivers deliciousness right to your doorstep, making it a must-have app for your Thailand trip.

13. Eat igo

Eatigo is a must-have app for budget travelers exploring Thailand, offering essential tools for finding the best dining deals and experiences in the country. As one of the best travel apps for Thailand, Eatigo ensures that tourists can enjoy fantastic discounts at a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. With its user-friendly interface and extensive network of dining partners, Whether you’re craving traditional Thai dishes, international cuisine, or gourmet treats, Eatigo helps you dine in style without breaking the bank. With its commitment to providing value and variety, Eatigo enhances your Thailand trip by offering unforgettable dining experiences at unbeatable prices, making it an essential app for foodies and travelers alike.

IQ Air is among the best travel apps for Thailand, offering essential tools for monitoring air quality and ensuring a healthy environment during your trip. As one of the must-have apps for Thailand travelers, IQ Air provides valuable insights into pollution levels across different regions of the country. With its user-friendly interface and real-time data updates, IQ Air allows you to stay informed about air quality conditions, enabling you to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to protect your health while exploring Thailand. Whether you’re strolling through bustling city streets or exploring natural wonders, IQ Air empowers you to prioritize your well-being and enjoy your Thailand trip with peace of mind.

Lazada stands out as one of the best apps to use in Thailand, offering essential services for travelers looking to shop for a wide range of products conveniently. As one of the must-have apps for Thailand travelers, Lazada provides access to a diverse selection of goods, including electronics, fashion items, home essentials, and more. With its user-friendly interface and secure payment options, Lazada ensures that tourists can easily browse, purchase, and receive their desired items with ease, no matter where they are in the country. Whether you’re in need of travel accessories, souvenirs, or gifts for loved ones back home, Lazada offers a convenient shopping experience, enhancing your Thailand trip by providing access to everything you need at your fingertips.

16. SafetyWing Travel Insurance App

SafetyWing’s user-friendly app allows you to easily purchase coverage directly from your phone, no matter where you are in Thailand. Secure payment options ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. Traveling to Thailand is all about immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. But unexpected situations can arise, putting a damper on your trip. That’s where SafetyWing travel insurance comes in. As a must-have app for any Thailand adventure, SafetyWing provides peace of mind with its comprehensive and flexible insurance plans.

Conclusion of The Best Thailand Travel Apps

In conclusion, when embarking on a Thailand trip, having the right apps can greatly enhance your travel experience. From navigating unfamiliar streets with Google Maps to discovering hidden culinary delights with Food Panda, these must-have apps for Thailand trip ensure that you can explore the country with confidence and convenience. Whether you’re seeking transportation, dining options, or health information, these essential tools provide invaluable assistance every step of the way, allowing you to make the most of your journey in the Land of Smiles. With these apps at your fingertips, your Thailand trip is sure to be unforgettable. Be sure to check out my Full Thailand Travel Guide .

What are the best apps to use in Thailand for travelers?

The best apps to use in Thailand for travelers include Google Maps for navigation, Food Panda for food delivery, Lazada for convenient shopping, Klook for booking activities, and Grab for transportation.

Are there any essential apps specifically designed for tourists in Thailand?

Yes, there are several essential apps for tourists in Thailand. These include Google Maps for navigation, Food Panda for dining options, Grab for transportation, Eatigo for dining discounts, and IQ Air for monitoring air quality.

Which apps are considered must-have for a Thailand trip?

Must-have apps for a Thailand trip include Google Maps for navigation, Food Panda for dining convenience, Grab for transportation, Lazada for shopping, and Klook for booking activities and tours.

What are some recommended travel apps for exploring Thailand?

Some recommended travel apps for exploring Thailand include Google Maps for navigation, Klook for booking activities, Eatigo for dining discounts, Grab for transportation, and IQ Air for monitoring air quality.

Which apps provide the best travel experiences in Thailand?

The best travel apps for Thailand include Klook for booking unique experiences, Food Panda for exploring local cuisine, Grab for convenient transportation, Lazada for shopping essentials, and Google Maps for seamless navigation throughout the country.

Join Me As I Document My Travel Adventures Through Asia.

Related Posts

Bangkok Storage Lockers: Your Ultimate Guide to 5 Affordable and Secure Luggage Storage Solutions

30 Budget Friendly Things to Do in Bangkok: Your Ultimate Guide

Unveiling Serenity: A Guide to the 10 Best Temples in Bangkok You Must Experience

Elevate Your Senses: Discover Thailands Specialty Coffee Haven and Top 10 Must-Try Drinks!

Ethical Elephant Experiences in Thailand: Unveiling the Truth & Sanctuary Practices

Discover the Paradise Within: Top 15 Best Beaches in Thailand Unveiled

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Thailand Apps - 10 Best Apps for Thailand Travel

Planning a trip to Thailand and thinking what apps would be good to have on your phone? Some of Thailand apps can really make your traveling in the kingdom much easier. When you will be preparing for a trip, don't forget to install 10 best apps for Thailand travel  on your smartphone as these apps can be very useful during your stay in the "land of smiles".

Thailand SIM card

During your trip in Thailand, internet access on your phone can greatly simplify your life. It’s best to buy a local SIM card with an internet connection to stay conveniently connected on your holiday in Thailand. Local SIM card s are not expensive and easy enough to get upon arrival so you can use all the apps right away. To save money , pre-book Thailand SIM card online and pick it up at the airport.

Best Apps for Thailand Travel

Your Thailand trip will be much easier if you will install most of the below listed apps to use in Thailand. 10 best apps for Thailand travel that will be really useful on your trip are the following.

If you are planning to visit Thailand and looking for the best deals on attraction tickets and activities, then KLOOK is a must download app. KLOOK is the platform where you can order SIM card or book travel activities, tickets to amazing tourist attractions, and local experience tours around Thailand significantly cheaper and faster than buying directly at the counter. It's hassle-free, easy to use. Various promotion codes offering additional discount are also available for the users of this app!

To get the best offer, we usually compare deals on KLOOK with another great app for tours and tickets - GetYourGuide .

2. Hotel Booking App - Agoda or Booking

Agoda and Booking.com are the tools for you to find hotels and other accommodation all over Thailand. These applications are easy to use and let you check the price, hotel location and daily deals fast. You can switch to the map and see the rates of hotels in your preferred location. These apps make comparison of the hotels really easy. Normally, the prices are lower if you are using the app on mobile phone than desktop computer.

Even if Booking.com is better known worldwide, it’s not uncommon to get better hotel deals on Agoda when it comes to finding a hotel in Thailand.

3. Traveloka

Before your long holidays in Thailand, you must conclude your travel plan and the first thing to do is booking flights and hotels. Traveloka app can help you to book flights cheaper than normal. This application covers all the main worldwide airlines. Booking with Traveloka is a good choice if you are looking for domestic flights. Traveloka also has special offers in "ongoing promos" section for people booking through the application so we’ve booked tickets many times with this app and always got a price better than on the website of airlines. After the booking and payment is completed, the app will send the electronic ticket or booking confirmation via smartphone, so you won’t need to carry the documents and will be able to access the information at any time. 

For international flights, you can always keep an eye on SkyScanner.

4. Google Translate

One of the major issues when going abroad is the language and not many Thais know English well. Knowing “Sawaddee” for saying “hello” or “Khop Khun” for saying “thank you” is not enough for travelling in Thailand. This is why Google Translate application needs to be installed on your phone. It's just a straightforward and simple way to translate text into foreign language quickly and Google Translate works well enough with Thai Language . You can even scan the text with your mobile camera and translate it automatically into the language you want. This application is very useful for translating restaurant menus, signs or transport tickets in real time.

Grab , similar to the Uber application, is an app that allows you to get a taxi fast and easily without advance reservation. Grab also offers a wide range of travel options including taxis, personal cars, motorcycles, and delivery services. All you need to do is choose the origin and destination, this app will calculate the distance, expected time and estimated fare and you will only have to wait for your taxi to arrive and take you to your desired destination. With the delivery service feature, you can order food, parcels, and even bulky or heavy items from nearby restaurants or supermarkets.

Using Grab is convenient as you can choose to pay your fare in cash or credit card and you will receive an email receipt every time after the trip. Grab app in Thailand can also be used in English, and you do not need to worry about the language. There is a texting section for contacting the driver, where the message will be automatically translated into English and Thai.

You may think WhatsApp or Skype are the most popular applications for chatting, but it's not like that in Thailand. Line is more essential and used by locals to communicate via instant messaging. Line is a free application that only needs your phone's internet connection to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and Voice Messages to your friends and family. Most people in Thailand use Line to stay in contact with everyone, therefore, having this app will make it easier for you to contact with your new Thai friends.

Wise is an app that lets you check exchange rates, send money, receive payments from abroad, pay bills or send money back home to your loved ones – wherever you are. As Thailand has its own currency and Thai baht is only accepted in Thailand, this app will help you to convert between Thai Bath and the currency of your country of origin to avoid confusion. You will know if the thing you want to buy is cheap or expensive and how much you pay by just entering the amount and automatically converting it to your currency or vice versa at the exchange rate of the day. The app is very useful and makes it easier for you to control your money.

8. Google Maps

Google Maps is a must-have app on your smartphone when traveling to Thailand. Google Maps lets you know your location and traffic conditions with a single click. It helps you decide which means of transportation you should use to reach your destination. This application will also help you plan your trip in advance by making a list of the tourist places you want to visit, the hotels you want to stay, or the best restaurants to eat at without getting lost.

An interesting function and undoubtedly a great advantage of using Google Maps is that this app lets you download maps of the city beforehand so you can use it offline, in case you have no network coverage in certain areas of Thailand.

9. Thai Best Dict

This is a dictionary application that can be used offline. It will be a good translator for your trips or when no internet connection is available. With  Thai Best Dict app , you will be able to translate words both from English to Thai and from Thai to English. We like using it because the translation of word meaning is quite detailed and you can listen to the correct Thai pronunciation.

10. AirVisual

AirVisual is an app that is useful for everyone who is concerned of their health. As the environmental standards in Thailand are quite poor, sometimes the polluted air covers the entire city, especially Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The app is designed to be convenient to use, with detailed pollution information and division into colors according to air quality. This app will help you to understand the environment you're travelling to and act accordingly to protect yourself.

Install these useful applications on your smartphone and make your travelling around Thailand much easier!

Bonus Thailand Apps

ViaBus is a cool app for public bus rider that is very useful when traveling by Bangkok public bus as with the use of it you no longer have to stand and wait for the bus without knowing when it will come. The new buses are equipped with GPS, so you can check the current location of each bus, bus route, bus stop, and also tells you how to connect to other means of public transportation, such as BTS , MRT or river boats , and gives you an approximate time required.

Foodpanda is the first food delivery service in Thailand. With this application, you can search the restaurants nearby and choose to order your favorite dishes from Thai food to pizza and gourmet dishes to be delivered right to your hotel or accommodation without having to go out. The menu displayed includes reviews and ratings of the restaurants from other customers. Foodpanda is packed with special offers from many restaurants such as free delivery or special menu. Foodpanda accepts both credit card and cash payments.

Get this Thailand app in case you can't find the food you want on Grab app or to compare the offers between these two food delivery apps.

Shopee , Thailand version of eBay or Amazon, is one of the most famous online shopping apps in Thailand. This is an app that allows you to search and order all the products relatively easily. The delivery is possible throughout Thailand and you can also check the delivery status on the app. Shopee is ideal for those who intend to stay in Thailand for longer periods.

There is also another app called Lazada , which is good for ordering goods. You can compare price between these two apps before buying.

Amazing Thailand

Amazing Thailand application is a travel guide app made by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This app allows you to search for the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, covering all provinces and including travel tips, accommodation, events & festivals, shopping, food and more. It's easy to travel around Thailand with just one app.

Wongnai is an application that helps you choose a restaurant in Thailand from more than 250,000 restaurants around the country. With this application you can find nearby restaurants with detailed information and real user reviews that can help you to decide on where to go. You can instantly share reviews or food photos as well. It will also help you to discover great spas and many other beauty services.

Consider buying local Thailand SIM card to stay conveniently connected on your holiday in Thailand. Booking Thailand SIM card online is much cheaper and easy enough to get upon arrival so you can use all the apps right away!

More information about Thai mobile phone service providers and SIM cards offered for tourists can be found here:  Getting Thailand SIM Card .

For more great apps check  35 Must-Have Thailand Travel Apps .

Popular on THAIest

Muay Thai Fights in Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok Hotels with Infinity Pools

Bangkok River Cruises

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

Half Moon Party Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Best Hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi

Phuket Pool Villas

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

The Travel Runner

16 best apps for thailand to download before you visit.

This post was last updated on

Planning a trip to Thailand? Discover the 16 best apps for Thailand! From accommodations to local insights, these must have apps await!

Ever dreamt of exploring the spectacular landscapes of Thailand, savoring spicy street food, or immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture?

Well, you’re not alone! But, let’s face it — navigating a foreign country can be a bit of a pickle, especially when you’re a first-time visitor.

So, what’s the remedy to this travel-induced headache?

Wait, why am I talking about apps?

Well, because they can turn your Thailand trip from a haphazard mess into a well-orchestrated symphony! 

• Need help deciphering Thai menus? There’s an app for that.
• Lost in the winding streets of Bangkok? There’s an app for that.
• Want to haggle at the floating markets but can’t speak Thai? Guess what, there’s even an app for that!

So let’s embark on an app-venture of a lifetime covering the most useful apps for traveling in Thailand to make your next visit as smooth as silk!

If you’re looking for the best apps available in Thailand, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in.

• Google Maps
• Google Translate
• Foodpanda Food Delivery Service
• Booking.com
• XE Currency
• ThaiFriendly
• Bangkok Post

1. Google Maps

First up is an old favorite — Google Maps .

Everyone uses the app at some point. And wherever you are in the world, Google Maps is your trusted companion.

And in Thailand? It’s a lifesaver.

With accurate directions, street view, and local business information, you’ll never feel lost. 

Now, picture this — you’ve arrived in the bustling city of Bangkok. The noise, the lights, the smells… it’s an exhilarating sensory overload. But you need to get to your hotel. Fast. Without the hassle of haggling with a taxi driver, deciphering street signs, or, heaven forbid, getting lost.

What do you do?

Fire up Google Maps, punch in your destination, and voila! You’re home free.  

A must-have no matter where you are in the world — and especially when traveling in Thailand — Google Maps is a go-to. (Best of all it’s free to use!)

• Google Maps for iOS
• Google Maps for Android

2. Google Translate 

Next up, let’s tackle that tricky language barrier with Google Translate , one of the most reliable translator apps that offer Thai translation.

Sure, we’d all love to be fluent in Thai, but let’s be real. Ain’t nobody got time for that! (Unless you wanna stay in Thailand for a while, then I definitely recommend learning!)

Google Translate is an absolute godsend for travelers. Just type in what you want to say, and it spits out the Thai translation. Easy peasy. 

And did you know you can use your camera to translate signs and menus in real-time? Now, admittedly, the translations can be hit-or-miss between English to Thai or others. So take them with a grain of salt sometimes.

But with a translation app that allows you to communicate with anyone, you’ll be navigating the local lingo like a pro in no time. 

• Google Translate for iOS
• Google Translate for Android

3. Grab App

Speaking of getting around, you can’t talk about Thailand without mentioning Grab, one of the best apps in Thailand.

Like Uber, but better — because it’s actually available in Thailand! This app is the king of Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing scene. It’s reliable, cheap, and best of all, no language barrier! Just input your destination and your ride arrives in minutes. It’s one of the simplest ways to get around Thailand.

How cool is that? 

But wait, there’s more! Grab isn’t just about rides.

Oh no, they’ve leveled up. You can order food, groceries, and even massages right to your doorstep.

Talk about convenience!

• Grab for iOS
• Grab for Android

Have you ever found yourself lost in a bustling Thai market, unable to decipher the maze of stalls and street food?

Or perhaps you’ve wandered aimlessly around a Thai city, your nose buried in a confusing paper map?

Well, say hello to Maps.me , your new best friend in Thailand. Maps.me is like that knowledgeable local guide you wish you could carry in your pocket. It’s a GPS navigation app that works offline and in real time. You heard me right — no need for a spotty internet connection or expensive roaming fees. It can also double as one of the best hiking apps depending on where you’re exploring.

Just download the maps you need while you’ve got Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go exploring. 

• Maps.me for iOS
• Maps.me for Android

5. Agoda 

Looking for a place to stay?

Agoda is a pretty useful app. It specializes in Asian accommodations, so you’ll always get the best deals. 

If you’re off to Thailand, I can’t stress enough how much you need this little gem in your pocket. That’s right, I’m talking about Agoda .

“Why Agoda?”, you may ask.

Simply put, Agoda is a powerhouse in the realm of Asian accommodations. It’s like having your very own concierge in your pocket, only a lot less stuffy and without the need for tipping. It’s got all the ins and outs, the best deals, the secret hideaways — it’s like having the inside scoop on every hotel in Thailand.

So why wouldn’t you want that? 

What I love about Agoda is that it’s specifically geared toward Asia. This isn’t some generic, one-size-fits-all deal! They’ve done their homework, they know their stuff, and they’re delivering it all to you on a silver platter.

“Best deals in town?” you ask. Yep, Agoda’s got ’em! 

So whether you’re looking for a swanky five-star hotel in bustling Bangkok or a cozy little beach hut in Phuket, Agoda has you covered.

• Agoda for iOS
• Agoda for Android

6. Foodpanda Food Delivery Service

Feeling hungry and don’t want to go out?

Time to order in with  Foodpanda , the ultimate food delivery app. And they deliver food from a wide variety of local restaurants. Tasty! 

Picture this: you’re lounging in your hotel room after a long day of exploring wonders when you next visit Thailand. Your stomach’s rumbling, but the thought of stepping out seems about as appealing as washing a herd of elephants. Not your cup of tea, right?

Foodpanda comes to save the day.

This wonderful app brings you whatever delicious Thai dish your heart desires, right to your doorstep. From spicy Tom Yum Soup to comforting Pad Thai, it’s got it all. And the best part? You don’t even need to put on pants to get your food (but I recommend you do). Plus you can choose cash or credit card to pay, so you’re good to go no matter your preference.

Now isn’t that convenient? 

But seriously, Foodpanda is a lifesaver when you’re traveling around Thailand. From Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the south in Phuket, you’ll find it everywhere. So on your next trip to Thailand, do yourself a favor and download Foodpanda.

Your stomach — and your tired feet — will thank you.

• FoodPanda for iOS
• FoodPanda for Android

7. Air Asia

I constantly search for flight deals when I’m in Asia using this app.

This isn’t just any old airline app — it’s a lifeline for all of us travel junkies who find ourselves in Thailand!  Cheap flights to anywhere in Thailand (or abroad), and it’s easy to book right from the app.

But let’s break this down even further. Here’s what you can do with the Air Asia app: 

• Book Flights: You can easily book your domestic and international flights within Thailand and to other Southeast Asian destinations.
• Holiday Packages: Want to take the hassle out of planning your trip? Air Asia has you covered with their holiday packages.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to start planning a trip  during your trip, here it is.

• AirAsia for iOS
• AirAsia for Android

8. Booking.com

Just imagine all those luscious green landscapes and the vibrant city life in Bangkok waiting for you.

But you’ll need a place to rest your head after all that exploring, right? That’s where our trusty friend Booking.com comes into play. 

Why Booking.com, you ask? Well, with features like:

• Wide Selection : This app is like the shopping mall of hotel rooms. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone. And in Thailand, you’re certainly not short on options. Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Bangkok? Take your pick!
• Customer Reviews : Not sure about a certain place? Fear not! Booking.com has a ton of reviews from other travelers just like you. It’s like having your own personal recon team.
• Seamless Booking : With this app, you can book your accommodation in the blink of an eye. It’s as easy as pie, and who doesn’t like pie?

But wait — there’s more! Booking.com also offers free cancellations on most rooms.

So, if you suddenly decide that you’d rather chill on a beach in Krabi than explore ancient temples in Ayutthaya, you can. Just like that. You’re spoiling us, Booking.com!

If you’re hitting the streets (or beaches, or jungles, or cities) of Thailand, Booking.com is your new best friend. 

• Booking.com for iOS
• Booking.com for Android

9. XE Currency 

Confused about the currency exchange? 

XE Currency is your go-to for accurate exchange rates so you can compare quickly. No more mental math gymnastics! With this handy-dandy app, you can effortlessly determine how many Thai baht your hard-earned dollars will fetch.

This app makes exchange quick and easy.

• XE Currency for iOS
• XE Currency for Android

10. ThaiFriendly 

Looking to meet some Thai friends?

ThaiFriendly is a popular Thai dating app. Even if you’re not looking for romance, it’s a great way to make friends and discover local hangouts. 

As I always say, “If the Thais do it, I do it.” (My girlfriend can quote me on this.) So why not broaden your social circle the Thai way? With ThaiFriendly, you’re not just a tourist – you’re part of the community!

Remember, it’s not about finding a date (well, not only about that), it’s about experiencing Thailand through the eyes of the locals. And who knows, maybe your holiday fling could turn into a lifelong friendship?

I say download the app and go for it!

• ThaiFriendly for iOS
• ThaiFriendly for Android

This app is huge in Thailand. It’s like Whatsapp, but with cuter stickers.

And it’s one of the most popular messaging apps in Thailand. Whether it’s voice and video calls, lining up transport options, or planning a day trip to a nearby island, Line is perfect to use. Everyone uses LINE — from your hotel concierge to the street food vendor down the road. Download this one app on your next visit to Thailand, and you’re instantly part of the in-crowd.

And if you want to stay connected with the Thais, Line is a must have app.

• LINE for iOS
• LINE for Android

Perfect for the wanderlust-infected, budget-conscious, and culturally-curious globetrotter.

Airbnb makes finding accommodations in Thailand as easy as ordering Pad Thai from a street vendor — and trust me, in Thailand, that’s pretty damn easy! 

Now, why Airbnb, you ask?

It’s not just about finding a place to crash in between your adventures. It’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, living like a local, and experiencing Thailand in a way that those mega-resort tourists only dream of.  And Airbnb Experiences are another great way to connect with a local and experience a bit of the local culture.

From getting a discount on your Airbnb to sleep to figuring out how you spend your days, Airbnb helps you plan it out.

• Airbnb for iOS
• Airbnb for Android

Ever been in a foreign country, dying for a taste of home, but don’t know where to find it?

Or maybe you’ve run out of sunscreen, and the local shops only carry brands you’ve never heard of.

Enter Lazada. This is like the Amazon of Southeast Asia, a must-have on your phone if you’re planning to explore Thailand. 

Why do I love Lazada?

Simple. It’s a one-stop shop for pretty much everything. Clothes, electronics, toiletries — you name it, they’ve got it. And the best part? They deliver right to your door, anywhere in Thailand. So you can focus on enjoying your vacation, not on hunting down that elusive brand of toothpaste you can’t live without. 

Here’s a breakdown: 

• Wide variety: From authentic Thai products to familiar brands from home, Lazada carries an extensive range of items. You’d be hard-pressed not to find what you need.
• Convenient delivery: Lazada delivers to your door, no matter where in Thailand you’re staying. Hotel, guest house, Airbnb – doesn’t matter, they’ve got you covered.
• Secure payments: Worried about safety? Don’t be. Lazada offers secure payment methods, including cash on delivery. So you can shop with peace of mind.

It’s one of the best apps for Thailand, hands down. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of online shopping during downtime, right?

You may even get free delivery!

• Lazada for iOS
• Lazada for Android

14. Netflix

Alright, you’re probably thinking, “Netflix? Seriously? I’ve got that at home!”

But hear me out. Just because we’re trotting the globe, doesn’t mean we can’t have a little taste of comfort from home. And what’s more comforting than your favorite TV show or movie playing in the background while you’re planning your next Thai adventure? 

Before you start worrying. Netflix in Thailand has a treasure trove of content that goes beyond your regular roster back home.  It’s like walking into a new candy store but for your eyes and ears.. And isn’t that what traveling is all about? Discovering the new?

Yes, I’m talking about discovering new shows and movies too! 

With a sprinkle of local flavor, Netflix in Thailand boasts a colorful array of Thai series and movies you’d probably miss out on otherwise. Ever watched a Thai romantic comedy or a heart-pounding action thriller? There’s something else too. Netflix could be your unsung hero on a rainy day.

Picture this: It’s one of those classic Thai monsoons outside, and all your ambitious plans for exploring the vibrant street markets or majestic temples are on hold. What better way to spend the day than tucked in your cozy hotel room, binging on some quality entertainment? 

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting you spend your whole trip glued to the screen. Thailand is way too incredible for that.

But, as a trusty companion for those quiet evenings, rainy days, or just when you’re in desperate need of some home-like comfort — Netflix truly shines.

So, why not add it to your arsenal of must-have apps for Thailand?

• Netflix for iOS
• Netflix for Android

15. Bangkok Post

I know what you’re thinking: “How do I stay up to date about all the stuff happening around me?

I have the perfect solution for you —  Bangkok Post . 

Remember the good ol’ days when we used to read newspapers with our morning coffee? Bangkok Post is the digital version of that but for Thailand. It’s the English language newspaper that’ll feed your curiosity about everything Thai. From politics to sports, business, and entertainment, it covers all the bases.

Who said you can’t be a tourist and a news junkie at the same time? 

Need a quick weather check before you head out to the beautiful beaches? Or want to know the exchange rates? Or maybe, just maybe, you want to find out about those hidden local events?

Bangkok Post has you covered. It’s like your personal Thailand guide, all wrapped up in an app:

• News: Stay on top of local Thai news. Be it politics, business, or sports, Bangkok Post got it all.
• Weather updates: Know when to pack that sunscreen or when to enjoy the cool Thai rain.
• Exchange rates: Keep an eye on your wallet with up-to-date exchange rates.
• Local Events: Discover hidden gems and local events that you won’t find on any tour guide.

Don’t miss out on anything while you’re living it up in the glorious Kingdom of Thailand.

After all, who wants to be the last one to know about the next Thai festival, right?

• Bangkok Post for iOS
• Bangkok Post for Android

Now, let’s talk about Ling.

I suggest learning Thai if you’ll stay in Thailand for a while. It’s courteous, it makes life easier, and it’s fun to finally understand all the beautiful sounds Thai people make!

So, enter Ling.

This app is a lifesaver for those of us with an affinity for getting lost in translation. It’s like having a personal language tutor in your pocket, ready to help you navigate the twisty, twangy language labyrinth that is Thai. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? 

The beauty of Ling is its simplistic and intuitive design. It’s as easy as mango sticky rice. You get to learn Thai from scratch with easy-to-follow lessons. It covers everything — the basics, the complex, and the utterly bewildering. 

And the best part? It’s interactive! 

But wait, there’s more! You also get quizzes that test your language comprehension skills.

• Learn Thai on the go: Whether you’re on a bustling Bangkok street or chilling by the serene beaches of Phuket, Ling is your go-to language buddy.
• Interactive lessons: The app makes learning Thai fun with engaging lessons that make you feel like you’re playing, not studying.
• Quizzes: These help you assess your progress. They’re like those little milestones on your Thai language journey.
• Practical scenarios: Ling teaches you the kind of Thai you’ll actually use. Ordering food, asking for directions, haggling at a market — it covers everything!

So, if you’re planning your Thailand adventure, don’t forget to download the mobile app of Ling.

It’s like having a Thai friend who’s always there to help, minus the awkward cultural faux pas. Plus, it saves you from those blush-inducing moments when you accidentally say something inappropriate in Thai.

Trust me, I’ve been there (in more languages than I care to admit)! 

Remember — a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single app.

Or something like that…

• Ling for iOS
• Ling for Android

What are the best travel apps for Thailand you’d add to the list?

The land of smiles, spicy curries, golden temples, and — let’s be real — perhaps a few too many Full Moon parties.

But amidst all the chaos, the one thing that’s been our constant companion is these incredible apps. Who knew a few taps on a screen could make navigating a foreign land so darn easy? 

So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or setting foot in Thailand for the very first time, these apps are your ticket to a hassle-free adventure.

Download them, use them, and let them guide you through this tropical paradise.  And, let me know what apps you’d add to this list!

Remember, travel is about the journey, not the destination. And with these apps, what a journey it’s going to be!

Related Posts:

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

10 Best Travel Apps in Thailand

• Grab Cab and Food Delivery App
• Google Maps
• Bangkok Post Epaper App
• Google Translate
• LINE Messaging and Delivery App
• XE Currency

Online and mobile applications have changed the way we travel today. Not too many years ago, we would travel to foreign countries with paper maps, books, and a folder full of photocopied information. Even then, we would still get lost or confused. Fast forward to 2020, and modern technology is showing us the way.

Thanks to Thailand's excellent communications infrastructure, you will have access to high-speed internet WiFi routers and mobile 3G / 4G / 5G services for your laptop, tablet, and smartphones. This means that you will be able to utilize one of the many applications available in Thailand to make your journey smoother and more comfortable.

In this guide, we have listed the 10 best travel apps available in Thailand that are in the English language. With the help of these apps, you can book taxis and accommodation, navigate through public transport systems, use local food delivery services, stay up to date with local and world news, and much more.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

1. Grab Cab and Food Delivery App

The Grab application is certainly worth downloading during your visit to Thailand, as it allows you to book a taxi with a preset price or price guidance from almost anywhere in the country. Even though Grab is in its infancy, it has been designed so well that even Uber could not compete, and eventually exited the Thai market.

In addition to the taxi service, you can order food from local restaurants and fast-food chains, coffee from outlets such as Starbucks, and send or receive parcels.

During your vacation, you will likely use the Grab taxi service more often than the other services that Grab offers. You can book luxury cars, metered taxis, long-distance journeys, a large taxi for the family, and taxis in advance. All you need to do is tell the app your location, and it will search for a taxi.

Once a taxi request is accepted, the driver's name pops up, along with their license plate number, type of vehicle and color, and how long it will take the driver to arrive.

There is a real-time map that shows exactly where the driver is, so you can see when the taxi will arrive. Furthermore, the messaging app within the application will translate your message (you can also use any of the preset messages in English) and send it to the driver in Thai.

You will need a mobile phone and a Thai SIM card with internet access to download the app. Once you have it installed and activated, the world is your oyster.

2. Google Maps

Google Maps is the obvious application to download and install before you travel, as you probably use it in your home country, too. You can use the app to avoid traffic; this is incredibly useful in places like Bangkok and Phuket.

Google Maps in Thailand is just as useful as it would be at home. It has the entirety of Thailand mapped out with street view and satellite images.

Some of Bangkok's streets can be quite confusing, but if you use Google Maps for directions and street views, you can follow the exact route and spot landmarks or recognizable places that will guide you to your destination.

Google Maps is not only great for guiding you to restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops, but also hotels, children's playgrounds, and so on. Moreover, many of the places you visit will have reviews and star ratings from other tourists as well as locals.

Additionally, Google Maps includes all public transport options. Over the years, the app has been developed to include local bus routes; for short distance journeys, however, you are better off getting a taxi.

Navigating the bus system can often be quite confusing even with the help of Google Maps. The usual MRT and BTS routes, bus times to other regions in Thailand, and train times are also available on Google Maps.

3. Bangkok Post Epaper App

The Bangkok Post Epaper is a free application released by an English-speaking news provider in Thailand. With events such as the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has caused chaos within the travel industry, the Bangkok Post Epaper app was one of the main sources of information for foreigners who were either living or traveling in Thailand at the time.

Bangkok Post Epaper's news team has direct contact with government officials. When anything newsworthy is reported in Thailand, the Bangkok Post Epaper publishes it in English. Via this app, you will have direct access to all the information provided to the newspaper by the government.

4. Google Translate

Although there are many translation apps, the most highly favored one continues to be Google Translate. Not every sentence translated from English to Thai or vice versa is accurate, but it is still incredibly useful.

It is easy to download and use; however, if you do not want to download the app, you can use the web-based version and save it as a shortcut on your phone's home screen for quick access.

5. VyperVPN

VPNs are handy for accessing servers back at home. While using Netflix in Thailand, you will get the Thai catalog of movies. You will still be able to watch English movies and Thai movies that are not available on your local version of Netflix.

However, if you want to watch series available in your country, which may not be available in Thailand, you will need a VPN.There are many VPN applications available today, but VyperVPN seems to work best in Thailand.

If you already have a VPN, it will almost certainly work in Thailand, but if you do not have one, try VyperVPN. With Vyper, you will be able to access servers that are often geo-locked in your own country, such as your local TV news stations, which could include the online versions of CNN, BBC, BBC iPlayer, HBO, and online cable or satellite TV network.

6. LINE Messaging and Delivery App

LINE app is a messaging service much like WhatsApp or Facebook messenger. Thais often do not use WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and other similar apps popular in the US and Europe.

Instead, they predominantly use LINE for private encrypted personal messaging, voice calls, and video calls. The app comes with huge collection of emojis and gifs that are free to use, and if you want, you can pay for extra emojis.

If you meet Thais that you want to stay in contact with, then LINE is the best way to do so. It is also useful for speaking with tour operators, travel companies, and even some hotels, which will have the business version of LINE.

Much like Facebook, these businesses will have a home page on the LINE app with advertisements for services and goods offered.

Another use for LINE is for sending and receiving parcels. Additionally, as with the Grab app, there is also a food delivery service available for local restaurants. You can even ask the LINE man to go shopping for you. Supermarkets, 7-11, or local stores are all available on the app.

If you fancy a bit of adventure, try using Thailand's bus system. The ViaBus app works in places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and far-off regions such as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

It is worth installing and checking at every destination on your travels through Thailand. This application is not just limited to buses; you can use it for ferry services, MRT, BRT, and airport bus services.

Although there are easier ways to get around, traveling by bus is cheap and an experience in itself. The app gives you live map updates, so you know exactly when the bus will arrive, and which bus to take to reach your destination.

ViaBus is popular among Thais and is available in English, which means that foreign visitors can take advantage of it too.

8. XE Currency

The XE Currency app is perfect for keeping an eye on exchange rates so you can compare them with those of local banks and currency exchange booths.

The app is widely regarded as the most accurate global currency exchange rate tracker. It lists all major and minor currencies, so regardless of the country you are traveling from, you will be able to convert your currency to and from Thai Baht.

9. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is an excellent application if you are traveling to Thailand and planning to just go with the flow. It is the best application for finding last-minute domestic and international flights.

It searches multiple carriers and lists every flight for your specified dates. You can sort flights from cheapest to most expensive and find out which airlines offer flights to the destination you plan to visit.

10. Netflix

Even if you do not have a VPN, you can still use Netflix in Thailand — you just won't get your local version. However, you will still be able to watch movies in English and get English subtitles on the Netflix mobile app, which is available for Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

If you want to watch your local version of Netflix, the VyperVPN service recommended above also has a mobile app download.

Since 3G / 4G / 5G network coverage spans the entirety of Thailand (except high up in the mountains of Chiang Mai), Netflix runs smoothly even when you are on the move.

There are few blackspots, and as Netflix buffers well, you probably won't even notice when you do hit a blackspot.

The Netflix mobile app allows you to download some series and movies directly to your mobile device, which is perfect for when you are on a plane with no WiFi.

Armed with a full suite of movies and series, long journeys across Thailand become much less daunting. Just make sure you carry a power bank so that you can keep your device charged.

Most 7-11 stores and shopping centers, as well as airports in Thailand, sell power banks just in case you forget to pack yours.

Tour Thailand with Us

We welcome the chance to help you design the perfect trip to Thailand. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations, and activities that best suit your requirements.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

The 21 Most Useful Apps for Traveling in Thailand

The best apps for traveling in Thailand – Index

• Hotels, hostels, and apartments: Booking, Agoda, Airbnb
• The absolute best offline map: Maps.me
• Getting around by public transportation: BTS SkyTrain, Bangkok MRT, Grab, AirAsia, Nok Air, 12go.asia
• Food to go or restaurant reservations: Foodpanda and Eatigo
• The Amazon of Southeast Asia: Lazada
• Keeping in contact in with your Thai friends: Line
• Learning Thai: Thai by Nemo and L-Lingo Learn Thai
• How to send money abroad: Wise and XE Currency
• The latest news about Thailand: Bangkok Post
• Enjoying yourself in Bangkok: Eventbrite and Major Cineplex Plus

Before beginning

More than once you must have left for a trip or prepared to move abroad and asked yourself how you were going to get around in a given city, or where to stay, or even send money abroad.

In this article I will talk about the most useful applications that will make your life easier during your trip to Thailand .

All the applications you find in this article are available both for the Android operating system and iOS. I have also arranged them by category so that you can evaluate which is the most useful one for you.

1. Booking, Agoda and Airbnb: Hotels, hostels and apartments:

Booking is definitely one of the most useful and easy to use apps for finding a place to stay in Thailand . Thanks to its simple and intuitive interface, all you have to do is enter the name of your destination, the dates of your stay, and the number of travelers to find a price.

After creating your personal profile, each time you book a room or apartment using Booking, you’ll have the chance to make use of various advantages:

• you can see a summary of all the bookings you have made, including those in the past
• if you book a stay in some of the larger cities, like Bangkok or Chiang Mai , you’ll be sent a bar code that you can use for discounts on the main attractions
• after reaching a certain number of bookings you can become a “Genius” user and have discounts on the final price of rooms

Agoda more or less works like Booking.

The number of properties available for the city of Bangkok is slightly higher on Booking: 3,500 hotels and hostels compared to “only” 2,500 on Agoda. However for other cities such as Chiang Mai for example, the number of rooms offered on Booking is quite limited (a little less than 70), while using Agoda you’ll have a lot more options.

Both apps offer daily discounts. Even though Agoda often offers deeper discounts (sometimes more than 60%), the majority of the time payment is required in advance and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be refunded if you decide to cancel your trip.

All listed prices are for the room and the final amount also includes the tourist tax for both apps, something that Agoda didn’t do before. Room prices are more or less the same with a slight difference depending on the number of days you book in advance.

Personally I’ve always found Booking works best for me. Before reserving a room, I recommend that you consider both platforms so as to be able to take advantage of special discounts offered by one app or the other.

An additional advantage that Agoda offers thanks to the app, is that you can also check the price of flights, transportation from the airport to the city center, a list of monuments, the price of tours, and even rental cars, all from your cell phone. Booking too offers the chance to rent a car.

Thanks to the cell app, you’ll never have to print the booking confirmation; you can just show the hotel reception your electronic receipt without even having to use internet data on your phone.

An alternate option to Booking and Agoda is Airbnb , an app that allows you to book accommodations that are usually cheaper than hotels. In the Thai capital, Airbnb offers more than 300 lodgings, from rooms to entire apartments. You can also decide to book what the application calls “experiences”, which are activities like cooking courses, Muay Thai lessons, or a guided bicycle tour.

I recommend this application if you want to have a more local experience, even spending a few days in a house shared with a Thai family, or sharing an apartment with expats that live here, especially if you’re thinking about a future move to Thailand .

Airbnb has a rather safe booking system. Just think that over 26 million people use this app every day. Always pay attention to the feedback left by previous travelers and give preference to accommodations that have photos with the Airbnb logo in the watermark. In fact, the American giant makes professional photographs freely available when they make inspections.

2. Maps.me: the absolute best offline map

Maps.me is an app that gives you the chance to download maps of the whole world so as to be able to use them without using cellular data.

All your searches for roads or places to visit that you make with Maps.me can be saved. This way it will also easier to calculate the route from one place to another.

Another interesting function is that when you search for hotels, you’ll be shown the reviews made by users who have booked through Booking.com. If you click on the stars that appear under the name of the hotel, you can open the specific hotel page on Booking.com and book your room.

The box with the binoculars will instead show you the nearby attractions, how to get there from your location and the reviews it has.

3. BTS SkyTrain, Bangkok MRT, Grab, AirAsia, Nok Air, 12go.asia: Getting around by public transportation

Touring Bangkok , and Thailand in general by public transportation is easy and cheap. Here you can read our guide on how to use public transportation in the Thai capital .

If you find yourself in Bangkok and want to avoid the constant traffic that paralyzes the city – especially during rush hours – the quickest option is the SkyTrain, also called the BTS.

Thanks to the official app from the city of Bangkok ( BTS SkyTrain ), you can:

• consult the map of the Silom Line, the one called Sukhumvit, the connection between Phayathai Station and Suvarnabhumi Airport, to the route that follows the two subway lines (MRT);
• to have access to current promotions;
• have all necessary information about single and daily tickets and subscriptions;
• always have information about traffic, both on the roads and the number of people taking the Sky Train;
• see the bus routes;
• consult information about the city’s major monuments, news and even online shopping.

Besides these services, the app will also let you have a view of public parking in the city and their hours of operation.

If you want to call client services, just hit the green icon labelled “BTS Call Center” and the direct number will appear on your phone.

Other than the elevated train, another form of transport that’s very handy when visiting Bangkok is the subway. The app to download is called “ Bangkok MRT ”. In recent years a second subway line was built – the purple line, which goes from the north of Bangkok (Tao Poon) all the way to Klong Bangphai – Nothanburi.

Besides the newness of the purple line, the blue line going from Bang Sue that used to go up to the Hua Lamphong train station has undergone an enlargement, now reaching as far as Lak Song passing through China Town.

On the first screen that will appear after opening the app you can put in the name of your departure and arrival stations. Once you choose the two stops, you’ll see a map with all the stops you’ll make and also the price of the trip whether you’re an adult, a student, retiree and even the price for children.

One advantage of the Bangkok MRT app is that once you choose the arrival and departure stations, you can also see:

• bus numbers and minivans and their directions, which depart from the arrival station you recently chose;
• what public parking lots are nearby and their hours;
• moto taxi stations.

With this app you can also learn about which main attractions you can find near the subway stations.

If you’ve already been to Bangkok then you’ll surely know that finding an unoccupied taxi that will bring you to your destination without negotiating the price can be very frustrating, especially if you’re in the more touristy areas of the city. Thanks to an app called Grab however, there’s the chance that you’ll be able to take a taxi just by inserting your present location (a little like Uber).

You can pay the driver both with cash (in this case the price is slightly higher), or through the app by using a credit card. The more bookings you make, the more points you accumulate, the more discounts you receive for your next ride.

The distinction of this app is that besides typical taxis, there’s the chance to also call moto taxis, minivans, luxury cars, and even SUVs.

If you want to quickly get around the interior of Thailand or Asia in general, I recommend that you download the app from the best low-cost airline: AirAsia .

Thanks to its more than 100 destinations, AirAsia lets you fly at really low cost to international destinations like China, Hawaii, Japan and many more. Once you buy a ticket there’s no need to print them because they’ll appear directly on the app.

Besides air tickets you can also book hotels and tours at really low prices; one example is an organized day tour to the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia , for just 14 Dollars.

In the same style of AirAsia, there’s also the app for Nok Air . This airline too has destinations both in Thailand, China, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Singapore, and even Myanmar.

Even though it’s a website and not an app, 12go.asia is basic resource for your trip to Thailand. Thanks to this web page you can plan all your movements within Thailand, as well as in bordering countries like Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The forms of transportation offered by 12go.asia are: air, train, bus, and ferries. Once you choose your departure and arrival points, the dates of your trip, and the number of people, all transportation options to your selected destination will appear with timetables and travel time, ticket prices, and the companies that cover that route.

You can buy tickets online with a credit card. Bus and ferry tickets for traveling in Thailand can be printed right after purchase, while train tickets can be bought at the portal 12go.asia, after which one of their members will go to the train station in Bangkok to take your tickets. Before you leave you’ll have to go by the 12go.asia office to pick up your train tickets.

4. Foodpanda and Eatigo: food to go or restaurant reservations

Even though in Thailand the problem of where and what to eat will practically never happen, thanks to the fact that local people love eating at all hours and almost everywhere. If you don’t have anything in the fridge or simply don’t have the desire to cook, Foodpanda and Eatigo will come to your rescue.

Foodpanda is an app that lets you order food not just in Bangkok but also in smaller destinations like Hua Hin, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Khon Kaen, and Korat. Once you enter your locations, all the restaurants that deliver food in the area will appear. You can use some filters like the type of cuisine that you like to eat and the price range of the restaurant.

Foodpanda’s graphics are great since many restaurants show photos of each dish on the menu, so if you don’t know its name in Thai, rather than in Japanese, you have a visible reference to depend on.

Once you make your order, besides the cost of food, you’ll also be charged the price of transportation which varies between 40 and 60 THB. At some restaurants they’ll offer you free delivery if you order a certain amount.

If you decide to also activate notifications on your cell phone, you’ll be sent updates regarding the actual time it will take to prepare and transport your delivery.

Eatigo is an app that offers its services in just three cities: Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Unlike Foodpanda, it doesn’t offer food to go services, just reservations and discounts in local restaurants.

If you live in Bangkok for example, a list of restaurants divided by zone will appear, especially in centers like Siam, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, Asoke, and even rooftops. There are also categories of food divided by the type of dishes: sushi, barbecue, wine bars, pubs, vegetarian, breakfasts.

The main advantage is that no credit card is required and you can book with discounts that are updated in real time and will be applied to your final price. If you don’t know what to choose, you can also find inspiration on the app and see which restaurants are offering discounts near your house.

5. Lazada: the Amazon of Southeast Asia

Lazada is considered a real substitute of the more famous Amazon in Thailand.

Started in 2011, Lazada began expanding as an e-commerce site in Thailand since 2014. Once you download the app on your cell phone you can access a wide variety of things from appliances to jewelry.

The app works well and deliveries are rather fast; nevertheless many objects for sale (even though you choose to see the site in English) only have the information and description written in Thai.

6. Line: always keep in touch with your Thai friends

Line could be considered the Asian messaging app equivalent to Whatsapp. Everyone, really everyone, uses Line in Thailand!

Once installed, you’ll have to provide your phone number, type in your name as it appears in all your contacts, and upload your photo. Like Whatsapp, Line also offers the chance to make calls and videocalls, send messages and create chat groups. There’s also the option to post your photos online on what is called the “timeline”, in pure Instagram style.

The surprising thing (and most loved by the Thais) is the quantity of emoticons available for all occasions. Some are downloadable for free, others require a fee. You can also decide to add your friends both through your telephone number and just by using your previously created Line ID.

7. Thai by Nemo and L-Lingo Learn Thai: learning Thai

One of the biggest challenges when traveling in Thailand is the local language. Thai is a rather difficult language both to speak and understand, especially if by messing up one of the 5 tones the word could have a totally different meaning, which will completely confuse other people.

Thai by Nemo offers five main functions:

• Dictionary: you can write a word in English and you’ll see the Thai translation written in both Latin and Thai characters;
• you can set a number of words to learn each day;
• there’s also a game where when you choose a word in English you’ll see the word written in Thai and also hear a voice pronounce it;
• the section dedicated to statistics will show you graphics marking your daily progress;
• the bigger icon is for a test, where you’ll see the word written in English and when you hit the “play” button you’ll hear how to pronounce it in Thai.

Thai by Nemo is an app designed for those who are beginners in the Thai language. The only requirement for using this app is a basic knowledge of English.

If your level of Thai is medium to high, an app that could work for you is L-Lingo Learn Thai . Within you’ll find a good 105 lessons, each dedicated to a particular subject, such as for example the days of the week, animals, the human body and also the most useful expressions when in the airport or hospital.

You can download both apps for free; L-Lingo Learn Thai however requires payment to access the lessons.

8. Wise and XE Currency: how to send money abroad

XE Currency is an app that works as a real time currency converter. Presently there are two versions: one free, where you’ll see ads, and one for a price, without ads.

Other than not having ad banners, the pay version also offers the advantage of seeing in real-time the conversion rate of 20 currencies at a time (in the free version there’s only 10).

Wise (formerly Transferwise) is mainly a way of paying peer-to-peer. This means that the commissions for sending money to Thailand (or from Thailand) will be much less than what you’d pay for a traditional bank transfer.

To keep it short, once you create your account you can send money to Thailand without having to pay exorbitant bank transfer fees.

Even though there are lots of alternatives, personally I’ve done well with Wise. The service is affordable and fast. All activities on Wise are also monitored and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England, as it’s a firm based in London.

The “secret” of Wise’s low prices is in not having the user directly perform a bank transfer abroad, but to have them send the amount through a local Wise account. If for example, you want to send a transfer from US to Thailand with Wise, you’ll make a transfer to their US account, at which point Wise will send the same amount from a Thai account for the same amount of money that you sent to their US account. This way, not only does the principal notably reduce the cost of forwarding, but the sender will receive an international transfer without incurring any expense.

Today Wise also offers the chance to have a free MasterCard debit card tied to a running online account. The main advantage of this MasterCard is that it’s a multicurrency card.

9. Bangkok Post: the latest news about Thailand

If you want to keep current on what’s happening in the Land of Smiles, you can download an app for the main English language newspaper in Bangkok: the Bangkok Post .

The interface is very simple: when you open the app you can scroll through the latest news events, which will show up on the main page. On the left side you’ll see the categories, which range from travel to sports to business.

There’s also a section dedicated to daily updates on the price of gas, gold and even exchange rates for world currencies.

10. Eventbrite and Major Cineplex Plus: enjoying yourself in Bangkok

If you’re in Bangkok and want to have a general idea of local events, Eventbrite is for you! Once you access the location, Eventbrite will show you all the events near you in the coming months. Besides describing the event, it will also indicate the price, location, and other events similar to the one selected. If you buy tickets online, after paying you can save the electronic ticket in the app without having to print it out.

Major Cineplex Plus is an essential app for fans of the cinema. As the name suggests, Major Cineplex Plus is a movie chain found everywhere in Thailand.

Thanks to the app you can choose the cinema branch you’re interested in and they’ll show you all the films that are showing, times and prices included. Selecting “buy” you can buy tickets easily from your smartphone.

Photo Credits: Photo by JÉSHOOTS on Pexels

About The Author

Stefania Battaglia

Related posts.

Teaching English in Thailand: My experience in a kindergarten

Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand (Photo Essays)

The Damnoen Saduak floating markets near Bangkok (Photo Essays)

2 thoughts on “the 21 most useful apps for traveling in thailand”.

Fatima Barsan It’s been five years since I began working as a nurse here in Canada. I enjoy using Instagram for fun and entertainment, and one day I linked with a Chinese user. The guy was amazing and informed me that he was into binary trading and that if I invested a small amount of money—say, $4,000—I would have enough money in a year to purchase a home and a medical facility. In due course, I made a choice to invest, but after six months when I tried to withdraw, I was asked for more. Throughout this time, he encouraged me to keep investing. I had already invested $100,000 USD with him on his broker platform because we were in a relationship, which gave me confidence in him. However, it was too late to realize I had been scammed after he successfully ripped me off and put me in a debt of $180,000. USD This really stunned me, and I wasn’t feeling well at all. This experience devastated me because I put so much faith in someone and this is what I received in return. After speaking with prominent IT professionals, I was referred to Richard Pryce wizard, which helped me retrieve the money I had spent with the false broker. I am incredibly appreciative of Richard Pryce’s wizard assistance. I’m glad I was able to recover the money I mistakenly invested. I’m applauding Richard Pryce Wizard for their great achievement, To reach out via email at [email protected] , and thank me later. or whatsapp:+1 (614) 963-6517

I was surprised to find that all my Line contacts can read my messages to other contacts, not cool. I think there is a way to turn this “feature” off, but not before it caused some damage.

Also, somehow my password was deleted and I cannot log on anymore, and lost contact with a number of people. Went thru the password recovery/renewal process finally told my account has no password and not possible to log on.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Get 3 Months FREE with EXPRESS VPN

+ Best VPN For China + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee + 24/7 Live China Customer Support + 3 Months Free on 12 Months Package

Bangkok Travel Apps: The Best Apps For Your Trip

Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by Natalia

Bangkok is a vibrant city with lots to offer – from floating markets to stunning temples to its lively nightlife. There are some great apps in Bangkok to help make your stay easier, whether you’re staying long term or just for just a few days. Our list of the best apps for travelling Thailand covers many of the travel apps you will need for a great stay in Bangkok, but there are a few extra ones specific to the city that we’ve covered below. In this blog post we cover 6 of the best apps for Bangkok, Thailand, from taxis to tuk tuks to food delivery!

Need more help planning your trip to Bangkok? Check out our four day Bangkok itinerary to find out the best places to visit in and around the city!

Table of Contents

Best Apps For Bangkok

Muvmi is one of the best transport apps in Bangkok, as it provides an eco-friendly tuk tuk taxi service. Rides are cheap and all of the Muvmi tuk tuks are completely electric, meaning you can reduce your carbon footprint without having to do loads of walking!

Ride sharing is at the heart of what Muvmi does, combining trips for other passengers going in the same direction – so there may already be someone in the tuk tuk when it picks you up, or you may stop to pick up more passengers. There is the option to rent the whole tuk tuk for yourself, but this does cost more – and in our experience it doesn’t add much time at all to share rides.

Muvmi is only available in certain neighbourhoods, but it covers most of central Bangkok. The neighbourhoods are clearly marked on the app, and it’s only possible to take a journey within one neighbourhood – so if you’re travelling between neighbourhoods you are better off using Grab or Bolt for a taxi.

There are specific pick up and drop off points, but there are lots of these about so there should be one both nearby where you need to be picked up and dropped off. Before you can book a tuk tuk you do need to deposit money on the app, which can easily be done by debit card. Thankfully you can check the price of your journey before hand, so you know exactly how much you need to top up.

Riding a tuk tuk is something everyone should do when visiting Bangkok, so why not do so in an eco-friendly way with Muvmi. It’s also an extremely convenient option when the city is uncomfortably hot and humid (which is fairly common), as it saves you walking and getting sweaty!

Click here to visit the Muvmi website to download the app!

Viabus is one of the best travel apps for Bangkok, especially if you plan to use public transport regularly. It offers real time updates on the city’s buses and can help you find the best bus routes between different parts of the city.

Both the BTS Skytrain and MRT are great for getting around Bangkok, but there are some spots around the city that aren’t near a BTS or MRT station. In these instances the best option is to normally take a bus or a taxi, with the bus almost always being the cheaper choice.

Google Maps can also help plan bus routes around the city, but the live tracking on Viabus is a useful tool that makes the app worth downloading. Buses are a cheap and easy way to get around, so make sure to download Viabus for your visit to Bangkok.

Click here to download the app by visiting the Viabus website!

Grab is one of the best taxi apps in Thailand and Bangkok, and is an efficient and relatively cheap way to get around the city. It’s a reliable way to get around, providing a range of taxi options including standard taxis, motorbike taxis, premium cars, SUVs, vans, and more.

An advantage of taking a Grab is that you won’t need to have cash on you as you pay by card through the app. Having the right change can be an issue in Thailand, as if you only have large notes like 1,000 Baht then drivers may not have the necessary change. As Grab takes payment by card, this isn’t an issue you will encounter when using the app.

Another advantage of using Grab is that it’s one of the cheapest transport apps in Thailand as you know the price before confirming your trip – so you can only book if you think it’s a good price. This saves the risk of being ripped off or scammed, which is known to happen to unsuspecting tourists in Bangkok.

As well as being one of the best taxi apps in Bangkok and Thailand, Grab also offers a food delivery service. There are a range of great restaurants to order from if you feel like getting a takeaway, as well as several other services and features within the app.

Click here to get the Grab app via the official Grab website!

Foodpanda is an exceptional food delivery app that has made ordering food in Bangkok a breeze. Whether you’re looking for Thai cuisine or international dishes, Foodpanda has a wide range of options to choose from.

It’s a particularly useful app to have if you’re spending more than a few days in Bangkok, as some nights you may prefer to order a takeaway. If you’re only in Bangkok for a few nights then it’s probably best to avoid ordering in and head out to some night markets, such as the brilliant Jodd Fairs Night Market.

Foodpanda offer regular discounts and live-order tracking, as well as delivery directly to your hotel or condo. If you’re staying in Thailand or Bangkok for a while then you may want to sign up for pandapro, which for a small monthly fee gives you exclusive offers such as free delivery and discounts of up to 60%.

Click here to download Foodpanda

Eatigo is one of the best Bangkok apps for finding great deals on dining out. With discounts of up to 50% at restaurants across Bangkok, Eatigo is a great way to save some cash when eating out.

The app has a selection of different cuisines available including Thai, Japanese, Western, Italian, and more. There are also a number of buffet options available at hotels and restaurants across Bangkok.

Eatigo is particularly useful if you’re looking for a slightly higher end dining option, as the discounts can be fairly substantial. If you’re travelling on a tight budget it might not be the app for you, as generally you can find cheaper meals at night markets, smaller restaurants, and from street food vendors.

Booking in advance is essential through Eatigo, and the discount you get varies depending on the time of your visit.

Click here to download Eatigo

Yindii is another of the best eco-friendly apps for Bangkok, offering discounted food and meals in order to prevent food waste. Depending on the restaurant or vendor, it’s possible to save up to 80% on the food you receive – although it’s more common to save around 40% to 50%.

When you go on to the Yindii app you will be shown a list of the latest deals, and how much they cost. If you’re near to the store then you can select to pick up your food in person, or alternatively delivery can also be arranged via the app.

The one slight downside of using Yindii is that you can’t choose a specific dish to order, as it all depends on what the store or restaurant has left over or excess of. Some stores do cater to specifically dietary requirements though, so it is possible to find vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, amongst others.

You will normally receive a few different items within your order, so it’s a good way to sort a meal or two without having to think too hard. Yindii may not be the best suited to fussy eaters, but if you’re not too picky then it’s a great way to get a discounted meal.

Click here to download Yindii

If you’re looking at what to do in Bangkok, click here to book tours and activities!

Looking for more information for where to go in Thailand? Check out the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

Like this guide to the best travel apps for Bangkok? Pin it!

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Ipad & iphone.

TAT Calendar

เช็คอิน เช็คอารมณ์

Sukjai Station

Thailand Shopping Paradise

ภารกิจเที่ยว

Amazing Thai Uniqueness

My Muay Thai

Green Tourism

Thailand Tourism App

Apple App Store & Google Play Thailand.org

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.