Explore Thailand with Grab

The best experiences in Thailand aren’t always in the guidebooks. And often, they’re not on the tourist tour routes, either. Unlock the real Thailand with Grab, which puts the whole country within easy reach. Discover the locals’ favourite food stalls, quiet viewpoints with breath-taking views, and secluded beaches that only the locals know about – all just a Grab ride away. Fare prices are always fixed and given upfront, so you’ll know exactly how much your journey from A to B will cost, meaning you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Grab also allows cashless payments so you don’t need to worry about having the right amount of baht. For added peace of mind, download the Grab app before your trip and set up your cards so you’re ready to go as soon as you touch down in Thailand.

And of course, one of the best things about Thailand is the food. Skip the tourist trail and use Grab to find the restaurants most loved by locals. You can have food delivered straight to your hotel with GrabFood, or you can use Grab’s Dine Out Deals, which allow you to order in advance and dine in – perfect after a long day of exploring. You can also purchase a Grab Travel Pass, giving vouchers for rides, meals and more. That means all you need to do is research your itinerary to ensure you enjoy Thailand like a local.

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Far from the bustling beaches Thailand is famous for lies Chiang Mai, nestled in the country’s mountainous north. It was first established in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, a civilisation distinct from central Thailand. That legacy means that to this day, the city has its own cuisine and architecture, different to the rest of the country. Chiang Mai’s Old City is an ancient walled city of just one square mile and surrounded by a moat, offering a very walkable taste of Chiang Mai. You’ll find over 30 temples within the city walls, as well as cafes, boutiques and markets that come alive after dark.

Discover Chiang Mai's artistic heritage

It’s also known as Thailand’s cultural capital, with over 300 temples, a thriving arts and crafts scene, and unique festivals like the famous Yi Peng lantern festival. The influence of the ancient Lanna Kingdom is still visible everywhere in Chiang Mai, most notably in the distinctive tiered rooftops of its many temples. Traditional Lanna craftsmanship is still popular with local artisans, including intricate silverwork and wood carvings, while the modern art scene has also flourished. Visit Baan Kang Wat to see local artisans at work, the world-renowned MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, or the independent gallery and workshop Maispace.

Immerse yourself in nature

Surrounded by mountains, life is lived at a slower pace in Chiang Mai. Take a stroll around Huay Tung Tao Lake, walk the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep temples, or marvel at the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls. You can even hike up Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, just 55 miles from Chiang Mai. While they’re slightly out of town, it couldn’t be easier to get to these scenic attractions with Grab, always with fixed upfront fares.

Indulge in local favourites

Chiang Mai is also famous as a foodie’s paradise, with an emphasis on northern Thai cuisine featuring mild spices and fragrant herbs, distinct from the spicier dishes of southern Thailand. The city’s signature dish is khao soi, a rich coconut noodle soup that can be found on almost every corner. Also try a fresh papaya salad at local favourite Som Tam Udon – Soi Thantawan, or Thai sukiyaki at White Elephant. To find more hidden gems, check out the spots loved by locals on the GrabFood app, with menus handily auto-translated into your language.

Why you should visit Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, famous for its buzzing nightlife and beautiful beaches. And while the party scene is undeniably electric, there’s much more to explore for visitors looking beyond the typical tourist track.

Phuket City offers a more laid-back, local feel than the island’s busy beaches. The old town has beautiful 19th-century architecture that blends both eastern and western influences. Known as the Sino-Portuguese style, you’ll see pastel-coloured buildings with intricate facades, wooden latticework and wrought-iron balconies, and Chinese motifs all blending together to create a unique aesthetic quite unlike anywhere else on the island. Spend time exploring the streets, best enjoyed early in the morning before the city comes to life.

Discover street art and busy markets

When wandering the old town, you’ll also see that it’s home to a thriving street art scene. A much-loved local favourite is the mural of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Dibuk Road, which was painted by a collective of 30 students and teachers. Also look out for the giant geometric eagle on Soi Romanee and the uncle and auntie on Phang Nga Road.

The city is also home to multiple markets, where locals visit to buy produce, street food, clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs. The Sunday Walking Street market is one of the most popular, taking place every Sunday evening from 4pm. There’s also the Naka Weekend Market, the largest night market. It takes place just outside Phuket City near the Naka Temple, and sells everything from antiques to freshly made snacks. Chillva Market is another newer market, popular with students and trendy locals. As well as the usual food, fashion and handicraft stalls, there’s also live music most nights.

Explore incredible scenery

One of the best things about Phuket City is that it’s surrounded by nature, from rainforests to the pristine beaches. For incredible panoramic views, take a Grab up the steep road to the Radar Hill viewpoint, or head to the beaches and see why Phuket earned its reputation in the first place. The main tourist beaches are Patong, Karon and Kata, but for a quieter, more local experience, head to the undeveloped Ya Nui Beach, quiet Nai Yang Beach near the airport, or Ao Sane Beach with its rocky coves. These are all outside of the city but are easy to reach with Grab. Download the Grab app ahead of your trip and purchase a Grab Travel Pass to get discounts on your rides, meals and more.

Eat like a local

Phuket was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, and it retains its foodie title to this day. The cuisine here is distinct from elsewhere in Thailand, blending southern Thai, Chinese and Malay flavours. This results in bold, fiery dishes that are spicier than food in the north of the country. Khao tom haeng is a Phuket speciality. This dry rice porridge is made with pork offal and served with soup on the side – try it at local favourite Ko Benz Khao Tom Haeng. Sour fish curry is another popular Phuket dish, best sampled at BAAN. Other dishes to look out for include moo hong (a sweet-savoury pork belly broth), o-tao (a type of oyster omelette) and o-aew (a refreshing jelly and red bean dessert). Download GrabFood to check out the best restaurants, and order to pick up or to be delivered straight to you.

Experience Thailand like a local with Grab

Like any new country, Thailand can feel overwhelming when you first arrive. But with Grab, you can feel like a local from the moment you first land. Grab’s Advance Booking allows you to schedule Grab rides anywhere from 75 minutes to 90 days ahead of time, so you can rest assured you have a ride waiting for you at the airport. And there’s no need to worry about language barriers: Grab’s chats are auto-translated, meaning both you and your driver can communicate seamlessly in your own language.

And when it comes to exploring the country safely, Grab has you covered. All Grab drivers are officially verified, and your driver’s photo, name, car model and license plate are all displayed in your app so you can always be sure you’re on the correct ride. Plus the Share My Ride feature allows you to share your ride details with your loved ones with a real-time tracking link to let a friend or family member back home know you’re safe and sound. You’re in good hands with Grab.