9 Useful Apps to Download for Thailand

One of the smartest things you can do before boarding your flight is download a few key apps that will make your travels smoother, cheaper, and way less stressful.

From getting around Bangkok’s busy streets to booking hotels, ferries, and activities on the go, the right apps can save you both time and money.

Thailand is a country where local know-how really helps, and these tools put that insider edge right on your phone.

I’m genuinely thankful to be traveling at a time when technology makes exploring so much easier. Don’t get me wrong, there was probably something magical about traveling without it years ago, but mobile apps have taken the stress out of many travel aspects!

One quick note: I didn’t include Google Maps in this list because it feels like a given. If you’re not already using it, you should definitely use it. Bonus tip: if you have a Gmail account, you can “pin” restaurants, attractions, and spots directly in Maps.

Whether it’s ordering a Grab to escape the heat, booking a last-minute hotel on Agoda, or using Google Translate to chat with locals, these are the best apps to download for Thailand.

Think of them as a digital travel kit for your Thailand itinerary, helping you manage transportation, food, language, and finances with ease.

Grab – Best App for Getting Around Thailand

When it comes to transportation in Thailand, Grab is the app you’ll use the most. Think of it as Southeast Asia’s version of Uber; you can book cars, motorbikes, or even food delivery all within the app.

The biggest perk of Grab is that it saves you from having to negotiate prices with taxi drivers, which can sometimes be hit-or-miss in busy tourist spots.

Everything is cashless, tracked, and upfront, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you hop in. Just double-check that the license plate matches the one shown in the app before boarding the car or motorcycle.

While there are a few other competitors, Grab still has the most significant driving fleet in Thailand.

This means faster pick-up times and better coverage, especially in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where traffic can be overwhelming and public transit doesn’t always reach every area.

Bolt – The Top Alternative to Grab

Bolt is another popular ride-hailing app in Thailand, offering a generally cheaper alternative to Grab.

Some travelers have noticed fares on Bolt can be 10–20% lower, though not always; sometimes the price is about the same, and on rare occasions, Grab can even come out slightly cheaper.

Still, overall, Bolt tends to be the more budget-friendly option if you’re hopping around the city often.

That said, Bolt doesn’t have the same size fleet as Grab, so wait times can be longer, and availability in smaller towns or late at night isn’t always guaranteed.

If you’re in a major city like Bangkok or Pattaya, you’ll usually find drivers quickly available. However, in places like the islands or rural areas, Grab is still more reliable.

Personally, I often find myself checking both Bolt and Grab if I have a little extra time, sometimes one app offers a noticeably lower price than the other, so it’s worth comparing before booking.

12GO – Booking Buses, Trains & Ferries

12Go is the go-to app for booking long-distance transportation in Thailand, whether you need buses, trains, or ferries.

Many travelers notice that it’s convenient for island hopping or cross-country trips, covering popular routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket to Koh Samui.

Honestly, I’ve used 12Go countless times in Southeast Asia; it’s one of those essential apps not just for Thailand, but Southeast Asia in general.

That said, 12Go isn’t always the cheapest way to book. Sometimes you’ll pay a small service fee compared to buying tickets directly at the station, but the trade-off is peace of mind, especially during busy seasons when things sell out fast.

For ferries and overnight trains, I’ve found it’s usually worth reserving ahead of time rather than risking a last-minute scramble.

The app also keeps all your tickets in one spot, saving you from fumbling with paper copies or receipts. While they do list flights as well, I strongly recommend using Skyscanner for that instead, since you’ll usually find better deals.

Overall, 12Go is quick, reliable, and makes planning getting around Thailand much easier.

GetYourGuide – Tours & Activities Made Easy

GetYourGuide is one of the most reliable apps for booking tours, day trips, and activities in Thailand.

Whether you’re looking to explore Bangkok’s floating markets, join a cooking class in Chiang Mai, or hop on a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, the app makes it simple to browse and book experiences ahead of time.

Yes, you can absolutely book tours with the many local tour booths in the places you’re visiting. The main difference is that booking on the spot rarely comes with reviews, whereas GetYourGuide and similar platforms let you read feedback from other travelers before you commit.

In fact, GetYourGuide works with plenty of the same local companies, so it’s not unusual that the tour you see at a street booth is also listed on the app, but you wouldn’t know it.

One of the most significant advantages is the transparency, reviews, photos, and transparent pricing help you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

I’ve personally used it when I wanted something structured without the hassle of organizing all the details myself, and it’s always been straightforward.

While some tours can be found cheaper if you book directly in person, GetYourGuide is hard to beat for convenience, reliability, and avoiding last-minute stress. Plus, you can cancel many activities for free if your plans change, which gives peace of mind while traveling.

Agoda – Hotels & Accommodation Booking

Agoda is one of the most popular hotel booking platforms in Thailand, and for good reason. It consistently offers some of the lowest prices on hotels, hostels, and guesthouses across Thailand.

Whether you’re booking a last-minute room in Bangkok or planning a beach stay in Phuket weeks ahead, Agoda usually has deals that beat other booking sites.

If you’re not familiar with it, Agoda is actually owned by Booking.com, so it’s not some random new hotel website. It’s just a bit lesser known outside of Asia, but they often have the cheapest rates and an incredible range of accommodations to choose from.

One of the biggest perks is the variety, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels; Agoda caters to every type of traveler.

Many listings also let you filter for “free cancellation,” which is perfect if your plans aren’t set in stone. The app makes it easy to manage reservations, and check-in is usually as simple as showing your digital voucher.

Compared to walking into a hotel and asking for a room, Agoda almost always comes out cheaper and gives you the benefit of reading reviews before you commit. It’s also handy outside Thailand, making it a solid travel app to keep in the long term.

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AirAlo – eSIMs for Staying Connected

If you’re traveling to Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia), staying connected is a must for maps, ride-hailing apps, and quick translations.

AirAlo makes it easy by offering affordable eSIMs you can install right on your phone, so you don’t need to hunt down a physical SIM card at the airport.

You can purchase data packages before you land, activate them instantly, and start using the internet as soon as your plane touches down.

Plans are usually much cheaper than roaming with your home carrier, and you can top up directly through the app if you run low.

I’ve used AirAlo myself in Thailand and in other countries, and it’s been seamless. That said, when I stay longer in Thailand, I often pick up a local AIS SIM card at the airport instead; you can do the same, as it’s just slightly less inconvenient if you’re visiting for a short time.

Bangkok City Metro – Navigating BTS & MRT Transit

The Bangkok City Metro app makes navigating the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway system much easier.

With live maps, station info, and route planning, it helps you figure out the fastest way to get around the city without getting stuck in Bangkok’s infamous traffic.

The trains themselves are clean, reliable, and air-conditioned, connecting major destinations such as Siam, Sukhumvit, and Chatuchak Market.

Fares are cheap, and you can buy single-journey tickets or use a stored-value card if you’re riding often. The signs are in English, making them beginner-friendly.

For a comprehensive breakdown of using the metro, along with other transportation options, refer to my detailed guide on how to get around Bangkok.

XE Currency – Real-Time Currency Converter

XE Currency is one of the most widely used currency apps globally, and it is particularly convenient in Thailand for quick currency conversions.

It works offline once you’ve updated the rates, which is useful when you don’t always have strong data coverage.

That said, I also recommend Wise, which doubles as an international debit card. You can convert currencies in the app at real exchange rates, then withdraw Thai baht from almost any ATM. I personally use Wise as my primary banking method when traveling.

For everyday conversions, I usually default to XE, but I’ve also paid for an app called Elk. It’s faster for quick, daily price checks when slow traveling, though unlike XE, it isn’t free.

Google Translate – Language Help on the Go

Google Translate is a lifesaver when traveling through Thailand, especially outside major tourist hubs where English isn’t as widely spoken.

The app supports Thai both in text and voice, making it easy to order food, ask for directions, or read signs.

The camera translation feature is handy for menus and street signs. Point your phone, and you’ll see the translation instantly. Offline mode is also available, so you can download Thai before your trip and use it even without an internet connection.

While you’ll often find English in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, having Google Translate handy makes interactions smoother and helps you connect with locals without the stress of a language barrier. Be sure to use my Chiang Mai 4-day itinerary if you’re visiting!

Final Thoughts on the Best Apps to Download for Thailand

Traveling through Thailand is so much smoother when you’ve got the right apps on your phone.

Whether it’s grabbing a quick ride with Grab or Bolt, booking hotels with Agoda, organizing tours on GetYourGuide, or staying connected with AirAlo, these tools take the stress out of planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

I’ve personally used all of these during my travels, and they’ve saved me both time and money on numerous occasions.

While you don’t need to download every single one, having a few of them ready before you land makes all the difference. With these apps, you’ll be able to explore confidently, connect easily, and get the most out of your Thailand adventure.

Lastly, if you’re flying AirAsia for domestic or regional travel, consider downloading their app as well; it’s handy for checking flight updates and storing your boarding pass right on your phone.