Planning your Thailand adventure? From Bangkok’s tuk-tuk chaos to the serene beaches of Koh Lanta, your smartphone can be your best travel companion. These 12 must-have apps will make your journey smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable — whether you’re booking transport, chatting with locals, or finding the best Pad Thai in town.
1. Grab
Thailand doesn’t have Uber, so Grab is the go-to ride-hailing app. You can order cars, motorbike taxis, and even food deliveries. It’s safe, affordable, and widely used from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. A true essential for quick, fair-priced rides.
2. 12Go Asia
Traveling between cities? 12Go lets you book trains, ferries, buses, and flights across Thailand with e-tickets and instant confirmation. Ideal for trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket to Koh Phi Phi—no more long ticket queues.
3. Klook
For booking tours, activities, and tickets, Klook beats most Western platforms with local prices and last-minute availability. From cooking classes to island-hopping, it’s a one-stop shop for your travel experiences.
4. LINE
While WhatsApp is popular globally, LINE is Thailand’s favorite messaging app. Locals use it for chatting, payments, and even deliveries. Download it to communicate easily with hosts, guides, or new Thai friends.
5. Airalo
Skip the hassle of buying a local SIM card. With Airalo, you can instantly install an eSIM and get connected across Thailand with affordable data plans. Great for travelers who want to stay online from the moment they land.
6. Google Maps
A necessity in any country, Google Maps helps you navigate Bangkok’s tricky streets, track transport routes, and find nearby restaurants or attractions. Download offline maps to stay guided even without data.
7. Revolut (or Wise)
Both Revolut and Wise are fantastic for travel-friendly money transfers and low-fee card payments. You can pay in Thai Baht without extra conversion costs and track expenses directly from the app.
8. Teenee
An insider gem, Teenee is an interactive map created by locals and expats. It offers recommendations for hidden cafes, authentic restaurants, and offbeat attractions that rarely appear in mainstream guides.
9. TrueMoney Wallet
Thailand’s digital wallet TrueMoney makes paying for street food, rides, or convenience store snacks effortless. It’s accepted in many small shops and ideal for travelers who prefer cashless payments.
10. Booking.com
For accommodations, Booking.com remains unbeatable. From luxury resorts to guesthouses, it covers all budgets and lets you filter by cancellation policy, location, and traveler ratings.
11. TripTranslator (Google Translate)
Menus and street signs can be tricky to read—so keep Google Translate handy. Its photo translation feature is accurate enough for everyday use, helping you communicate and order food without confusion.
12. ViaBus
To explore Thailand affordably, ViaBus tracks local bus routes in real time. Perfect for budget travelers looking to navigate cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai without relying on taxis.
Travel Tip
Create a folder on your phone titled “Thailand Travel Apps.” Keep all these apps together to access transport, communication, and activities instantly wherever you go.