thailand travel tips 2023

Thailand Travel Tips – Expert Advice from 8 Trips (2024)

• Last Updated: January 16, 2024

A detailed explanation of the best Thailand travel tips and advice for all travellers.

Thailand is a beautifully diverse and culturally enriching travel destination in Southeast Asia. 

This small country has towering mountains, bustling cities, picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, dense jungles, and a whole lot more. 

The people are friendly, the food is mouthwatering, and the activities are endless. 

You can spend your days hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, practicing yoga or island hopping. You can spend your nights eating street food, watching a ladyboy cabaret or attending a Muay Thai boxing match. 

See the famous Grand Palace or Wat Pho in Bangkok or explore the temples of Chiang Mai. Attend cooking classes, learn to scuba dive in Koh Tao , or attend the Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan.

There is truly so much to see and do in Thailand , so you want to make sure you enter the country prepared for anything. 

In preparation for your trip, you may want to brush up on some general travel tips for Thailand so you can feel confident in your knowledge of the country and its customs. 

Thai culture is very centered around respect, so it is important to always be respectful of Thai people and their way of life. 

Table of Contents

Check Visa Requirements

Pack for hot, humid weather, prepare to pay with cash, verify companies’ legitimacy before booking, remove your shoes, avoid touching other people’s heads, dress respectfully, ask before photographing people, respect the king, learn to love the ladyboys, bargain with dignity, consider the economy of the country, stay in hostels, eat like the locals, avoid drinking too much, find the cheapest form of transportation, fly budget airlines, purchase travel insurance, consult your doctor, don’t drink the tap water, use sun protection, avoid petty theft, take caution on public transport, stick with a group, be safe on the road, do not flaunt your feet, do not ride elephants, do not disrespect the buddha, do not touch the buddhist monks, do not stand taller than a monk, do not make a scene in public, do not abandon your passport, do not overstay your visa, my expert list of the best thailand travel tips.

With this article on Thailand travel tips, you can read about some of the recommended things to know before travelling around this beautiful country in Southeast Asia. 

In addition to general travel tips for Thailand, you can read about cultural tips, budgeting tips, safety tips, health tips, and a few recommendations about what not to do in Thailand. 

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Thailand with our comprehensive Thailand travel guide .

General Thailand Travel Tips

Without further ado, let me share my ultimate list of things to know before you travel to Thailand. Whether you’re visiting Bangkokg, Chiang Mai, islands in the Gulf of Thailand, national parks, or anywhere in between, these travel tips apply to anywhere when you visit Thailand.

Check if you need a visa before travelling to Thailand.

The visa requirements are different for many countries; some nationalities do not need visas for a stay of less than 30 days, some nationalities can obtain their visas when they arrive at the airport, and some nationalities must obtain a visa in advance.

Always check the visa requirements for your country to make sure you are allowed to enter Thailand!

The weather in Thailand is hot and humid. That’s just a fact when considering Thailand travel tips.

Unless you are in higher altitudes where the temperature drops a bit, pack plenty of lightweight, breathable warm weather clothes . 

Even if you’re in northern, mountainous destinations like Chiang Mai, still prepare for heat and humidity.

If you’re wondering the best time to visit Thailand for weather, you’ll encounter this hot weather year-round. July, August, and September have the most rain, but they are the best time to visit Thailand on a budget!

Paying with cash is much more convenient than paying with a card around Thailand.

Street markets, local restaurants, and many tourist attractions usually only accept cash as payment, but luckily ATMs are frequent in touristy areas.

Make sure you alert your bank that you’ll be travelling so they don’t assume your transactions around Thailand are a fraud. 

Before booking any hostels, guesthouses, volunteer programs, or tours, read customer reviews to make sure it is legitimate.

The rise in tourism in Thailand has unfortunately led to a rise in scams and illegitimate businesses that try to get money out of tourists.

Just confirm before you book anything that the business is reputable.  We recommend using Klook for Thailand.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Cultural Tips for Thailand

Here are some other travel tips for Thailand that relate specifically to the beautiful Thai culture.

Feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Thai culture.

You’ll have to remove your shoes whenever you enter temples, people’s homes, spas, and other establishments, so wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. 

The head is considered the holiest part of the body, so you should never touch someone’s head.

It seems unlikely that you would touch someone’s head anyway, but just be aware that it is seen as disrespectful so try to avoid that. 

When entering temples, you have to abide by the dress code.

In addition to removing your shoes, you have to wear clothes that cover your knees, shoulders, chest and stomach. 

There is no strict dress code for everyday life, but Thais do tend to dress modestly.

Respect their way of life by covering up a bit more.

You are perfectly fine wearing shorts and T-shirts when it is hot out, just try to hide areas like cleavage and the midriff so you seem a bit more aware of Thai modesty.

Before taking a photo of someone, ask for their permission.

If you see a local wearing a traditional garment or a monk praying in a temple, this can be a beautiful image to capture.

Thais are usually very friendly, so if you ask for a photo they will most likely oblige. 

If you need more help with this, check out our guide to travel photography tips for beginners .

Thais love their king. You’ll find posters, monuments, emblems, and other displays of affection with the king’s face plastered on them.

All that this means for travellers is to respect monarchy and never say anything negative or offensive about the king. 

Be prepared to see lots of ladyboys…or not see them.

Ladyboys are Thai men who dress up as women, and sometimes they do it so well that you would never even notice the difference.

You can attend a cabaret show to see the ladyboys performing their hearts out, or you can just wander through the streets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai and try to spot them in the crowds. 

Bargaining for goods at street markets is a huge part of travelling to Thailand.

Definitely give it a try, but always be respectful and don’t bargain too low.

See what the original price is, and slowly try and lower the cost.

Generally speaking, half of the original price is as low as you should go. Anything lower than that may offend the vendor.

If you are buying something handmade or truly unique and special, just pay the full price as your money will benefit the local artist and community.

READ MORE: Know what to bring with you with our Thailand packing list.

Budget Travel Tips for Thailand 

I get it, you’re trying to save money when you travel. We all are. Luckily Southeast Asia is the perfect place to travel on a budget.

So here are some budget-specific travel tips for your Thailand itinerary.

Keep in mind, the local Thailand currency is the Thai Baht.

Generally speaking, northern Thailand is cheaper than the south.

Besides popular cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, there aren’t many tourist destinations in the north of Thailand so the prices haven’t been hiked up.

If you are really trying to stretch your money to last a long time, consider spending more time exploring northern Thailand than the south. 

Check out our lists of the best things to do in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai !

Staying in hostels will be cheaper than staying in hotels.

This Thailand travel tip can actually apply to any country, but you’ll find hostels in Thailand to cost as little as 6 USD per night.

On average, hostels cost between 10 and 15 USD per night.

Thailand is such an affordable destination that even nice hotels can be cheap, but you’ll save the most money by staying in hostels. 

Eat local street food whenever possible! Thailand has some amazing food, and the locals know how to cook it the best.

Pad thai, spring rolls, curries, mango and sticky rice, all these essential Thai food dishes you can find in the street.

Definitely treat yourself to a few nice Thai restaurants, but you’ll find that the street food tastes the same, if not better than the expensive stuff.

Do trust your judgment though. If you have a sensitive stomach, maybe skip the meat and seafood and eat safer street food, like noodles and fruits. 

Drink responsibly to save money. Partying and buying lots of drinks in bars or clubs always adds up quicker than we’d like to think.

If you’re on a tight budget, limit your drinking to a few beers a week and you’ll save a lot.

Also be on the lookout for happy hours so you can get discounted drinks, or consider buying some drinks from the liquor store for cheaper prices. 

Consider just cutting down on drinking in general if you want to save the most money; you’ll also have a clearer head and fewer hangovers so you can enjoy exploring even more.

Compare different forms of transportation to find the cheapest option.

Thailand has an extensive network of travel options.

For travelling short distances you can take a tuk-tuk, rent a motorbike, or hop into a songtaew (red pickup trucks that serve as shared taxis).

For travelling long distances, you can take buses, minivans, trains, or planes.

One transport option isn’t always cheaper than the others, so ask around, do some research, and try to find the cheapest option before you travel. 

I recommend you start off by using 12Go.asia as a guide. You’ll often find the best price here, but do your research.

If you plan on flying around the country, choose budget airlines like Nok Air, Lion Air, Air Asia, Vietjet, Orient Thai, or Thai Smile.

Any of these reputable airlines can get you across the country quickly and cheaply.

They fly into popular cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and more.

Because budget airlines are so cheap, they often charge extra for other things like food, drinks, and bags.

To save the most money, pack your own food and water, and keep your bags to carry-on size. 

Health Tips for Thailand Travel

It’s important to stay healthy when you travel, and a trip to Thailand is no exception.

Always have travel insurance for your travel itineraries.

You never know what will happen abroad, especially if you are taking part in more extreme activities like riding motorbikes, hiking mountains in national parks, cliff-jumping, and doing water sports.

Even if you don’t plan on doing crazy sports, you still want to be covered in case you get sick. 

READ MORE: Check out this post if you need more reasons to purchase travel insurance.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

Visit your doctor at home before you visit Thailand. Ask them if they recommend taking any medications or if you need any vaccinations before you go. 

The tap water is not safe for drinking in Thailand.

Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill at drinking water stations, or bring your own filter so you can always have clean water.

You can buy bottled water during your trip to Thailand, but try to reduce your plastic waste whenever possible!

Always wear sunscreen. Whether you are on the beach, in the city or in the mountains and national parks, whether it is sunny or cloudy, just wear sunscreen to be safe.

The sun is so strong in Thailand, so you are always at risk of burning, no matter what skin type you have.

You may want to bring your own sunscreen from home, as the prices are quite expensive in Thailand. 

Also, wear sunglasses and a hat whenever possible.

READ MORE: Plan your trip with our 1,2 and 3 week Thailand itineraries .

Safety Tips for Travelling in Thailand

Thailand is overall a very safe country for tourists.

Just use common sense and street smarts and you shouldn’t have any problems. 

The biggest crime for tourists to encounter in Thailand is just petty theft. Most of it will occur in touristy cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

To keep your belongings safe, lock your stuff in a safe or locker at your accommodation and try not to bring too many valuables out with you while exploring.

Only take as much money as you think you’ll need, and avoid wearing flashy jewellery or expensive watches as it makes you a target for pickpockets.

Carry your belongings in a secure bag that you can always have a hand or an eye on, especially when walking through large crowds. 

Also, try to keep your baggage safe when travelling on local buses.

Especially on overnight buses or when your bags are thrown up onto the roof of the bus, lock everything up and keep your most important items on your person in a smaller handbag. 

Try to avoid walking around alone at night. This is common knowledge, but it is so true.

Stick with a group and don’t stray too far from the touristy areas unless you are very familiar with the area.

If you’re travelling alone, you’ll be fine to sightsee during the day or check out touristy areas at night on your own.

But if you plan on straying off the beaten path, try to find a travel buddy in your hostel to accompany you, especially at night. 

Drivers in Thailand can be insane to say the least.

Sometimes road traffic doesn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason, and some locals drive super fast.

You’ll see about 10 people on motorbikes in one lane, all packed close together and whipping around corners.

It is a bit scary, so always pick reputable bus companies so you know you are safe on the road. 

If you plan on driving in Thailand, either in a rental car or on a motorbike, be very careful at all times!

Like I said, local drivers can be crazy so always be aware of them and make sure you drive carefully.

On a motorbike, always wear your helmet. 

What NOT to Do in Thailand

Now for some tips for how to act, or more importantly how NOT to act, in Thailand.

These are some of the most important things to know before you go travelling in Thailand.

Do not use your feet for anything except for walking.

As mentioned earlier, the feet are the dirtiest part of the body and doing anything out of the ordinary with your feet is considered disrespectful.

That means no putting your feet up on seats, no pointing at things with your feet, and no pushing or moving things with your feet.

Keep them pointed away from people, or under your body and out of sight. 

There are lots of companies that exploit animals for tourism, which is a sad and horrible reality.

Elephants’ spines are made to carry lots of weight underneath them, not above them.

That means riding elephants puts lots of stress on their bodies and can be extremely harmful.

Some elephant sanctuaries rescue elephants and keep them in a safe environment.

Here, you can visit with the elephants, photograph them, and observe them without harming them.

So if you are eager to see Asian elephants in their natural habitat, always do your research to ensure you are choosing an ethical tour company, and never book a tour that allows you to ride the elephants. 

Let me say it again. DO NOT RIDE ELEPHANTS!!!!!!!!!!

Check out our complete guide to sustainable tourism .

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand, so the Buddha is highly revered by locals.

When visiting temples and statues of the Buddha, avoid taking any inappropriate or goofy photos and avoid touching the Buddha.

You are also not supposed to point your feet directly at the Buddha since the feet are considered dirty.

That is why you’ll see locals kneeling with their feet pointed behind them when praying to the Buddha. 

Especially if you are a woman, avoid touching the monks in any way.

That means no hand-shakes or hugs, and sometimes you can’t even hand them anything; you’ll have to put it on the ground first for them to pick up.

Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch women, so, therefore, women should not touch them either.

Do not put yourself in a physically higher position than a monk.

If a monk is sitting down, you should not stand next to him, but lower yourself down to his level.

The monks are some of the most highly respected people in Thailand, so they take their traditions very seriously.

In Thailand and lots of other Asian cultures, modesty and respect are very important.

Try not to attract attention to yourself in any way.

That means no screaming, yelling, arguing or fighting, and no excessive public displays of affection.

Just carry yourself in a poised and humble manner and you will blend in with the locals more. 

Do not leave your passport with any tour companies, medical centres, or scooter rental companies.

Some businesses can be sketchy, and leaving them with your most valuable travel item allows them to scam you.

Always carry a paper copy of your passport and give that to them instead.

Do not stay in Thailand longer than your visa allows.

Thais are pretty strict with their immigration rules in terms of overstaying visas.

Usually, in your passport they will write the ending date for your visa, so make sure you leave before then.

If you fall in love with the country and want to stay longer, which very well may happen, you can apply for a visa extension. 

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Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Conservation diving and the ecological monitoring program in koh tao, cape kudu hotel review – best place to stay on koh yao noi, crown lanta – the best luxury hotel in koh lanta, 9 thoughts on “thailand travel tips – expert advice from 8 trips (2024)”.

Hello all – I can add a few cents from a trip to Thailand just finishing today.

If you are staying in Bangkok, the train system is really good and very cheap. You can get this directly from the airport for just a few dollars. Consider getting your hotel near a train station so you can literally just have a short walk from the station, so you will avoid being stuck in hellish traffic and also being ripped off by taxis. The train is fast, very safe, efficient and has excellent aircon. The staff were always around somewhere and invariably helpful even at a far flung place at 11pm! This was a superior experience to trains in Australia and I have used them regularly in all metro areas there so speak from extended experience.

Before you leave your country, I suggest you estimate how much money you will spend and then bring it in cash to Thailand. This is to reduce transaction costs. On the lowest level at Suvarnabhumi airport, level BL, near the ticketing area is the place with the best exchange rates. It is called HappyRich. There is a helpful guide to find this place elsewhere on the internet. The others are all total ripoffs even if they say they have the best rate in Thailand!

By using the train and getting the best currency conversion rate you will save a lot of money and time that you can now spend to enjoy yourself!

For example, let’s say you bring $5000 AUD (as I did). HappyRich gives you around 8-10% more money than the other exchanges – that’s getting up to 500 dollars extra!

Another tip in Bangkok for less hassle with travel and keeping discretionary costs down – if you must catch a cab, get the GRAB app (equivalent to Uber) – this ensures you get a quoted fare that the driver has to agree to. It is the best way to go. I still always tip around 10% myself with GRAB drivers because the cost of the ride is low and the tip too, therefore you are appreciating this honest option without being scummy with money. Even with a nice tip this will still be a LOT cheaper than dealing with taxi drivers and tuk tuk drivers – avoid them when you can!

My trip was mostly Koh Samui, with a few days each side of it in Bangkok. For Koh Samui, you can use the KLOOK application which is the “Uber” option for Koh Samui. That way, you can book your transport costs as Koh Samui taxis are expensive. For example, the standard airport taxi was 400 THB to Chaweng which is not very far! That said, it is better to pay that then get the minivan which is marginally cheaper as you might be waiting at the airport for an hour as we did!!! Not worth the 5 bucks savings. Using klook, the quoted cost of the taxi from our hotel in Lamai at 5am back to the airport was 593 THB and Lamai is a lot further out than Chaweng!

The other thing I did was to choose accommodation in a place where I was going to stay for most of the trip, to avoid any unnecessary taxis. This means you can spend the money on better accommodation instead. Much nicer!

One thing I would have done differently is to rent a car there. But you need to know in advance that to hire an insured car, the minimum time is a 3 day hire and so it is best to make your enquiries early enough. I left it too late for that. If you can use a motorbike or moped/scooter, this is an alternative. Both are preferable to using taxis.

A few ideas for Bangkok – the hop on, hop off boat on the Chao Phraya river there is very cheap and a good way to explore. It is also much better than commuting by road traffic to some big tourist attractions. One way you can get to the Sathorn pier via the train is the Saphan Taksin stop but there are others. Ignore the touts at the entrance to the pier and go straight to the tourist hop on hop off counter. Get a blue day pass.

From there you can go to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace/Wat Pho (reclining Buddha). There are some other stops like SiamICON and the last one is close to Khao San Rd. Khao San Road is not worth visiting in my opinion. Boring, pointless and a waste of time of time. The others are definitely worth it. Make sure you wear below knee shorts and a top with sleeves, otherwise you cannot enter the temples (but you can buy garments). You will need cash to go to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Also in Bangkok, I liked the Siam Paragon on the second last day of my holiday – Siam station is easy to get to and if you use trains at some point you’ll probably cross through there, so it is worth a visit. It is a very high end mall, with outstanding shopping and unexpectedly great to wander around in as a tourist. To give you an idea, there are Aston Martins, ferraris, a bentley, maseratis, various beamers, teslas, minis range rovers etc in just one small area. There’a a whole floor for technology and something I’ve never seen – a shop just for deluxe high end PC gamer rigs. Paragon is really massive and knocks the mall experience out of the park compared to what I have seen in Australia, at the same time removed any doubt about the wealth that is in Thailand now compared to 20 years ago on my last visit.

I watched a movie at the top – where there is a large plush cinema complex, also IMAX and 10 pin bowling. The food court was better than I have seen in Australia in any city. There is also the finest fresh food market I have ever seen. Just the sushi and sashimi section alone was 6 whole cabinets, there were more than a dozen types of fresh oyster from around the world, enormous live crabs, a caviar display, even salmon from Tasmania. The sheer volume and variety was awe inspiring.

I did this near the end of my holiday and it was an amazing contrast to some of the other experiences and to buy gifts. I used this to find the elusive Thai items I cannot get at home in any asian stores and the best dumpling sauces. Exchange rates were also about the same as HappyRich here, so it is a good place to do this, eg OH!Rich on the 3rd floor, but also there was a jeweler I saw with the same rates so it may be more general.

I can also recommend watching a Muay Thai fight night. I got ringside seats but it’s probably better to get the second class or club class as you are higher up and the cost difference is not justified, imo. It was crazy enough on Wednesday with the gambling thai guys going bananas and seeing some pretty brutal beatings, however international level fights are on Saturday, at least at Rajadamnern. It’s not all that easy to get to, because of the slow traffic and a bit of BS with cabs/tuk tuks, but you can get quite close to it via Sam Yot station (we used Grab on the way back from the stadium to get there) and we got there by getting off at National Stadium station, walking a bit and then getting a tuk tuk. I would probably just walk it from Sam Yot tbh, in the day and see some of the sights there as it is “old bangkok”, but if you do this it involves several changes of train which might not suit some people. If you are a drinker, it is best to preload with alcohol on the way from the station to reduce costs as on site booze is exxy. You can’t bring alcohol in. There’s some relatively cheap beer outside at half time and some cheap eats.

Another inexpensive and awesomely local day trip is to get a fairly early morning train out to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital. We got the cattle class train and it was worth the tourist novelty. The sites are revered by thais and remind me of the tomb raider games. There are several clustered together but you’ll need transport to get to several as they are not really walkable.

Again, temple rules apply for Ayutthaya – sleeves and below knee shorts, as well as entrance fees for each site. You’ll need a driver unless using a moped/scooter. Easiest to use the service at the station.

Got the “Rapid” train back, which cost a lot more and it was over an hour late! (It comes from Chiang Mai). The train station bar/restaurant chicken with fried basil leaves was surprisingly one of the finest I’ve had ever.

On Koh Samui – I really liked the VIP rarine park speed boat tour via 100 degrees east and the buggy driving tour with a Z10 buggy (best with 2 people). Neither are cheap options but you get what you pay for and if you save money elsewhere as suggested, you can now spend the money without guilt on really great things like higher grade 4 and 5 star accommodation and awesome whole day tours such as those mentioned.

I’m not sure if I can say Ko Pha Ngan was worth the trouble of staying there. If I was to do it again (which I won’t), I’d just go there for the day and get the boat back the same night back to Bang Rak (the jetty area on Koh Samui). The boat directly to Haad Rin from there is cheap and the quickest. People cry about the safety with the “Queen” boat but it was ok (with a few bumps and chorus of “ooohs” from the passengers. Book online and get there early to get a good seat. It really doesn’t matter if you are in a big line if you are not carrying much luggage. Make sure there is life jacket above your head and if there is water on your seat, guess who is getting wet when the boat is out to sea! You book via 12go asia. Do NOT get the giant ferry boat that takes 2 hours from Koh Samui and Thong Sala unless you are staying on the west side of Koh Samui (it’s 67km away from Chaweng! The taxi fee will be an atrocity, not to mention the time spent getting there and then 2 hours to Ko Pha Ngan!!!!)

Value for money for accommodation on Ko Pha Ngan was really poor and you are forced to stay 3 days! If I was to do it again, I would not stay in Haad Rin. I would stay near Thong Sala, Baan Thai or elsewhere. This was the exception to the rule about accommodation and taxis. The cost-benefit tilt is definitely to have the accommodation well away from Haad Rin. The cost of the Song Thaow “taxi” from Thong Sala is 150 THB to Haad Rin. The driver will ask for 200 THB. Up to you if you want to haggle. I did once and felt a bit mean afterwards (after all it’s just 2.50 AUD difference you are fighting over, really nothing much and not worth feeling bad about yourself!)

I would not stay on Ko Pha Ngan unless you can drive a motorbike/scooter/moped or you hire a car, because these are the best and cheapest forms of transport, particularly 2 wheel options. Taxi is not as good and much much more expensive.

The full moon party was overcast and then rained. It was pretty ordinary I thought. Over rated. But then again, I’m not in my 20s anymore.

The return speed boat late at night from the Eden party was, however, a “trip to remember” 🙂 Not for the faint hearted. It is not cheap either – 1000 THB. I heard there is a better party of this kind on Koh Tao and if I was to do it again, I’d stay on Koh Tao instead of Ko Pha Ngan. (I did a day trip snorkel and walk there and would not go out there for those things as a day trip – it is better to stay for a bit longer by the look of it)

Remember to bring at least 50SPF water resistant sunscreen if you need it (80% of UV can get through clouds even when overcast and the sunscreen costs are jacked sky high in Samui), a light wide brimmed deformable hat or at least a cap, bug spray (eg 20% DEET, the mozzies loved me!). I also brought silicon ear plug putty – for perfect sleep at night if in Bangkok near a highway.

While weed is everywhere (for now), if this is something you do, I would not take it or anything else questionable on a train. I saw some military style dudes with large dogs at times at train stations and maybe they are not just looking for durian fruit!

I also read vapes were illegal in Thailand with one blogger practically shrieking this. I’m so glad I didn’t caution a tourist I saw using one at Chaweng beach because that evening I must have been asked about 20 times do I want to buy a vape, from people with open suitcases full of them everywhere on the main beach street. Still, given this reality, there is no need to bring one if that is your thing.

One last tip – Covid is regarded as endemic. I reckon I was exposed to it within 24h of arrival as I had symptoms by day 4, used my RAT on day 5 and it lit up like a neon light. First time I’ve had it ever. It was mild – a few days of fatigue and lack of motivation and this was over in a few days except for a light post viral cough I still have at times. I saw quite a few tourists open mouth coughing and wondered if they knew what they had. Just so you know!

Thank you for these tips! I am travelling soon to Thailand and was looking for some health tips. really scared of mosquito’s bites. Any advice?

HI, thank you for the great article. I have been to Thailand many times and still amazed how much it has to offer. Great tips for anyone visiting Thailand. Thank you

OH! Great insights I am a Thai food addict and I cook too. Whenever I think about Thailand, the first thing that comes to mind is food.

Hi thank you for all the wonderful information Haven’t travelled much but planning on going to Thailand in Nov 2023, with my boyfriend. Doing as much research as possible. I don’t wanna go in not knowing or being disrespectful I really enjoyed reading the guide and your advice just makes me a bit more excited to go! found out a piece of information Id like to look into more as well thanks so much Kayla.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner. I love traveling. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you very much for your helpful and educational tips! Adi

Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels. 🙂

Thank you for sharing the information, really enjoyed reading it.

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52 Thailand Travel Tips: Ultimate Insider Advice From a Local (2024)

• Updated on January 2, 2024
• Tips and Tricks

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Introduction to thailand.

As a devoted traveler who has been living in Thailand for over five years and spent nearly my entire time unraveling all its wonders, I’m thrilled to share my insights into this captivating destination.

Wrapped in vibrant traditions and buzzing with modern fervor, Thailand, also known as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to unfold.

The truth is, there’s so much more to Thailand than meets the eye. A blend of captivating landscapes ranging from the majestic temples and palaces of Bangkok, the emerald rice paddies of Chiang Mai, to the surreal limestone islands of Phangnga Bay.

Via this spectrum of destinations, Thailand masterfully marries its past and future, tradition and innovation, tranquillity and adventure.

From tasting exotic flavors to diving into unparalleled adventures and interacting with the friendliest locals, traveling in Thailand is nothing short of a feast for the senses!

My Complete List of Thailand Travel Tips for 2024 (as a Local)

Planning a memorable trip to Thailand involves more than just packing your suitcase. It’s crucial to understand the cultural nuances, rules, and responsible travel practices to truly make the most of your Thai adventure.

That’s why I prepared 52 of the Best Thailand Travel Tips for your 2024 trip.

Let’s dive right in!

Prepare for your Trip to Thailand

1. do i need a passport to travel to thailand.

Yes, you do need a passport valid for at least 6 months to travel to Thailand. Check your passport expiration date well in advance, if you just have a few months left, you should make an appointment to get it exchanged.

Most countries have this 6-month rule, so you might as well get it renewed so you don’t have any issues on your travel day.

2. Are there any special visas required for Thailand?

Yes, Thailand does have visa requirements in order to enter the Kingdom. There are 3 main categories of countries:

• If you’re lucky enough to hail from one of the 57 visa-free countries, the process is pretty straightforward: You will receive a 30-day exemption stamp at the airport. This includes the US, UK, Canada, and most of the EU countries.
• If you are part of the 21 countries that can obtain a visa on arrival, you will also receive a 30-day entry, but you do have to fill out the Visa On Arrival form or pre-apply for it before you leave to expedite the process.
• For everyone else, you can apply for a visa at your local Thai embassy before traveling.

Should you want to extend your stay, there’s good news! You can extend your stay once at any Thai immigration office.

You can find out more details on the Thai Embassy website .

3. Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

Yes, travel insurance for Thailand is highly recommended! No matter how healthy or cautious you are, insurance gives you the needed safety net when you’re in a foreign land.

For instance, SafetyWing is my go-to for travel coverage – quick, customized, and easy to get.

Good travel insurance will shield you against illness, injury, theft, or unanticipated cancellations.

4. Will my cell phone work in Thailand?

Yes, your phone will work just fine in Thailand. I suggest you enable a roaming plan with your home provider for emergencies and to call a cab to your hotel.

After you check in and drop off your bags, head to any mall or supermarket and get a tourist SIM card with a local number and data to use during your stay. It will be faster and much cheaper than using your roaming plan the entire time.

Don’t get a SIM card at the airport; it will cost 3x more than it should. Head to a local Big-C supermarket, 7-Eleven, or mall instead.

The three major providers in Thailand are AIS, True Mobile, and D-TAC. All of them are great, choose whichever one has the best offer at the time.

Money and Budgeting

5. what is the currency in thailand.

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB)! It’s the colorful currency that fuels all the thrilling experiences Thailand has to offer. A mere $1 USD converts to approximately 30 Thai Baht.

I always keep cash handy for those spontaneous street food adventures, taxi rides, and bustling market haggling.

Picture this – relishing an authentic Pad Thai from a local vendor. Mouthwatering and delicious, it usually costs around 50 Baht (less than $2 USD).

ATMs are your best buddies when you land in Thailand, as the country loves cash transactions.

Pro Tip: Withdraw larger sums (20,000-30,000 THB) to minimize that 220 Baht ATM transaction fee.

6. Should I bring cash to Thailand?

Yes, you definitely need cash when visiting Thailand! Mostly everything beyond luxury hotels, swanky restaurants, and posh malls, cash is the primary mode of payment.

You can choose to bring USD or Euro and exchange it at a local bank, or simply use an ATM to get Thai Bath. USD, GBP, or Euro are not accepted anywhere.

Here are my top tips for cash management:

• Bring cash for markets, local eateries, small accommodations, attractions, and taxis.
• Use the local ATMs, but remember even the smallest withdrawals can cost around 220 THB in fees. Go for larger sum withdrawals to save up!
• Don’t accept the conversion rate to your home currency at local ATMs. Decline the conversion and let your home back do it; you will save 5-10% in exchange rates.
• Keep most of your cash in your hotel safe and carry around only 3,000 – 4,000 THB. It will keep you out of trouble, trust me!

7. Can I use my credit cards in Thailand?

Yes, credit cards are accepted in some places in Thailand. While Thailand is largely cash-based, don’t leave your credit card tucked away in your suitcase.

Though your card might not be welcomed at local markets, smaller lodgings, and many attractions, places like posh restaurants, premium hotels, and high-end malls certainly cater to plastic money.

Insider Tip: Apply for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you do not have one already; those small transaction fees can add up quite a bit if you use a regular card.

Hair Tools Travel Bag

8. how much money do i need for a 7-day trip to thailand.

For a 7-day adventure, you’ll need between $500-$2000, depending on your travel style. (not including flights)

• Backpacking? Budget $25-$60 per day. You’ll have a cozy hostel room and delicious street food. Stretch the budget further by reducing alcohol intake and using local transport!
• Mid-ranger? Prepare $50-$150 per day. Gorge on seafood, stay in a regular hotel room and relish some great activities. Stick to shared or public transport and avoid expensive eateries in tourist areas.
• Going luxury? Set aside $200-$300+ daily. Expect Western-style hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of tours.

My hidden gem of advice – head north! You could save 30-50% by heading to Chiang Mai instead of Phuket or Koh Samui.

Here are my go-to websites and apps:

• Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com .
• Book your Tours in advance on Viator.com .
• If you need to fly locally, use the local budget airlines: Thai Air Asia or Thai Vietjet.
• Ride-sharing apps are available: Grab, InDrive, and Bolt.
• For food delivery, use Grab and Food Panda.

Want to stay longer? Here is an Amazing 2 Week Thailand Itinerary .

9. Should I leave a tip at restaurants in Thailand?

It’s up to you! Tipping in Thailand is not expected, but highly appreciate it. It’s such a warm way to express your satisfaction with the food and service.

You might spot locals rounding up bills as a form of tipping. Say your bill is 53 baht, how about leaving 60, giving a friendly nod with an extra 7 baht tip?

When to Visit - Seasons and Weather

10. what are the seasons in thailand.

Thailand is a tropical paradise that offers three distinct seasons:

• Hot Season (March to May): As the name suggests, expect high temperatures during this time. However, it offers the perfect excuse to explore Thailand’s breathtaking beaches!
• Rainy Season (June to October): Though rainfall is possible throughout the year, this season is marked by heavier showers, particularly in June and August.
• Cool Season (November to February): Popular amongst tourists, this season is typified by more moderate temperatures and lesser rainfall, making it the ideal time to fully explore the country.

11. What is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February! Expect milder temperatures and less humidity, making it comfortable for those not used to tropical climates.

The lack of rain and amazing temperature also means that this is the busy season, so also expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Here’s why you don’t want to miss these months:

• Experience Bangkok at its “coolest,” still basking in a pleasant 85°F
• Enjoy the driest part of the year – perfect for exploring
• Visit the stunning west coast islands like Phuket and Ko Phi Phi at their prime
• Relish in Northern Thailand’s cooler evenings – make sure to bring a warm layer!

Don’t forget, even during this perfect travel window, the tropics never lose their inherent warmth. So pack your sunblock, bring your excitement, and get ready to uncover the many marvels of Thailand in this enchanting season!

12. When is the cheapest time to go to Thailand?

The cheapest time to visit Thailand is between May to October. This is considered the slow season due to the high likelihood of rain, but it also brings no crowds and low hotel prices.

I enjoy traveling during this time of year because the rains bring with them an explosion of colors in nature with the brightest greens you will ever experience.

Now, don’t let the term ‘rainy season’ scare you. The rain typically only lasts a few minutes to one hour each day, and this season often comes with fantastic bargains on flights, accommodations, and activities.

Here are a couple of bonus tips:

• Pay a visit to the islands off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, like Ko Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao, from April to October.
• Keep in mind that prices are generally lower in the North, particularly during the rainy season.
• Want to avoid crowds? March to October is your best bet. Just bring a poncho for the occasional rainfall!

Remember to skip Chiang Mai in March and April due to the low air quality from the burning season, especially if you are asthmatic.

13. What should I pack for Thailand?

When packing for Thailand, expect warm weather, so bring lightweight and breathable clothing.

Here’s a quick-fire list of your Thailand essentials:

• T-shirts and Shorts for daily use
• Evening attire for clubs and parties
• Swimwear (at least 2 pairs)
• Flip flops or sandals
• A rain jacket and quick-dry towel
• Hats or Caps
• Lots of sunscreen (the one sold locally has bleach in it)
• A day bag or travel backpack

Remember, whatever you miss, you can always buy in Thailand. Happy packing!

For a complete list, check out my Ultime Thailand Packing Guide .

14. What fun events are there in Thailand?

If there’s one thing about Thailand I can’t rave enough about, it’s their seemingly endless roster of picturesque and heart-thumping festivals!

Here are the top festivals you absolutely can’t miss when you land in this tropical paradise:

• Between 13th and 15th April, you can throw water at anyone while participating in the Songkran , a Thai New Year custom to ward off bad luck. This happens everywhere in Thailand; it’s the biggest party of the year.
• On the last Sunday in November, head to Lopburi for the Monkey Festival , where you’ll find about 3,000 wild macaques enjoying over 4,440 tons of fruits and vegetables during their grand feast. Yes, it’s a sight to behold!
• If you are visiting in late January – early February, ring in the Chinese New Year in Thailand’s major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Expect lively dragon dances, mouth-watering street food, and resonating firecrackers.
• March 13th marks National Thai Elephant Day, when the country celebrates its national symbol, the elephant, with sugar cane and fruit banquets. A chance to witness Buddhist ceremonies aimed at bringing good luck to these gigantic creatures is not to be missed.
• Experience the serenity of the Loy Krathong, the Festival of Light, in late November. Purchase a basket, fill it with incense, candles, a hair or nail clipping, and coins, and set it afloat in a river to bid farewell to misfortune.
• Last but not least, catch the mesmerizing Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, typically held every November. The release of hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky for good fortune is a sight to treasure forever!

Travel and Transportation

15. what is the best way to get to thailand.

The best way to get to Thailand is by flying into one of the many international Airports available around the country. You can book direct flights into Bangkok and Phuket from the US or Europe.

Flights to other major hubs, like Chiang Mai or Koh Samui, will usually connect through Bangkok International Airport, but you don’t need to remove your luggage and re-check them in.

16. Do I need to book my flights in advance for Thailand?

Based on my experience, yes, you should book your flights well in advance. It is going to save you a good chunk of change, trust me!

This goes for International and local flights. We got our tickets from Miami to Bangkok for $500 cheaper by booking four months ahead of time.

We also managed to snap up a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket for just around $30.00 by booking early. Had we waited till the last minute, it could have cost us $100!

It’s all about those savvy savings. But remember to stay flexible with your plan because there’s so much to explore!

17. How do I get to my hotel once I arrive in Thailand?

There is a plethora of convenient transport options at your disposal to take you smoothly to your hotel.

Whether you prefer the affordability of public transportation or the comfortable ride of private minibusses, Thailand has got you covered!

Here’s a quick guide to getting you to your hotel:

• Before arrival, try to book your transport directly from your hotel or through a local agency.
• If that option is not available, use a ride-sharing app like Grab, Bolt, or In-Drive (I recommend downloading and setting them beforehand).
• If you don’t have Roaming Data or WiFi available, get a local cab; just make sure you use the official channels, and they use the meter. Airports like Phuket will make you pre-pay for the taxi ride based on the area where you are staying.

18. What is the best way to get around Thailand?

Getting around Thailand is exciting, diverse, and incredibly accessible! With a variety of transportation available from sky to sea, exploring the Land of Smiles is a breeze.

Thailand’s transport network is quite extensive, with planes, boats, buses, trains, and taxis all offering dependable service.

Yet, among these options, my personal favorite and the most authentic Thai experience would be traveling by Songthaews. They are widely available, especially up north in Chiang Mai.

Literally translating to ‘two benches’, these red pick-up trucks are a quintessential mode of daily Thai transport. Flagging down one is easy – simply sign with your hand and give the driver your destination.

If the path aligns with theirs, hop on the back! The price is always reasonable and depends on the distance traveled.

19. Can I drive a car in Thailand?

Yes, you can rent a car and drive in Thailand , but brace yourself for an unforgettable experience! It’s quite an adventure, considering Thailand’s roads are statically considered dangerous worldwide.

• In Thailand, they drive on the left, so make sure you are comfortable before you venture out in traffic.
• Be patient and follow the traffic rules strictly. Keep an eye out for motorbikes when turning and switching lanes; they pop out out of nowhere.
• Ensure you have the proper insurance coverage from your credit card or purchase insurance with your rental.
• Get an international driver’s license from your local AAA; the Thai police might ask for it.

20. Should I rent a scooter in Thailand?

Honestly, renting a scooter in Thailand may not be the best idea if you are not an experienced rider. That’s not to say I don’t love the thrill of riding one! I own 2 scooters and ride them almost daily.

But consider these points:

• Thailand’s roads are officially the second most dangerous in the world – quite a statistic.
• Scooters aren’t the best choice for long trips.
• The lack of driving experience can be hazardous.
• You must always wear a helmet and safety gear.
• Remember, you must hold a scooter license and insurance!

So unless you are an experienced rider and adamant about the scooter experience, my advice would be to find safer, more reliable transport options.

If you are an experienced rider, check out my article on the Mae Hong Son Loop , it’s motorcycle heaven!

Accommodations - Hotels and Resorts

21. should i book my reservation for thailand in advance.

Yes, you should book your accommodations in advance! While you may score some cheaper deals for tours and transportation once you’re there, securing your accommodation online will save you money and headaches.

You see, Thailand can get quite packed, especially during peak season, and it’s not uncommon for places to be fully booked.

If you want to stay flexible, book the first part of your trip in advance (first few days) and then book the rest once you get there.

Remember, getting a better rate in person could depend on the season and the flow of tourists at that time. I find the best hotel deals on Booking.com .

22. What type of accommodations can I find in Thailand?

Thailand’s got a dream accommodation for everyone, from bohemian bamboo huts to ultra-luxe resorts! No matter your travel style or budget, I guarantee there’s a bed made just for you here.

Choose from quirky independent hotels found online, or wing it backpacker-style and find a place on arrival. Hostels here are top-notch, perfect if you’re on a budget.

• Planning a luxury getaway? Head to Phuket for world-class resorts.
• Fancy living on the wild side? Sleep on a mat on the floor in a remote village up north.
• For beach bums, lush bungalows await on Koh Samui or Koh Tao.
• Traveling with a larger group of family? Use Airbnb to rent entire villas or homes.

Clip-On Baseball Cap Holder

23. where are the best beach resorts in thailand.

Craving for sand, sun, and sea? Thailand’s beach resorts are like no other!

• Koh Samui is your high-end paradise, brimming with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. A favorite for resort-goers, this island offers an ultra-comfortable retreat amid nature’s bounty.
• Koh Phangan offers more than its renowned Full Moon Party. Venture outside the party zone to find serene beaches and small-scale resorts offering tranquil escapes.
• Koh Tao is a divers’ delight and possibly the most economical place to get your scuba diving certification. Besides, you can enjoy seeing diverse marine life in calm waters.
• And then there’s Phuket , a sun-seekers utopia, perfect for a well-catered, laid-back beach holiday. Don’t miss out on the seemingly less-trafficked beaches in the northern part for some quiet time.

Remember, each island is uniquely fascinating. Make sure to choose one that best suits your travel style!

24. How can I find budget accommodation in Thailand?

Finding budget-friendly accommodation in Thailand is a breeze, with so many options available – from bamboo huts to hostels.

Here are my insider tips to help you bag a great deal:

• Utilize booking platforms like Agoda.com and Booking.com . They have a wide range of independent hotels and are especially popular in Asia.
• Try ‘winging it’ or booking on the spot. Although not always efficient, you can land some great deals this way.
• Look into hostels on HostelWorld.com . They’re not only budget-friendly but also offer a fantastic quality in Thailand.

Safety Tips

25. is thailand safe to visit.

Absolutely! Thailand is one of the safest places to visit. With millions traveling here annually, Thailand has mastered the art of ensuring tourist safety.

Here are my Top Tips for a safe and fun trip:

• Be respectful and follow Thai laws, especially those about the monarchy.
• Stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft and scams.
• Exercise caution during parties and in dubious areas. And don’t drink too much!
• Be smart on the roads—Thai driving is fast-paced! Check vehicles for safety measures, and if you’re on a scooter, gear up appropriately.
• Purchase travel insurance because it’s better to be safe than sorry. I ended up at a hospital once, and insurance covered the entire bill.

Remember, use common sense, and you will be safe. Keep your belongings secure and enjoy the thrilling adventure that is Thailand!

26. What is the legal drinking age in Thailand?

The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. That means you will be asked for an ID or Passport if you look young to enter clubs or to be served alcohol at bars.

Thailand also has restrictions on the time when alcohol can be served. Officially, you’re allowed to buy alcohol from 11 am-2 pm, and then again from 5 pm to midnight.

Trust me, I’ve stood looking longingly at a beer bottle at 2:30 pm in a convenience store, only to be politely told, “No!”.

Clubs are an exception, most being allowed to serve alcohol until closing time (3-4 am).

Although the enforcement of these rules can be hit or miss, it’s best to respect local laws. A booze-free hour or two never hurt anyone, right?

27. Is weed legal in Thailand?

In late 2022, Thailand legalized the green herb, and you can find cafes and dispensaries virtually anywhere around the country. Anyone over 20 may purchase it and consume it at home, but smoking in public is not allowed.

28. How are the medical services in Thailand?

As an expat living in Thailand for many years, I needed to use the medical services, and they are superb!

The quality of Private hospitals (like Bangkok Hospital – a chain found everywhere around the country) is amazing – sometimes even better than what’s available at home in the US.

Here are some more details:

• Firstly, expect to pay a modest amount – showing travel insurance could be an exception, and you will pay nothing.
• Private hospitals will offer A-grade care at a heftier price than public ones, but it’s worth it.
• I recommend you keep the contact of your insurance company handy; you might need it to keep the costs in check.
• Medical tourism? Oh, it’s huge in Thailand. For procedures, especially dental, you are in for a treat.

29. What are the things NOT to do in Thailand?

We all have a long bucket list of things to do in Thailand, but here is a short one of things NOT to do:

• Take off your shoes when visiting temples or people’s home
• Wear modest clothes on temple grounds and cover up your shoulders
• Do Not disrespect the Buddha (goofy pictures, loud noises, and touching are considered inappropriate near the Buddha statues)
• Do Not touch the Buddhist monks (no shaking hands or hugs with the monks)
• Do Not make fun of the Thai King (this is a serious no-no, with penalties as heavy as jail time)
• Do Not drink and drive, especially on a motorbike (you will end up in jail or worse)
• It’s okay to bargain with street vendors but maintain a respectful demeanor (remember they make about $300 per month)
• Do Not overstay your visa (you can extend it at any immigration office). Overstaying will get you fined and banned.

Stay safe, respect local norms, and enjoy every moment!

30. Are there any scams I should be aware of when traveling to Thailand?

Oh boy, traveling in Thailand is a blast and generally very safe, but beware! There’s always the chance of being scammed if you’re not alert.

• One common scam is the “friendly local”. They might try to dissuade you from visiting the place you’re heading to, claiming it’s closed or you’re not dressed appropriately. They then offer to guide you to a different destination – at a price, of course. Avoid this by just blissfully ignoring them and going to your intended location.
• Watch out for tuk-tuk or cab drivers who refuse to put on the meter. Always agree on a fare before hopping into one. But my insider tip is to get the Grab app – it’s the Uber of Southeast Asia and way more trustworthy.
• Beware the pickpockets! Especially in busy areas. Keep your flashy stuff tucked away and hold your belongings tight! No one wants a vacation defined by lost valuables.
• Do Not leave your passport anywhere. If a rental agency, scooter rental, or any other person asks to hold your passport as collateral, politely decline and offer cash instead.
• Be careful when renting any vehicles (cars, scooters, or jetskies). Take pictures or a video of any existing damage so they will not pin it on you later on.

Remember, awareness is your best travel partner in this beautiful country.

Language and Local Customs in Thailand

31. what language do they speak in thailand.

The official language in Thailand is Thai.  One fact that may surprise you is that you’ll find English spoken widely, especially in popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

It’s easy to navigate your way around these bustling cities because most signs are in English, too.

However, don’t worry if you plan on venturing off the beaten track. Thai people are incredibly helpful; using Google Translate and learning a few basic Thai words can go a long way.

32. What are some common phrases used in Thailand?

Traveling to Thailand can be an enriching experience, especially when you immerse yourself in the local culture!

Learning a few basic Thai phrases will not only help you navigate more easily but also open doors to warm interactions with the locals.

• Thai people use different endings depending on their gender. Males end scenes with “Khrup”, and girls with “Kaa”
• Say “Hello” with a warm “Sawadee khrup/kaa.”
• Express gratitude by saying “khop khun khrup/kaa”, meaning “Thank you.”
• Affirm something with a “Yes” or “Chai khrup/kaa.”
• Politely disagree with “No” or “Mai khrup/kaa.”
• Enquire about prices with “How much?” or “nee tao rai?”

These phrases aren’t just about communication; they are a respectful nod toward the local Thai culture. Explore, engage, and enjoy Thailand in its true essence!

33. Is there a dress code for visiting Temples in Thailand?

Temples are holy places, and yes, you are expected to dress accordingly when visiting.

• The first rule: ladies show no shoulders, cleavage, or knees – shun those shorts, tanks, and skimpy tops.
• Ditch the leggings or skinny jeans; they’re a big no-no! Instead, bring out those super comfy Pilazzo’s or loose pants.
• Toss the tattered jeans or ripped clothes. Wear modest pants and shirts.
• And hey, leave your sweats and athleisure for the workout sessions!
• Remember, temples are sacred spaces, so kick off those shoes before stepping in.

Here’s a tip – bring a stylish scarf or a shawl. It’s great for covering up and looking stylish.

If you want to visit the most Amazing Temples, head to Chiang Rai .

34. What local customs should I be aware of in Thailand?

Traveling to Thailand? Get immersed in the local traditions for a Thai experience like no other. Let me share some customs you need to be aware of as a visitor in Thailand:

• Respect is key, my friends. Always be courteous to locals and fellow travelers, and don’t dare raise your voice in public. The Thais value serenity over a commotion.
• Respect extends to clothing, too; despite the warm weather, scanty clothing is a no-no. For temple visits, cover your shoulders and get ready to take off your shoes.
• The Thai Wai is a must-know in Thailand. It’s a prayer-like greeting with a bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect you’re showing.
• Ask Before Photographing People. We all take lots of pictures on vacation, and if you want some locals in your shot, be respectful and ask.
• Respect the King. Thailand is still a kingdom, and making fun of the King is considered rude and can get you in trouble.

Experience Thailand like a local, being attentive to these customs and more. It’s an enchanting adventure, I promise you!

35. What are some cultural NO NO'S I should know in Thailand?

When you’re packing to explore the Land of Smiles – Thailand – it’s not just about what you put in your suitcase, but also about learning a few local customs to avoid embarrassing ‘faux pas’.

Here are quick pointers you must keep in mind:

• Thai people greet each other with a “Wai”, which is like a prayer. If some will “Wai” to you, be sure to “wai” back.
• Heads are valued; feet are not! Don’t touch people’s heads, and don’t point your feet at anyone, especially toward images of the Buddha or the King.
• Have huge respect for the Royal Family. Criticizing them can mean serious prison time.
• Stand for the National Anthem. The National Anthem is played a lot in Thailand; you must stand and be quiet until it ends.
• Monks and women do not make contact ; ensure to keep a respectful distance when in public.

Remember, Thailand is a blast if you respect its customs!

Food and Drinks

36. how is the local food in thailand.

As a major foodie and subject matter expert, I can’t help but be thrilled about Thailand’s exhilarating street food.

The aromatic flavors, the intricate mix of spicy, sweet, sour, and bitter tastes, and the variety of textures from crunchy to creamy all contribute to a truly unique culinary experience.

Thai food is renowned for its fresh ingredients, so get ready for robust flavors in every bite!

Must-try dishes include:

• Pad Thai, a popular noodle dish bursting with flavors from shrimp, chicken, and bean sprouts stir-fried in a delectable sauce.
• Pad Krapow Moo, a spirited stir-fry with pork or chicken, basil, garlic, and chilies.
• Som Tum, a vigorous shredded papaya salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with a generous sprinkle of peanuts.
• Tom Yum, a quintessential Thai soup with a tantalizing spicy and sour broth packed with shrimp, mushrooms, and traditional Thai herbs.
• Kao Niew Ma Muang, a heavenly dessert of sweet mango with a sticky coconut rice that’s a joy to devour.

37. Do they have seafood in Thailand?

As a seafood lover, I can confidently say that Thailand is a paradise for seafood! With an impressive coastline and networks of rivers and canals, seafood here is not just abundant but incredibly fresh.

A bucket list dish is definitely Tom Yum Goong, a hot and sour soup brimming with succulent shrimp. Or, try the seafood Pad Thai – imagine stir-fried noodles loaded with various shellfish, it’s absolute perfection!

Frequented local markets offer an authentic buffet of everything from fish to crustaceans.

So satisfy your seafood cravings in Thailand – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

38. Can I take a cooking class in Thailand?

Yes, cooking classes can be easily found in Thailand and are quite delicious.

Imagine soaking in Thailand’s rich culture through a hands-on cooking class! This immersive approach transcends mere tourism, plunging you into the heart of Thai gastronomy.

Here’s why:

• Thai cuisine is globally acclaimed, and learning to craft these dishes offers a delectable exploration of their flavors.
• You can select from an abundance of cooking classes, with Cookly serving as an excellent resource akin to Airbnb for these culinary adventures.
• Experience varies with location, each offering a unique twist, from the Thai Island to Northern Thailand.
• Much more than cooking, many classes include market tours for a wholesome cultural experience.
• Brushing against the vibrant street food scene, you’ll uncover jewels of local culinary treats.

Immersing in a Thai cooking class is undeniably an enriching and appetizing journey of culture and taste. You appreciate the artistry that goes into each dish and learn to recreate the culinary delight back home.

39. What are the best places to party in Thailand?

If tropical vibes and wild parties are what you’re after, then Thailand is your go-to. Get ready to let loose and have the time of your life with my insider tips on the top places to party in this Southeast Asian paradise.

• Do the Full-Moon Party at Koh Phangan! With up to 40,000 party-goers, it’s the beach party of a lifetime and a must-have experience for any party animal.
• If jungles amuse you more, there’s a Half-Moon Party as well, often set in a jungle backdrop.
• If you are looking for world-class clubs , there’s the ever-bustling city of Bangkok, where the night is always young.
• And finally, if you just want to chill on a beach, beer in hand, watching fire dancers , head to Koh Tao, a backpackers paradise.

Remember, every Thailand trip is incomplete without a crazy beach or jungle party. Take it from me: these night-outs lead to stories you’ll recount for years.

Fun Activities and Trips

40. what are the best things to do in thailand.

As an avid traveler, I can confidently say Thailand offers a multitude of inspiring experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurous spirit, or a food connoisseur, this charming country has so much in store for you!

• First off, immerse yourself in the impressive history by visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace or explore Wat Pho , known for its large golden reclining Buddha statue and renowned massage school. It’s striking, unique, and a perfect introduction to Thai culture and history.
• Why not experience local charms at the vibrant markets in Chiang Mai? It’s also a great start-point for jungle treks.
• For nature lovers, Khao Yai National Park should be on your list. It’s serene, visually stunning, and relatively untouched by tourism.
• Join in the massive three-day Songkran water fight to welcome the Thai New Year if you visit in April.
• Don’t forget to unwind at the beautiful tropical islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Samui . Their picturesque white sand beaches and abundant marine life are a sight to behold.
• Lastly, experience the famous Full Moon Party , it’s unlike any other night you’ll spend in Thailand!

Related Article: Best Things To Do in Bangkok .

41. Are there any festivals in Thailand I should be aware of?

Thailand is a culturally vibrant country with numerous festivals that are as exciting as they are diverse.

These events offer an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in Thai culture, and here’s a handy list you wouldn’t want to miss:

• Water Festival (Songkran): Celebrated nationwide from April 13th to 15th, Songkran marks the Thai new year. Evolved from a Buddhist water purification ritual, expect to be soaked in water fights – be ready with your water gun!
• Monkey Festival (Lopburi): Witness the unique co-existence of humans and 3000 wild macaques. The highlight is the monkey banquet – you’ll see them feasting on 4,000 tonnes of fruits and veggies!
• Vegetarian Festival (Phuket): Razorblade ladder climbing and fire-walking steal the show. It might be hard to watch, but that’s what makes it all the more intriguing.
• Chinese New Year: Best experienced in Bangkok’s Chinatown, anticipate dancing dragons, tasty street food, and loud firecrackers.

Remember, each festival involves the local community deeply, so participate respectfully and immerse in the joy and togetherness they bring!

Related Article: Best Things To Do in Phuket .

42. Where are the best beaches in Thailand?

Thailand has so many beautiful beaches it’s hard to choose just a few. Here are my favorite ones:

• Railay Beach (Krabi): Absolutely stunning, with rock formations that seem out of this world. A sealed-off gem, only accessible by boat!
• Nai Harn Beach (Phuket): A classic and popular spot, Phuket offers vibrant nightlife and great services, aside from the serene coastline.
• Long Beach (Koh Lanta): This island is ideal for tranquillity and untouched beauty. Absolute must-visits for some island hopping!
• Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui): A more luxurious experience boasting top-notch resorts and breathtaking views.
• Tonsai Beach (Krabi): One for the adventurers, featuring lush green cliffs and a vibe that’s so laid back, you’ll forget time.
• Sairee Beach (Koh Tao): A haven for backpackers and scuba divers. A unique blend of sociability and marine splendor!

Related Article: The Best Beaches in Thailand .

43. How is the surfing in Thailand?

Surfing in Thailand is an absolute dream, creating memories that last a lifetime! Conquer the waves amidst Thailand’s breathtaking beaches, guaranteed to boost your surf vibes.

• Kata Beach in Phuket, known for its consistent waves, best from May to October.
• Bang Tao Beach , Phuket, serves an awesome surf season from April to October.
• Rayong , a top pick for professionals, with the best surf from June to September.
• Kalim Beach , Phuket offers reliable summer surf from May to November.

Insider tip: Early morning surfing is a favorite amongst die-hard surfers.

44. Where are the best scuba diving sites in Thailand?

If you’re a fan of scuba diving, then Thailand should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Known for diverse marine life, clear waters, and outstanding dive schools, Thailand has some of the best diving sites globally.

• Sail Rock near Koh Tao offers an awe-inspiring underwater experience. It’s an exceptional site for experienced divers looking for an adrenaline-filled dive journey.
• Chumphorn Pinnacle close to Koh Tao is another site that offers a spectacular view of marine life in all its grandeur.
• The Similan Islands are known for their Liveaboard dives, offering an unforgettable deep-sea experience.
• If you’re interested in learning to scuba dive, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Tao are top-tier and affordable destinations to start your underwater journey.

Remember, whether you’re a seasoned diver or an enthusiastic beginner, Thailand’s underwater world guarantees a diving experience like no other.

45. What are the best places for snorkeling in Thailand?

Thailand is an underwater paradise, boasting clear and calm waters perfect for snorkeling. The richness and diversity of marine life in Thailand make it one of the best and most affordable places in the world for snorkeling.

• Check out Koh Tao, a picturesque island renowned as the top scuba diving location but also great for snorkelers. Enjoy exploring its vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
• Koh Phi Phi is another excellent choice, known for its crystal clear waters and colourful underwater ecosystem.
• Phuket, the country’s largest island, offers numerous breathtaking snorkeling sites around its shores.
• The Similan Islands are famed for their untouched beauty and diversity of sea creatures.
• Lastly, don’t miss snorkeling in the serene waters of Koh Lanta, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever!

These gems make snorkeling in Thailand an unforgettable aquatic adventure. Dive in and explore the underwater wonders!

Related Article: Best Things to Do in Krabi .

46. Can you go hiking in Thailand?

Yes, you can go hiking pretty much everywhere in Thailand. Imagine gasping at marvelous peaks or trekking amidst the thick jungle trails – that’s hiking in Thailand for you!

Even as a seasoned hiker, the country’s dynamic terrains left me awestruck.

Here are my favorite sports so far:

• Doi Inthanon and Khao Sok are among the 127 national parks that offer fantastic trails.
• For lovers of high altitudes, hiking Doi Mon Jong or Phu Chi Fa is delightful.
• When I lived in Chiang Mai, rolling up to Doi Inthanon or Doi Pui for a weekend camping became a cherished hobby.
• If you’re short on time, Khao Sam Roi Yot , near Bangkok, is a good choice.

Think you’re adventure-ready? Don’t forget hiking shoes, a sturdy backpack, a refillable water bottle, and suncream are musts.

Related Article: Amazing Things to Do in Chiang Mai .

47. What are the best excursions or tours in Thailand?

Are you ready to fall head over heels for Thailand’s thrilling adventures and breathtaking beauty?

Get set to embark on a lifetime experience by diving into the mystical realm of Thailand’s unique excursions.

• The chaotic yet charismatic charm of Bangkok unfurls itself by offering temple explorations, tantalizing Thai food, amazing markets, and a buzzing nightlife!
• Embrace the tranquility of Chiang Mai . Besides its serene temples and street markets, it offers thrilling jungle treks and an unforgettable experience at an elephant sanctuary.
• Don’t miss out on the ethereal Khao Yai National Park, boasting a lush, untouched wildlife paradise, home to wild elephants and a fascinating range of flora.
• Join in the vibrant three-day water fight during Songkran, marking the Thai New Year as a cleansing ritual.
• Go island hopping and discover famous movie locations in Phuket, Phanga Bay, or Koh Phi Phi.
• Lastly, take a thrilling jungle trekking adventure in Northern Thailand and be awestruck by the lush wilderness.

Related Article: Best Places to Visit in Thailand .

48. Where can I see elephants in Thailand?

If you’re as nuts about elephants as I am and you’re planning a visit to Thailand, you’re in for a real treat! However, let’s remember to keep our gentle giants’ best interests at heart, shall we?

Here’s your quick guide to responsibly seeing elephants in Thailand:

• First things first: observe the elephants in their natural environments at Sanctuaries and no riding!
• If you are in Phuket, visit the reputed Phuket Elephant Sanctuary . This place is big on my “to visit” list due to its dedication to rescue and care for elephants.
• If you’re gonna be in Chiang Mai, you absolutely have to check out the Elephant Nature Park . They have a no-riding policy, and you get to bathe and feed the elephants.
• Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary is another gold star option. Not only does it rescue these magnificent beasts, but it’s also very passionate about spreading awareness against animal cruelty.

Just remember folks: we’re here for a fun yet compassionate experience. Say no to riding and any form of animal abuse.

49. Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?

Thailand’s idyllic islands offer an unparalleled experience of azure waters and stunning natural beauty. These gems not only promise breathtaking views but also pack in adventure, culture, and nightlife.

Here is my list:

• Let’s start with Phuket, the party hub famous for vibrant nightlife and water sports. Expert tip: Don’t miss out on the sunsets at Patong Beach!
• Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit for its fascinating underwater life. Tip: Diving here is an absolute must-do!
• Koh Pha Ngan is known for its legendary full moon parties on the beach. Remember to take it easy on the bucket cocktails!
• If you crave serenity, head to Koh Tao, with gorgeous, less crowded beaches. Tip: Great spot for snorkeling!
• Koh Samui is probably Thailand’s most famous island, filled with amazing resorts, beaches, and great food.
• Lastly, there’s Koh Lipe, rightly called the ‘Maldives of Thailand’. Tip: Visit during November-April for the best experience!

So, pack your bags and get island hopping!

Related Article: Best Things to Do in Koh Samui .

50. Do they have nightclubs in Thailand?

Yes, Thailand has many world-famous nightclubs. The country’s nightlife is a legendary fusion of rhythm, dance, and adventure.

From high-spirited beach parties to electrifying discos in Bangkok, it’s an experience to tick off your bucket list!

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the top night spots:

• Bangkok’s raucous hangout, RCA (Royal City Avenue), where night owls swarm to join the fun.
• Illusion Nightclub in Phuket, famous for its happening live DJ sets.
• Famed Full Moon party in Koh Phangan, the paradise of dusk till dawn beach frolics.

Here’s an insider tip – Bangkok’s Chinatown transforms into a spectacular nightlife scene after sundown, mingling traditional vibes with urban chic like nowhere else.

Related article: Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan .

51. What are the best places to party in Thailand?

Craving for a wild tropical party? Thailand’s hotspots are sure to get those dancing feet moving, with unforgettable nights from dusk to dawn!

Here’s the ultimate line-up:

• Bangkok is your must-go for a unique blend of its crazy nightlife and cultural immersion. Plus, it has an amazing Thai food scene!
• Koh Phangan, best known for the infamous Full Moon and Half Moon parties, which is a fantastic jungle fiesta. Backpacker’s heaven!
• Koh Phi Phi is a cause for celebration if you’re after a beach party vibe that’s laid-back yet vibrant.
• Koh Chang’s Lonely Beach perfectly combines a serene setting with an energetic party scene.

Pro tip from my travels: Beach parties in Koh Phangan or Koh Phi Phi will leave you with timeless memories! Don’t forget to get your funny festival outfits ready for these crazy nights.

52. What are some activities to AVOID in Thailand?

As a seasoned Thailand traveler and current resident, I’ve rounded up some must-avoid activities for an optimal, safe, and respectful experience in this beautiful country.

• Always favor train or plane travel over buses due to Thailand’s treacherous roads. They’re statistically the second most dangerous in the world!
• Resist the temptation to hop on a scooter or quad bike after a few drinks, especially if you’re inexperienced. The repercussions aren’t pretty.
• Keep an eagle eye out for pickpockets in tourist areas. Lay low with the bling and secure your belongings.
• Be careful about smoking in public. Buying weed is legal, but smoking it in public is not. Also, vapes are readily available but illegal to own.
• Don’t ride the elephants or support businesses that make them do unnatural activities, like playing soccer, or make them pain.
• Finally, if someone invites you to a Ping Pong show, don’t go! Trust me on this one, I don’t know anyone who liked it. Also, it’s not what you think.

You’ll have the time of your life exploring Thailand by keeping these pointers in mind.

Made by travelers, for travelers, check out the Barefoot Caribou Products below!

There you have it folks, my ultimate collection of insider Thailand Travel Tips from my personal adventures in the country over the last fantastic years.

My final nugget of advice? Embrace the unexpected. Thailand has a habit of tossing up delightful surprises around every corner. So, keep your eyes wide and your hearts open, and let this beautiful country show you its magic.

Go ahead, pack those bags, and leave the rest to the Land of Smiles. Here’s to your incredible Thai journey, it’s going to be a trip like no other.

And if there is anything that I missed, please let me know in the comments below!

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Thailand Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia . It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel and, because of the backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there. It’s just a phenomenal country.

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro, give you suggested costs, the best things to see and do, ways to get around, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Thailand

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in thailand.

1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. Wander off the tourist trail, eat the markets, explore the nightlife, and just relax.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots temples, incredible food markets, night markets, lots of cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuarys where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also consdiered one of the foodie capitals of the country so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here too!

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park , located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a few wild elephants. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a really chill place where you still get a a taste of old Thailand. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. visit the grand palace and wat pho.

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should definitely not be missed. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. Park entrance costs 200 THB. Half-day guided treks cost 940 THB. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for it’s monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can visit on a day trip for just 900 THB.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang , Ko Tao , Ko Jum, Ko Lipe , the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party . The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day-trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. Expect to pay around 5,000 THB for a three-day tour.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. A half-day cooking class in Bangkok (including a market visit) costs around 1,300 THB. Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region , all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500 THB for adults.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai cost around 2,200 THB. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach , with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi , it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe , the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less developed than many other destinations in Thailand. Moreover, you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! It lives up to all the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country, but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself but I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed it is. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

For information on specific destinations in Thailand, check out the following guides:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book! )

Thailand Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Thailand is very affordable, though you should expect to pay more on the islands and less up north. Hostels range from 270-500 THB per night for a 4-6-bed dorm. Larger dorm rooms with 10 or more beds can be found for 170-250 THB. Private rooms in hostels cost 700-1,000 THB. Hostels on the islands are going to be on the upper end of that range. During peak season, expect to spend about 20% more.

Free Wi-Fi is common and many hostels also include free breakfast and have air conditioning. It’s not uncommon for hostels to have pools either (especially if they are a party hostel).

You can find cheap guesthouses for as little as 400 THB per night in cities and 300 THB per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about 1000 THB per night. On the islands or for a nicer room with an air-conditioner, expect to pay 1400 THB per night.

Budget hotels start at around 1,000 THB per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at 2,500 THB per night for a bungalow on the beach.

Airbnb is very popular in Thailand and you’ll find a lot of options in most major cities. Renting private rooms is not common, but renting full apartments is very affordable for the quality you get, starting at around 600-900 THB per night.

Food – Thai food is spicy and flavorful and uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas. Popular dishes throughout the country include pat tai (a fried noodle dish, more commonly known to Westerners as pad thai), tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Street food can cost as little as 20 THB, though on average you’ll spend about 40-70 THB per meal.

Sit-down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB for a dish. For larger dishes or curries, you pay spend up 120 THB per dish. In bigger cities, the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 70-100 THB. On the islands, you’ll probably pay about 30 THB more per dish than you would on the mainland.

Western food is pricey compared to Thai food. Most Western dishes (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) cost between 170-340 THB, though they can be higher in fancier establishments. Most Western food also pales in comparison to its original so it’s best to skip it altogether. I mean, you didn’t come all this way to have a crappy burger or pizza, right? If you’re looking for sushi, expect to spend 2,000 THB or more for a meal and drinks.

Fast food like Burger King or McDonald’s begins at 150 THB for a sandwich and 300 THB for a meal.

When it comes to drinking, the cheapest beers cost about 60-85 THB each for a small one and 100-120 THB for a large. A glass of wine costs 180 or more THB and cocktails cost between 300-450 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven for half that price. In most places, especially tourist areas, you’ll find happy hours for 60-90 THB for beers and basic cocktails.

And, since food is so cheap, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. If you do decide to shop, expect to pay 600-800 THB for a week’s worth of basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Thailand Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Thailand, budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street vendors, enjoying a couple of drinks per day, using public transportation, and doing mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few meals at Western or sit-down restaurants, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do more paid activities like jungle treks and diving.

On an upscale budget of around 3,725 per day or more, you can do anything you want. There’s nothing you can’t do. After this amount, the sky is the limit and Thailand does luxury really well!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), it’s hard to spend a lot of money. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

• Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
• Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find rhe best food anyway.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.
• Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.
• Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.
• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• Smile Robotist Hostel (Chiang Mai)
• Chang Puak Hotel (Chiang Mai)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Balcony Party Hostel (Krabi)
• Noom Guesthouse (Lopburi)
• The Famous Pai Circus Hostel (Pai)
• Old City Guesthouse (Sukhothai)
• Mut Mee Garden Guest House (Isaan)
• Bodega Party Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)
• Echo Beach Hostel (Ko Pha Ngan)

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides as I have even longer lists there.

How to Get Around Thailand

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and around double that for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on if you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are un-metered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Coach buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A budget bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 529-617 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 825 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 250-300 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 120-140 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine Thai experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 30-50 THB and night trains start at 875 THB for second class without air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 715-900 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 30-50 THB.

There is a new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. Taking the train is also a convenient way to travel between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 825-4,500 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 450-825 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,150 THB.

Budget-friendly airlines in Thailand include:

• Thai Lion Air
• Vietjet Air

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and it works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I much prefer to use this app.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 13-32 per ride.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars . Prices start around 700-800 THB per day.

Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter) as I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem.

Solo female travelers will feel safe here (Thais are very respectful), though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Thailand is very safe for women but, since I’m not a female traveler, check out some female bloggers who can provide a better perspective.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams to avoid you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand!

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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17 things you need to know before visiting Thailand

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Thailand is one of the easiest places to travel in Asia, but there are some top tips that first-time visitors should know © Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

Thailand has a deserved reputation as one of the easiest places to travel in Asia. There’s an amazing amount to see , hassles are limited, English-language signs and menus are commonplace, and you can get around easily at almost any time of day or night. 

However, there are a few things every traveler should know. Here are our top tips for making the most of your trip. 

1. Rainy season varies depending on where you are

The June to October rainy season brings heavy showers and regular storms to northern, central and southwestern Thailand, creating dangerous conditions for travel by sea. The southeast coast and the Gulf of Thailand get soaked slightly later, from October to December. 

Rainy-season travel means lower prices and smaller crowds, but some accommodations close and many island ferries stop running, including services to the Tarutao archipelago . If this is when you decide to visit, you'll definitely want to pack some kind of wet weather gear.

2. Check for recommended vaccinations

You’ve probably already been jabbed for COVID-19, but most doctors also recommend vaccination against tetanus and hepatitis A. Also consider a rabies shot – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry the viral disease. Malaria is present along the borders with Laos , Cambodia , Myanmar and Malaysia . If you visit these regions, use anti-malarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline. 

3. Sensible travelers to Thailand book ahead

If you have your heart set on a particular boat journey, train trip, trek, tour or boutique stay, book ahead for the busy tourist season from November to March or during any religious holiday. During the rainy season, call or email ahead to check if places are open.

4. Follow local etiquette when meeting Thai people

When meeting locals in Thailand, the standard greeting is the wai – a respectful dip of the head with the hands held palms together in front of the chest. Don’t shake hands unless the other person initiates the handshake. If you get invited into a Thai home, remove your shoes before you enter and avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards another person. 

5. Be respectful of Buddhism, a part of everyday life in Thailand 

Some 95% of Thais are Buddhist, and the national religion weaves through every aspect of life. To show proper respect, remove footwear before entering any Buddhist structure, and wear clothing that covers the shoulders, upper arms and upper legs. 

Never point the soles of your feet towards any Buddhist image (or monk), and don’t touch Buddha statues on the head. Give way to monks when walking on footpaths, and don’t sit next to them on public transport. It is also taboo for a woman to touch a monk or their belongings.

6. Dress modestly

Thai women and men usually avoid revealing outfits that show off a lot of skin. Swimsuits are fine for the beach, but away from the sand, throw on a sarong or fisher's pants, plus something that covers the shoulders if you visit religious sites. Topless or nude sunbathing is frowned upon and can attract unwanted attention.

7. Show respect for the king and royal family

The Thais take respect for the monarchy extremely seriously, and lèse-majesté (maligning the royal family) is a criminal offense. Never show disrespect towards the monarch or depictions of the royal family (including on money). 

8. Know what to expect at the dining table

When dining out in Thailand, everything tends to arrive on the table at the same time, usually placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Thailand abandoned chopsticks in the 19th century. You’ll get a spoon and fork but no knife – but most dishes come as bite-sized morsels, so you won’t need one. Sticky rice is usually bundled up into balls and eaten with the fingers. 

9. Vegetarian is a relative term in Thailand 

Fish sauce, oyster sauce and egg are widely used as cooking ingredients in Thailand. The safest bet for people who don't eat fish or meat is to seek out Indian-owned vegetarian restaurants, or restaurants serving kin jay Buddhist cuisine. If in doubt, ask the person making the food if it is jay  – the term ​​ mang sa wirat just means food that doesn’t contain pieces of meat or fish but doesn't mean it's necessarily suitable for vegetarians. 

10. Health risks include stomach bugs, mosquito bites and rabies

The most common trouble travelers face in Thailand is trip-spoiling stomach bugs. Never drink tap water, wash your hands before eating, stick to busy eating establishments and be cautious of ice, unwashed or unpeeled fruit and uncooked vegetables. If you become unwell, seek out private hospitals in larger cities rather than public hospitals.

Mosquito bites can easily become infected in Thailand’s tropical climate. Bring mosquito repellent, and use mosquito nets (or bring your own). Rabies is another risk – always seek medical attention if you are bitten by a dog, cat or monkey. 

11. Smart travelers steer clear of drugs in Thailand 

In June 2022,  marijuana and hemp were removed from the Category 5 narcotics list in Thailand. However, there are still restrictions and smoking marijuana in public is not recommended.

Crossing borders with Class A drugs carries the death penalty, and even the possession of small quantities can bring a hefty prison sentence – it’s really not worth the risk. Also note that smoking in public can attract heavy fines. If you take any prescription medicines, check that these are allowed into Thailand before you travel. 

12. Prices may well be inflated for tourists

In general, Thailand is hassle-free, but tourists are often charged inflated prices for tuk-tuks and unmetered taxi rides – ask a local how much journeys should cost and use that as a yardstick for a fair fare. 

Major tourist sites are popular stalking grounds for cab drivers and touts who will try to steer you towards dubious souvenir shops, fake "tourist offices" and second-rate places to stay, where you’ll inevitably pay more to cover their commission. Book transport directly with the operators to avoid dodgy deals from unscrupulous travel agents. 

13. You may be approached by sex workers

Thailand’s sex industry may find you whether you want it to or not. Single male travelers (and even couples) can expect to be approached by sex workers or touts drumming up business, so be ready with a firm refusal. 

Be aware that some bars, restaurants and karaoke venues are fronts for sex work – warning signs include red or pink strip lights, large numbers of skimpily dressed female staff and lots of foreign male customers.

14. Political protests can be tense and are best avoided 

Thailand can have a lot of protests. When tensions flare up between the government and opposition groups, it can lead to blockades, flight cancellations and sometimes violence. Monitor local news sites such as the Nation for information on simmering political troubles, and avoid protests and other potential flash points.

15. Some governments advise against travel in Thailand’s south 

The far south of Thailand, along the Malaysian border, has been wracked by a separatist insurgency since the 1940s. Most foreign governments advise against travel to the districts of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.  

16. Be very cautious when riding a scooter

Thousands of travelers rent a scooter or motorcycle in Thailand, but make sure your home driving license covers you for any vehicle you hire, and carry your passport (or a copy of the ID pages) in case the police ask for it.

Wear a helmet, ride cautiously and make sure the rental comes with liability insurance – every year, hundreds of tourists are injured in motorcycle and scooter accidents in Thailand. Always give way to larger vehicles, and watch out for livestock, potholes and other hazards on the road. 

17. Follow local advice if there's a natural disaster

Thailand is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as flooding, landslides and cyclones during the rainy season. Heed official advice in the event of a natural disaster, and contact your embassy for up-to-the-minute information on evacuation procedures. 

This article was first published January 2022 and updated October 2023

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Thailand Travel Tips: 16 Things to Know Before Visiting the Land of Smiles

If you haven’t already been to Thailand , it’s probably been high on your bucket list for quite some time. Known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you’ve undoubtedly pictured yourself sipping on a fruity cocktail while gazing out at the turquoise blue water on a little island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

Not only is this vision pretty accurate, but you’ll also find Thailand to be an easy place to travel. Most people speak at least a little English, and accommodations are relatively inexpensive. They also offer air-conditioned buses and low-cost airline carriers to transport you anywhere you want to go!

Thailand really is a dream tropical paradise vacation. But it doesn’t come without its own unique challenges as well. Read on to learn all about our Thailand travel tips and the things that you’ll definitely need to know prior to your trip to Thailand so you’re prepared for anything!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Thailand Travel Tips: 16 Things You Need to Know Before You Go!

1. avoid the scams in bangkok.

There are a few scams that are prevalent in Thailand that you’ll need to be aware of before your trip. Most of them are what you’d expect in any large city so as long as you keep your wits about you and use common sense, you’ll be just fine.

When you’re walking around Bangkok, especially near the Grand Palace, you may be approached by a seemingly friendly local who asks where you’re going. When you tell them your destination they’ll say, “oh it’s closed today” or “you’re not dressed appropriately to enter”, and then offer to take you to another attraction. They are lying because they want to act as your very costly tour guide. Just ignore them and continue on your way to your original destination.

You should never get into a cab or a tuk-tuk without first agreeing to a price. Unfortunately, the cab drivers in Bangkok are especially unwilling to put tourists on the meter (even in areas around the mall that are strictly meant for metered taxis). If you just want the thrill of riding a tuk-tuk once, just be sure to negotiate the price ahead of time. But we’d recommend skipping both altogether and downloading the Grab app ( iPhone | Android ) – it’s the Uber of Southeast Asia.

2. Take a Grab

As mentioned above, Grab is the Uber of SE Asia and will make it exponentially easier for you to get around the larger cities in Thailand. Many taxi drivers in Thailand don’t speak fluent English. As such, communicating your destination and then ensuring that your ride will be on the meter is pretty difficult.

With Grab, you just set your pick-up and drop-off points and the app shows you your ride price. You can pay in cash or add your credit card details to the app. We would recommend downloading it ( iPhone | Android ) before you even arrive in Thailand. This way you can use it as soon as you land in Bangkok.

Technically, Grab is illegal in Thailand (although you wouldn’t know it by how many drivers there are) so your driver may ask you where you’re from, just in case they get pulled over. That way they can just act like they are hanging out with their old American friends!

If you want to play it safe, just use the Grab app to call a GrabTaxi – you’ll be guaranteed to be put on the meter and you won’t have to worry about paying cash.

It’s also possible to rent a car and drive in Thailand . Lots of visitors do so to explore the northern areas of the country around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to drive yourself around Bangkok unless you have nerves of steel and cat-like reflexes!

3. Keep Your Purse Close

Violent crimes against tourists in Thailand are extremely rare. But unfortunately, purse snatching and pickpocketing are becoming more common, especially in Bangkok. Motorbikes will often speed by unwitting tourists and either yank their purses off their arms or cut through the strap.

If you choose to carry a purse, opt for a crossbody bag and wear it in front of your body. If you prefer to keep your valuables in your pocket, it’s best to choose shorts or pants with pockets that button close. And always keep your passport safe and sound in your hotel room.

4. Avoid Sex Tourism

I traveled alone to Chiang Mai back in 2013 and I wanted to have a glass of wine at a bar one evening. As I was walking around, I noticed that every bar on one street had Thai women in skimpy dresses sitting alone at tables in front of each bar. I later learned that old foreign men drink at these bars so that they have Thai ladies to flirt with them while they pay for overpriced drinks.

Comparatively, that’s innocent compared to some of the other sex tourism attractions around Thailand – ping pong shows that end with live sex onstage, strip clubs where the girls wear numbers so you can easily choose the one you want, and massages with happy endings.

These girls are generally not engaging in this industry of their own free will and are not being treated well. Avoid all of these establishments and hopefully, they will cease to exist in the future.

5. Beware of Animal Tourism

When I first visited Thailand back in 2013 , elephant riding and tiger petting were MUST-DO tourist attractions. But over the years, the mistreatment of animals has come into the spotlight and it’s definitely something to avoid during your trip.

But you don’t have to avoid elephants altogether! There are plenty of companies in Chiang Mai that allow you to feed, bathe, and generally hang out with elephants (for an exorbitant price) without actually ever climbing on their backs for a ride. Most tout themselves as “rescue organizations” which we find a bit difficult to believe. Are there really enough wounded wild elephants wandering around Thailand to supply the dozens of organizations? Doubtful.

Do your research to find a reputable elephant organization and avoid any that advertise elephant riding or elephant shows. We had a great experience with Maerim Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

6. Count Your Change

Another possible scam that you might run into is getting incorrect change back from street vendors. Keep small change on you and be sure to count your change – just in case!

I’m realizing as I write this that I may be portraying Thai people as horrible scammers. And that is not the case at all! Most Thai people are incredibly warm, friendly, and happy to interact with foreigners. But unfortunately, as with every country in the world, there are a few bad seeds.

7. Cash is King

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (pronounced “bot”) and at the time of writing, the conversion rate was about 30 THB to $1 USD. And unless you’re spending your entire vacation holed up in a luxury resort, you’ll be hard-pressed to find very many establishments that take a credit card.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ATMs at the airport and around town so there’s no reason to get cash before actually landing in Thailand. We always highly recommend applying for a debit card that will refund your international ATM fees and the one we use is from Charles Schwab.

We also love traveling with our Chase credit card because they offer stellar customer service and some great travel and purchase benefits!

8. Bring Your Own TP

It’s not totally uncommon to encounter a few squatty potty toilets around Thailand. Many of them have a water hose hung on the wall nearby rather than any actual toilet paper. And the water squirter is actually quite effective so you may find that you prefer it during your trip. But most foreigners prefer to have at least a little toilet paper around to clean up after.

There are plenty of street vendors selling small packs of tissues all over Thailand. You can also purchase them in the 7-11s on pretty much every street corner. Keep a pack in your bag at all times, just in case.

9. Only Engage in Friendly Bargaining

We’ve visited around 60 countries over the years and I always like to have at least a few treasures from every single one of them. Thailand is probably the most entertaining country that I’ve shopped in. Friendly, good-natured bargaining is expected and welcomed, and if you have fun with it, the Thais will too.

When you’re quoted the first price they often find it funny if you respond with a shocked look and say “ pang! ” Or more like “ paaaaaaang! ” which means “expensive” in the Thai language. They’ll usually laugh, shake their head no, and respond “ my pang! ” meaning “not expensive”. At that point, you can respond with a cheaper price, and hopefully, you meet somewhere in the middle.

Negotiations can get stressful – especially if you really want something and they won’t budge on the price. Never get angry and remember that you’re probably only haggling over a couple of dollars. If you really want it, just buy it, otherwise, walk away.

10. Respect the Royals

Thailand is a monarch kingdom and similar to the United Kingdom, they have a beloved royal family. The current king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, came into power in 2016 when his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away. Known as King Bhumibol the Great, he reigned over the kingdom for 70 years and 126 days, the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.

The Thai people LOVED King Bhumibol and the country literally went into mourning for a year when he died. You’ll see photos of him (as well as the new king) everywhere – along city streets, in temples, and hung in frames in restaurants and hotels.

It’s best not to speak ill of the royal family, not only because Thai people absolutely love King Bhumibol, but also because the royal family is protected by an anti-defamation law. So scrutiny of them in speech or in writing is technically illegal. And you definitely don’t want to see the inside of a Thai prison.

11. Avoid Any Illegal Activity

Speaking of Thai prisons, have you seen the movie Brokedown Palace ? It’s about two women who get caught smuggling drugs and get sent to a prison in Thailand. It’s loosely based on the true story of Patricia Cahill who was arrested in July 1990, sentenced to 15 years, but released after only three.

Thailand did recently legalize medicinal marijuana , but recreational use is still illegal, and drug trafficking (including marijuana) is punishable by death in Thailand!

If you have any plans to purchase or partake in any drugs or other illegal activities during your trip, watch this movie first. It’s horrifying and I promise you don’t want to end up in a Thai prison.

12. Dress Appropriately in Temples

Thailand is not a conservative country by any means. So you won’t need to worry about what you are wearing on any particular day unless you are planning on visiting any temples. If you do, you’ll need to make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered and that you remove your shoes before entering. This goes for both men and women.

Some temples in Thailand do have sarongs available at the door to borrow if you need one, but it’s best to keep a scarf or something in your bag to cover up.

13. Mind Your Feet

Thai people consider feet to be the dirtiest part of the body and seem to be especially disgusted by shoes. So not only will you need to remove your shoes before entering a temple, but also when you enter someone’s home and oftentimes at places of business.

It is also considered very impolite to point your feet at anyone, ESPECIALLY if you point your feet at Buddha. You’ll see people seated at temples with their legs bent to one side and their feet facing away from Buddha. You should also never prop your feet up on a table or another chair.

14. The Buddha Image is Sacred

You’ll probably see signs all over Thailand with photos of various Buddha-related treasures that you might want to purchase during your trip. And you’ll see a giant X through them. This is the government’s not-so-subtle way of reminding tourists that Buddha is a sacred symbol in Thailand and not meant to be used as your plant holder.

Technically there is a Customs Act in Thailand that restricts the export of certain goods unless you have written permission or a license. The penalties include confiscation of the goods, a fine, and possible imprisonment. And any and all Buddha images are included in the list of “restricted items”. Also included are goods that feature the Thai flag, any fake currency, drugs, and any goods that counterfeit goods infringe on intellectual property.

That being said, the law about not exporting images of the Buddha is typically ignored, and you’ll quickly realize that there are Buddha statues, carvings, and paintings for sale all over Thailand.

We have been to Thailand many times and have purchased Buddhas of all shapes and sizes in the past. We have never had any trouble returning home with our new treasures, but it is something to be aware of in case you encounter a cranky Thai customs agent or your bag gets searched on your way out of the country.

15. Alcohol Sales are Restricted

In Thailand, alcohol sales are limited to the hours of 11 am – 2 pm and then again from 5 pm until midnight. You’ll find that convenience stores won’t allow you to purchase beer, wine, or liquor during the restricted times of 2 pm until 5 pm and then again after midnight and most restaurants and bars won’t either.

We’ve tried to around as to why this is the case and the answer that seems to be the most common is that kids get out of school around that time. And unsupervised kids can be rather naughty. So the Thai government is making an attempt to keep kids sober and somewhat behaved.

However, this is still Thailand, which can seem lawless at times. So it’s very likely that you can find someone who will sell you booze at any hour of the day. You may just have to patron a smaller mom-and-pop shop rather than a 7-11.

16. Show Respect with the “Wai”

You should most certainly at least attempt to learn a little of the Thai language during your trip to Thailand! The locals love it when you at least give it a shot.

To say “hello” if you’re a woman, it sounds like “ saw-wad-i kaaaa ” (and they really drag out the kaaaaa with a nasal intonation). And if you’re a man it sounds like “ saw-wad-i kap “. To say “thank you” as a woman, you’ll say “ ka-pune-kaaaaa ” (again with the long kaaaaa and nasal intonation). And similarly, for a man, you’ll say “ ka-pune-kap “.

It’s pretty easy to master quickly and you’ll hear both of those all day every day. If you’re too embarrassed or shy to break out your newfound Thai language skill, simply press your palms together like you’re praying and bow slightly. This is known as the “wai” and it serves as a respectful Thai greeting. If you greet with the “wai” you don’t need to say anything at all!

Did we miss any Thailand travel tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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• Thailand Travel Tips To Plan A Safe And Hassle Free Trip In 2024

26 Jun 2023

Thailand is the land of beautiful beaches, watersports, half moon parties , luxury resorts, delicious food and much more. A trip to Thailand is the perfect escape for beach bums and leisure seekers. All you need is a guide of  Thailand travel tips  to plan a safe and hassle-free trip. Once things are sorted as per these tips, your Thailand vacation is going to be a total blast!

11 Thailand Travel Tips

Go through these travel tips for Thailand below, which is a foolproof cheat sheet for packing, documents, safety, shopping, social behavior and everything else(almost) in Thailand.

• What To Pack
• Currency And Documents
• Safety Tips
• Social Etiquette
• Shopping Tips
• Nightlife Tips For Tourists In Thailand
• Transportation Tips For Commuting Within Thailand
• Important Thai Phrases

1. What To Pack

• Scarves and stoles – for covering your head when visiting the temples.
• Your prescribed medicines – there is a chance you still might not get the one prescribed by your doctor.
• Sunscreen and beach hat – for times you will be visiting the beaches and enjoying watersports in Thailand .
• Trekking shoes, torchlight, re-hydration sachets and powerbank.

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2. Currency And Documents

• Carry at least 5,000 Baht per head in cash for visa and other local expenses.
• 2 passport size photographs are required for visa application. The background must be light coloured, and there has to be 70 percent of face coverage.
• Along with original passport and flight tickets, keep hotel vouchers and agent’s contact details handy.
• Make sure that the passport has at least one blank page, and is valid for the coming six months.
• Activate international calling in your SIM card or opt for local SIM cards sold in Bangkok and Phuket airports.
• Ensure that your debit/credit card is international. The bank may charge some fee for transactions.
• If you use odd amounts to withdraw from ATM, you’ll be able to get change. There are fair chances that if you withdraw 6000 Baht, you’ll get the cash in 1000 denomination, which would be tougher to break. If you withdraw 5900 Baht, you’ll be able to get small change.
• Carry 200 – 500 Baht per person in cash when going for Four Island Tours, Phi Phi Islands etc. This amount is paid as compulsory National Park Fee to the Thailand Govt. The payment is to be done right there, and cannot be done in advance.
• Keep a scanned and hard copy of the travel documents. Hard copy of the hotel and other bookings come in handy in case there is no internet access for any reason.

Suggested Read: 24 Exotic Places To Visit In Thailand For Honeymoon

3. On Arrival

• If you’ve booked a TravelTriangle tour package, check your voucher to know the gate number shown.
• Always be on time if you’re opting for SIC airport (Seat-in-coach) transfers. If you’re late, you’ll have to wait for another two hours to get the seat. In Bangkok. The service starts every day at 8 am and takes place every 2 hours till 6 pm. In Phuket, it starts at 8 am and continues till 5 pm.
• If you’ve opted for private transfers while booking through TravelTriangle, there is no slot timeframe for the same. However, private transfers take place between 5 am to 11 pm. So, in case the traveler reaches at 3 am, and wants a cab immediately, he has to arrange one on his own expenses.
• Emergency contact number is provided on TravelTriangle voucher, on which you can call in case your drive doesn’t arrive for pickup. The other alternative is to call the travel agent if the emergency contact number is not able to assist you.
• On reaching the destination, verify your vouchers with a local guide to avoid any confusion or miscommunication. In case the vouchers and inclusions provided do not match-which is least likely-contact the TravelTriangle travel agent.
• If you’re on a honeymoon in Krabi or any other Thai destination, inform your hotel staff. They’ll do their best to provide complimentary special services such as candle-light dinner, passes for an event, or room decoration. The services, however, differ from hotel to hotel.

Must Read: Thinking About Thailand In April? These Festivities In The Country Will Blow Your Mind!

4. Safety Tips

• Keep the contact numbers of TravelTriangle executive and travel agent handy, so you can get in touch with them in case you have safety queries regarding a destination you’re visiting in Thailand .
• If you’re traveling solo, avoid going to isolated beaches. This is one of the important Thailand tips as there are high chances of getting mugged.
• Nightlife in Krabi , Bangkok and Phuket is electrifying. But to keep safe, you need to adhere to general safety tips you’d adopt anywhere else; like not getting heavy drunk, avoiding dull-lit areas, and not leaving your drink unattended.
• In case you rent a car and the provider asks for your passport (for insurance or any other purpose), look for another rental company that accepts other IDs.
• Keep your cash in different places.
• Always register yourself in your country’s embassy before going to Thailand or other foreign country. This will allow your country’s ministry of foreign affairs to rescue you easily in case of any disaster.

Suggested Read: Koh Samui Nightlife Guide: Pubs, Bars, & Beach Parties

5. Social Etiquette

• Do not talk about the king in a disrespectful manner. He is dearly loved by the citizens, and they’re very sensitive when the conversation is about him.
• Wai is a Thai gesture of holding both hands in prayer position and bowing. This is an important part of their culture, used for greeting someone. Whenever someone greets you with a Wai, do the same with a smile.
• Never touch anyone’s head, or point/touch them with your feet. Head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the opposite goes for the feet.
• Take your shoes off before entering temples or someone’s place.
• When visiting sacred places, dress appropriately, and cover your head.
• When in Thailand, you’ll come across monks, and get chances to interact with them. The monks are generally friendly, but touching them is something that’s frowned upon; especially if you’re a woman.
• Everyday at 8 am and 6 pm, the national anthem is played in public areas. Everyone stops whatever they’re doing and stands still till the anthem is over. Show respect to their country by doing the same.
• Know about the festivals in Thailand in advance. Research about the events/festivals that’ll take place when you’ll be in Thailand.

Must Read: 24 Exciting Things To Do In Bangkok

6. Food Tips

• If you’re looking for cheaper food, go to the less touristy areas. Not only could they be cheaper, but also less crowded.
• Local food is often cheaper and tastier as compared to a global fare.
• If you’re a vegetarian, notify the restaurant before placing the order.
• If you’re on a street food walk, choose the vendors who prepare the meal in front of you. This way you know, what is going in it.
• When trying new dishes, ask the waiter about the ingredients. If you are allergic to anything specific, tell them clearly beforehand.
• Eating with a fork is considered rude in Thailand. Fork is mainly used for pushing the food to the spoon.

Suggested Read: Water Festival Thailand: Your Personal Guide To Soak In All The Cool Thai Vibes

Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

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7. Shopping Tips

• For negotiating in the local markets of Thailand, learn a little of Thai. This Thailand tourist advice will go a long way if you’re a shopaholic as there is plenty of scope for bargaining here.
• Browse through the market first and then pick what you want. Chances are you might get a cheaper, better alternative.
• Make sure carry some cash as credit cards might not be accepted everywhere. E.g. Street vendors do not have any provision to take payment through card.

8. Nightlife Tips For Tourists In Thailand

• If you’re planning enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok and other Thai cities, get in touch with the staff to know the dress code, if any. Most prestigious clubs do not allow casuals, like flip flops and T – shirts.
• Nightlife in Thailand isn’t merely about parties. There are markets, night cruises, cabaret shows, night food-walk, and full moon parties in Thailand that you can indulge in. Do your research to explore the options.
• Do not get into drugs! This is among essential Thailand travel tips as many tourists think doing drugs here is okay. On the contrary, Thai laws against drugs are really strict. Many times there are undercover cops in the action.
• If you’re going for a party on any of the beaches of Thailand , wear shoes. There might be broken glass bottles in the sand that you’ll fail to see at night, and will of course get hurt if you step on it.

9. Transportation Tips For Commuting Within Thailand

• When traveling short distances, prefer bus over train. Some trains might get late, especially if Bangkok falls on route.
• Stay alert when buying bus tickets in Khao Sarn Road in Bangkok, the area is known for pick-pockets.
• If you want to reach somewhere quickly, don’t go for minivans.
• Always ask the price before getting on a Tuk Tuk. Else, you’ll be charged an unfair amount on deboarding.
• Don’t go for a Tuk Tuk driver who is standing in a group with other drivers. They decide upon a certain amount, that’s usually way higher than what’s fair. A Tuk Tuk driver already road, or standing alone is a better alternative.
• Click a picture of your vehicle when renting. Present this as a proof, if the renting person accuses of damage.
• Once you’ve gotten on a taxi, take your phone and tell you’re mapping the route. This way the drivers will be conscious and not take you through longer route, for bigger fare.

10. Important Thai Phrases

• Hello – Swasdi
• How are you? – Sabai dee ru
• Yes – Chai
• No – Mai chai
• Airport – Sanaam bin
• Thank you – Khob khun
• I can’t speak Thai – Pood Thai mai dai
• How much? – Nee tao rai
• Can you give a little discount – Lot noi dai mai
• I don’t understand – Mai kow jai

11. Money Saving Tips

Image Source

• Keep a track of your expenses by keeping all the reciepts and entry tickets as many times as possible.
• Take out money from ATM’s in large amounts as it costs much more than before.
• Try to avoid riding on expensive taxis and switch to shared taxis.

Further Read: 25 Exciting Things To Do In Bangkok In 5 Days With Friends Under 30K

These are some of the best travel tips for Thailand that you should have a look at! Already excited to explore the country? Get packed, plan your Thailand vacay and leave right away! One last tip, stay carefree, but stay alert! For any assistance, you can get in touch with TravelTriangle through toll-free number – 1800 1235555, or mail your query to [email protected].

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Planning a Trip to Thailand in 2023? Here Are our Top 10 Travel Tips before jetting off!

by Giles | October 10, 2023 | Travel Blogs

Thailand is a popular travel destination for many reasons – its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine are just a few of them. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2023, there are some important things you should know before you go. From travel tips to essential items to pack, this article will cover everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip to Thailand. So let’s dive in and start planning your dream vacation with some advice from your Thailand travel experts at Checkout Travel

1. Research the Best Time to Vis it

Understanding Thailand’s Climate: Thailand has a tropical climate, which means it can get very hot and humid. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less rain. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so prices may be higher and popular destinations may be more crowded. Visiting During the Shoulder Season If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which is from May to October. While there may be more rain during this time, it is still a good time to visit as the rain usually comes in short bursts and the weather is still warm. Plus, the lush greenery during the rainy season can be quite beautiful.

2. Get Your Travel Documents in Order

Passport and Visa Requirements: Before you can travel to Thailand, you will need to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents. This includes a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, as well as a tourist visa if you plan on staying for more than 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or you can get a visa on arrival at the airport. Make sure to check the latest visa requirements before your trip to avoid any issues. Other Important Documents In addition to your passport and visa, you may also need to bring other important documents such as travel insurance papers, vaccination records, and emergency contact information. It’s always a good idea to have digital copies of these documents as well in case you lose the physical copies.

3. Pack the Right Clothing

Clothing for the Tropical Climate When it comes to packing for your trip to Thailand, it’s important to pack the right clothing. As mentioned earlier, Thailand has a tropical climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is a must. Pack loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable in the heat. Also, make sure to pack a rain jacket or umbrella in case of unexpected rain showers. Clothing for Temples and Religious Sites 

In addition to your regular clothes, you will also need to pack appropriate clothing for visiting temples and other religious sites. This means clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Lightweight scarves or shawls can be useful for this purpose. Also, remember to pack a pair of socks as you will need to remove your shoes when entering temples.

4. Don’t Forget Your Travel Essentials

Health and Hygiene Essentials: In addition to clothing, there are some essential items you should pack for your trip to Thailand. These include sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the strong sun, and insect repellent will come in handy to protect you from mosquito bites. A reusable water bottle will save you money and help reduce plastic waste, and comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the many temples and markets in Thailand. Tech and Entertainment Essentials: Don’t forget to pack your tech essentials like your smartphone, charger, and power bank. You may also want to bring a good book or download some movies or shows on your device for those long bus or train rides. If you plan on taking a lot of photos, don’t forget your camera and extra memory cards.

5. Learn Some Basic Thai Phrases

Basic Greetings and Courtesies: While many people in Thailand speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Thai phrases before your trip. This will not only make it easier to communicate with locals, but it will also show that you have made an effort to learn about their culture. Some useful phrases to learn include “hello” (sawadee kha/krub), “thank you” (khob khun kha/krub), and “how much?” (tao rai).

6. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences

Understanding Thai Etiquette: Thailand has a rich and unique culture, and it’s important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting. For example, it is considered disrespectful to touch someone’s head, as it is seen as the most sacred part of the body. Also, make sure to dress appropriately when visiting temples or other religious sites – this means covering your shoulders and knees. It’s always a good idea to research the cultural norms and customs of the country you are visiting to avoid any unintentional disrespect.

Respecting Thai Customs and Traditions: In addition to understanding Thai etiquette, it’s also important to respect Thai customs and traditions. For example, when visiting temples, it’s customary to make a small donation. Also, when taking photos, make sure not to point your feet towards Buddha images as this is considered disrespectful.

Pic By Jag_cz

7. Try the Local Cuisine

Must-Try Thai Dishes: One of the best things about traveling to Thailand is the delicious food. Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh herbs and spices. Make sure to try some of the local dishes, such as pad thai, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice. You can find these dishes at street food stalls, local restaurants, and even in high-end restaurants. Exploring Thailand’s Street Food Scene: Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for recommendations from locals – you may discover some hidden gems! Thailand’s street food scene is particularly vibrant, with a wide variety of dishes to try. From spicy papaya salad to sweet coconut pancakes, there’s something for everyone.

8. Be Aware of Scams

Common Scams in Thailand Unfortunately, like many popular tourist destinations, there are scams in Thailand that target unsuspecting travelers. One common scam is the “gem scam,” where tourists are taken to a jewelry store and pressured into buying expensive gems. To avoid falling for scams, make sure to do your research and only book tours and activities through reputable companies. Tips to Avoid Scams Also, be cautious of strangers who approach you with offers that seem too good to be true. If something seems off, trust your instincts and walk away. It’s also a good idea to read up on common scams in Thailand before your trip so you know what to look out for.

9. Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots

Discovering Hidden Gems in Thailand: While popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are definitely worth visiting, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the tourist hotspots. Thailand has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from secluded beaches to charming villages. Consider taking a day trip to a nearby island or hiring a local guide to show you around. Supporting the Local Economy: Exploring off the beaten path not only gives you a more authentic experience, but it also helps support the local economy. By visiting less touristy areas and supporting local businesses, you can help contribute to sustainable tourism in Thailand.

10. Embrace the Slow Pace of Life

Enjoying Thailand’s Laid-Back Atmosphere: Last but not least, when visiting Thailand, it’s important to embrace the slow pace of life. Thailand is known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Take your time to explore, try new things, and soak up the beauty of this amazing country. Savoring Each Experience: Don’t try to cram too many activities into one day – instead, take your time and savor each experience. Whether it’s watching the sunset on a beautiful beach, exploring a bustling market, or enjoying a delicious meal, take the time to fully enjoy each moment.

Conclusion In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2023, there are some important things you should know before you go. From researching the best time to visit to packing the right clothing and essentials, these tips will help you make the most out of your trip. Remember to be mindful of cultural differences, try the delicious local cuisine, and embrace the slow pace of life. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Thailand. Here at Checkout Travel, we pride ourselves on our love of travel and expertise to guide and support you from the moment you send an enquiry  to making that booking and finally jetting off on that trip of a life time! In order to get those travel buds excited, here are some Thailand travel  packages  as just a tase of what we can tailor make just for you!

Happy travels!

Giles Clinton

Giles opened up Checkout Travel (Club Travel Fourways in those days) in 2003. He has travelled around the world, worked and operated in different facets of the travel industry and is passionate about researching and implementing new products and technologies. He completed his MBA in 2020 which has been successfully applied to many facets of the business. Giles is an avid cyclist, loves camping with his family and this adventure junkie’s best travel destination is South-East Asia. The next tick on his bucket list is to complete a journey across Bolivia’s remarkable salt flats. Giles is a director of the company as well as heads up the sales and marketing of Checkout Travel.

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11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting

Planning a trip to Thailand and looking for some travel tips? You’re in the right place! These are 11 Thailand travel tips for you to know before visiting the amazing country.

Even if it’s not your first time in Thailand, you may want to read these tips for travelling to Thailand – so you’re extra prepared and ready to go! (Also bonus tips at the end.)

Thailand is the most visited country in South East Asia and it’s also one of the most popular backpacking spots. With interesting culture, perfect beaches and delicious cuisine it’s hard not to resist a trip to Thailand – but there are some important travel tips for Thailand that you need to know before visiting.

In this travel tips Thailand guide, we’ll show you how to get around Thailand, what you should know before visiting, an introduction to Thai cuisine and more! Follow along so you’re fully prepared for your first trip to Thailand (and it will definitely make you more excited to visit) !

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Important Thailand Travel Tips

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Thailand Currency – Thai Baht (Compare the currency here )
• Sim Cards – TrueMove
• Apps – Grab & FoodPanda
• Thailand Power Voltage – Plugs A & C (220 V)

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is  between November and April . This is the dry season in Thailand and you have a higher chance of better weather with minimal rain. It’s possible to visit Thailand all year, however, the rainy season is from July to October which means your beach days may have a bit of rain.

How to get around Thailand?

Thailand has most of the normal types of transport you’ll find in a lot of countries. For fast travel, you can use flights to get around the country with airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai (plus many more).

The best way to get around the country is by bus, train or flight ! You can rent cars and scooters for daily travel or you can catch tuk-tuks or taxis whenever you need!

11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2024)

After reading these tips, look out for extra information at the end of the post! Enjoy our tips for Thailand travel and don’t forget to write them down for your trip to Thailand!

1. Prices in Thailand

We’re starting our Thailand travel tips with a rough guide on the costs in Thailand. As you have probably heard, Thailand is affordable to travel to, which is one of the many reasons why it’s so popular to visit!

If you’re on a budget, you can expect local Thai food to be your go-to meal every day, with Western dishes costing two or three times more. Here’s a breakdown of a few important costs whilst you’re travelling in Thailand.

• Fruit Shakes – ฿40-70
• Street Food – ฿50-90
• Thai Restaurants – ฿60-140
• Western Food – ฿100-300

Accommodation :

• Hostels – from ฿200 per night
• Budget Private Rooms – from ฿400 per night
• Mid-range Accommodation – from ฿650+ per night

Vehicle Rental:

• Scooter Rental – ฿150-200 per day

2. Be respectful of the Buddha statues and temples

When visiting any Buddha statues or places of worship throughout Thailand, make sure to always be respectful of their religion. This means dressing appropriately (covering the shoulders and knees), removing shoes when prompted and speaking with a low volume, especially around people who are praying.

Remember, these are places of worship not just points of interest for travellers. You should also not take photos of Buddhas with your back facing them (such as a selfie). This is considered disrespectful and unfortunately, we still see many photos of this happening!

3. Don’t wear shoes inside

Another one of our tips for Thailand travel is to take your shoes off when entering someone’s house or shop. In Thailand, it’s considered disrespectful to wear shoes inside the house. Most places will have a sign out the front, stating no shoes inside.

If you are ever unsure, simply double-check with someone before entering. This is especially important at sacred temples, statues and places of worship. But again, look out for signs!

4. Renting a scooter in Thailand

Can I rent a scooter in Thailand? This depends on what type of driver’s license you carry. For example, on the gov.uk website it states you need to acquire an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in order to legally rent and ride a scooter in Thailand. (Another one of the most important tips for travelling to Thailand)

If your licence and IDP both have the motorbike section stamped then you are good to go! We were pulled over by the Thai Police once as they were doing licence checks and we were thankful to have the correct paperwork with us!

Keep in mind, that the IDP needs to be acquired in your home country before travelling, these cannot be issued in other countries. If you do not feel comfortable riding a scooter, it’s best to not risk it without experience. It’s also against the law to ride topless, so don’t be ‘that’ person!

5. Do not disrespect the Royal Family

The Chakri dynasty is the current reigning dynasty of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is against the law to speak ill of, criticise or threaten the Royal family of Thailand. This also includes deliberately stepping on Thai currency (Thai Baht) as the King is pictured on the notes. Be sure to avoid this while travelling to keep yourselves out of trouble! This is definitely one of the more important things to know before visiting Thailand.

6. Watch out for Thailand Scams

Another one of our tips for travelling Thailand is to be extra careful with people selling you things that are too good to be true. Thai people are very friendly and usually some of the nicest people, however just like in other countries there will be a few ‘scammers’.

Be careful when taking taxis or tuk-tuk’s and agree on a safe price beforehand, their meter should never be broken and it shouldn’t cost the same price as your home country (it should cost less). If you’re not happy with the price, then walk away, they may even call you back with a better price!

A popular Bangkok scam is people telling you temples are closed and that they can take you to another one. So you hop in his tuk-tuk but they will take you to a random temple in a couple of hours, visiting all his friend’s shops trying to sell you things and of course, they will charge you for the ride in the meantime. The main problem was – that the temple was never closed!

When renting a scooter you usually have to leave a deposit of your passport or ฿2000. This is normal, however, some people try to take advantage by saying you scratched their scooter and they won’t give you your passport back until you pay $$$.

To avoid this – Make sure you take photos of your bike and helmet . Your photos are proof that the scratch was already there. We have never had this problem after renting many scooters in Thailand, but it’s good to be careful.

There’s also a fake baht scam – where someone swaps your real note for a fake one. Or in general, people trying to sell you things you don’t need, but they’re really good at convincing you that you need a ‘special gem’. We have never had any problems in Thailand as long as you know that these things happen, you’ll be very safe here!

7. Bring your own water-filter

Like many other countries in South East Asia, tap water is not really safe to drink. If you do, you may develop a stomach bug which nobody wants while travelling! This means that the country has to use filtered water or plastic bottled water. We always want to reduce the amount of plastic we use, so we carry a water filter around with us.

You can also find many water machines around Thailand, which usually cost 1 THB per litre. If you do use bottled water, which is widely available in all shops, such as 7-Eleven – Make sure to responsibly recycle the bottles and not litter anywhere !

Read more about water filters in our  eco-friendly travel products guide.

8. Using ATMs

All ATMs charge a fee of around 220 baht to withdraw cash, even with Starling / Monzo /Fee-free debit cards. Sadly, these ATM fees seem to be unavoidable as all banks charge a fee. As mentioned, even if you are travelling with a multi-currency bank card, such as Starling or Monzo , you will still be charged.

The best thing you can do is select “Continue without exchange rate” in order to get the best rate through your bank to save a bit of money each time you withdraw.

9. Be prepared to see a lot of street dogs (Soi dogs)

Generally, with any street animals, you should avoid stroking them due to bacterial illness or in very rare situations, rabies. Be careful when around wild animals (monkeys) or street dogs, as you don’t want to add a hospital trip to your Thailand bucket list. Street dogs in tourist beach areas are usually very friendly and may even have owners with or without a collar on.

10. Do not contribute to unethical animal tourism in Thailand

Yes, it is still a problem in 2024. Unfortunately, you are going to witness unfair Elephant tourism on your travels, as it is sadly still very popular and people are still paying for it.

Elephants are still chained and used for tourist rides and it’s not fair to the elephant. Many of the ‘sanctuaries’ and ‘orphanages’ are using elephants to make money instead of the main motive of saving elephants.

It’s just another way to label them to make them sound better than they really are. This is the same for tiger sanctuaries in Thailand. The best way to stop unethical animal tourism is to not contribute any money towards this.

Of course, some sanctuaries out there are 100% legitimate and are doing it for the right reasons. Be sure to do your research thoroughly before booking anything animal-tourism related. We can recommend visiting Lanta Animal Welfare in Koh Lanta if you want to learn about the amazing things they do for dogs & cats in the area.

11. The national anthem plays twice a day

In some public spaces, such as markets, you might notice that everyone comes to a standstill while the national anthem plays. If you happen to be here at this time, be sure to stop what you are doing throughout the duration of the national anthem out of respect. You can expect to hear this around 8 am and 6 pm daily.

More Important Things to Know Before Travelling to Thailand

After reading our 11 things to know before visiting Thailand, we have a few more Thailand travel tips for you to enjoy. It’s best to be prepared for your next trip to the land of smiles!

Get Travel Vaccinated

Before travelling to Thailand, double-check with your doctor what vaccines you may need to travel abroad. Vaccines to consider:  Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus; Typhoid & Rabies.

Is Thailand safe?

Yes! Thailand is considered safe for all types of travellers, almost 40 million people visit Thailand every year to enjoy the Thai culture and beautiful beaches. Of course, with any type of travel, it’s best to exercise your caution and always use your gut feeling to know if something doesn’t feel right.

Planning a trip to Thailand as a family ? Find out some tips on how to travel around Thailand with kids !

What to pack for Thailand

One of the best things to know before visiting Thailand is what to pack! You will need to pack for the summertime in Thailand as it will be hot! Remember if you don’t have something, you can always buy it in Thailand (Bangkok is full of malls). Here are a few things we recommend you should pack!

• Sarong (to cover up for temples)
• Bring insect repellent or buy some in 7/11 (Mosquitos are almost everywhere! )
• As much sunscreen , you can carry!
• Water Filter (reduce your plastic consumption)
• International Drivers Permit (if you want to rent a vehicle)
• Padlock (for hostel lockers)
• Raincoat & Bag Raincover (lifesaver!)
• Universal Adaptor (Great if you’re travelling to more countries )
• Thin Laundry Bag (So easy to carry your laundry when getting it done)

What is Thai Cuisine?

Thai Cuisine is one of the reasons travellers keep returning to Thailand each year, there’s so much to choose from, and you will not be bored of Thai food. Here are a few of the most popular dishes here in Thailand:

• Drunken Noodles
• Red Curry, Green Curry, Panang Curry & Massaman Curry
• Papaya Salad
• Morning Glory
• Mango Sticky Rice

We have a few posts you might like about food in Thailand: Phuket Vegan Food Guide & Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui !

Festivals in Thailand

Another one of our tips for travelling Thailand is to focus your travels on a Thai holiday if you want to. Songkran is an awesome time to be in Thailand and you can dive deep into the Thai culture!

• Songkran! Songkran is Thai New Year and the world’s largest water fight. It’s usually around mid-April starting on the 13th but check here for the exact dates .
• The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (October)
• Chinese New Year (January or February)
• Loy Krathong – Lantern Festival
• Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai (November)

What to pack for travelling Thailand

Read on to find a few essentials we always have in our backpacks!

• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – We won’t go on a trip without our packing cubes!
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – The best way to drink Romania’s free drinkable tap water!
• Anker Power Bank  – A portable charger is always useful for those train journeys in Romania!
• Rain Mac in a Bag  – A lightweight raincoat to help with any rain on your 1 week Romania itinerary.
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor  – If you’re travelling to multiple countries, this is perfect!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  – GorillaPods are our favourite tripod to carry as they’re lightweight and can fit in a carry-on bag. They capture amazing photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our  Joby GorillaPod  and use it for our  Sony A600 . There’s also a version for a phone –  Joby Phone Tripod .

That’s the end of our 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand Travel Tips (2024)!  Enjoy Thailand and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

Check out our other  Thailand Posts :

• The Best 2 week South Thailand Itinerary (2024)
• 3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary: The Best Koh Samui Guide
• Ultimate Vegan Restaurants in Phuket – Vegan Food Guide in Thailand
• Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui, Thailand 2024
• Or browse our  travel blog  for more inspiration!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Didn’t know a lot of this, great tips. Love the Buddha photos and the dogs look happy!

Great post. Thanks for sharing it. I am more towards travel technology side.

Excellent blog and travel tips. Totally agree with the animal tourism and think these tiger zoos should be closed!

Thank you so much Andy! We’re happy you have the same thoughts! :'(

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Thailand Travel Tips – 32 Things to Know Before you Go

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: January 5, 2024

Thailand is the perfect introduction to long-term travel and backpacking and these Thailand travel tips will help you prepare for your first adventure to Southeast Asia. The land of smiles has a special place in our hearts. It was the first extended trip we traveled as a couple  more than 20 years ago and we have been back several times since.

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for decades and with good reason. The Thai People are some of the friendliest in the world, it has beautiful beaches, and exotic culture, historic temples and a lot of adventure. It has a strong tourism infrastructure, yet it is exotic and exciting enough to make you feel that you have stepped into another world. But when traveling to Thailand, there are many rules and cultural differences you need to know before you go. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to focus on having a good time in Thailand while traveling safely and responsibly throughout the country.

Table of Contents

Thailand Travel Tips

We put our heads together and made a list of all the Thailand travel tips we gathered from  visiting Thailand  over the last 18 years to help you plan your trip.

Thailand Quick Tips

• Thailand power voltage is : 220 V; Plugs A & C
• Thailand Currency : is the Thai Baht and is around 30 baht to 1 USD
• ATMs can be found everywhere but take out large sums at a time as Thailand banks charge a 150 baht ($5 USD) fee above and beyond your bank’s service charges.
• SIM Cards are easy to buy at the MBK Centre in Bangkok for your unlocked smartphones. Data is cheap and fast. We normally use a virtual SIM Card, but if staying for an extended period we like to purchase a local SIM Card, it is much easier.
• English is widely spoken in Thailand but it is nice to learn a few Thai phrases before you go.
• Thailand mainly has two seasons, rainy season and dry season. It is a tropical country that is hot and humid all year long.

Thailand offers a variety of visa options for travelers from Europe, America, and Canada, making it an accessible destination for tourists from these regions. Typically, tourists from these countries can enjoy free 30-day Visa entry when arriving by air and 15 days if arriving by land.

However, for those looking to stay longer or engage in specific activities like business or volunteering, there are alternative visa options such as the Tourist Visa (TR) or the Education Visa (ED), which can allow for extended stays. You can apply for these at a Thai Embassy in your country for an additional cost. . It’s essential for travelers to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before planning their trip, as rules and eligibility criteria may change over time.

1. Don’t Ride the Elephants

Elephants that are used for tourism and work have been abused and live in miserable conditions chained to poles. They are forced to walk in circles and have been broken to obey their mahouts. Instead of riding elephants, visit an elephant sanctuary where you want to witness retired tourist and logging elephants in their natural environment. They may never be released back into the wild, but at least they will live out their days in peace while having some freedom to roam.

• Read all about our Elephant Sanctuary Visit
• Also Read: The Human Elephant Conflict

2. Do Not Take Selfies with Tigers

I was surprised to learn that the tiger temples are still open. I knew of them when we first visited Thailand , but I assumed they closed long ago. But sadly, tigers are still being exploited in Thailand for tourists to take selfies with them.

The Tiger Temple outside of Bangkok has been closed down, but there are still dozens of places putting tigers on display to pose with tourists. You can read about it yourself here.

Unlike the elephant sanctuaries that are giving safe haven to retired tourist elephants, places like the Tiger Kingdom are raising tigers and tearing cubs from their mothers to be poked and prodded by tourists. They are not in a natural environment and they are kept in cages. Instead, go searching for tigers in their natural habitat like Altitude treks did in this post . (photo above courtesy of said post)

3. Cover up

Whether you are male or female, skimpy clothing is frowned upon. Especially when visiting temples and places of worship and in rural areas. Make sure to respect the culture and cover your knees and shoulders when entering a temple or wat. A sarong is a great item to carry with you. I’ve wrapped it around my waist to use as a skirt and put it over my shoulders to use as a shall.

Wearing long pants and long sleeves that are made of silk or lightweight polyester will keep you cooler than dressing in shorts and protect you from the hot sun and mosquitoes. So go for it, dress like the locals!

• Note: In beach areas like Phuket and Krabi and on hikes, it is fine to wear bathing suits and shorts, but when in cities and temples, cover up.
• Don’t be “that backpacker” that looks like an ignorant tourist knowing nothing of the places they visit.

4. Take Off Your Shoes

When entering temples, some shops, or private homes, take off your shoes. Flip-flops are a completely acceptable form of footwear in Thailand, and they are easy to slip on and off. A good rule is if you see a bunch of flip-flops at the door, this is probably a place where you should take off your shoes. Read more: 23 Fun Facts About Thailand – The Land of Smiles

5. Do Not Mention the King

Even though King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away, he was revered by the people and to show any disrespect could get you thrown in jail. When talking about the royal family, it is best to not bring him up at all or if you do, be positive. But isn’t that a good rule for life in general?

6. Eat with Your Spoon

Image by SoleneC1

The preferred choice of utensil for eating Thai food is the spoon. The fork is used to push the rice or meat onto the spoon and then put the spoon in your mouth. People do not stab their meat or veggies with a fork, they scoop it up with a spoon. Chopsticks are used for things like Pad Thai and other noodle dishes, but when sitting down to eat in Thailand, you will most likely have a fork and spoon only at your table setting. Read More: Best Thai Food – Traditional Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand or at Home

Food to try in Thailand, Curries with sticky rice, Pad Thai, green mango, and noodles. Read more about Thai food at Best Thai Food – Traditional Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand or at Home

7. Food Service is Slow

Another thing to be prepared for at Thai restaurants is that your food will never come out at the same time. If you order separate dishes they will come out when they’re ready meaning one of you is sure to get your food before the other. Someone may be finished eating, by the time the next plate comes out. Our advice, share it and eat family style like the locals.

8. Eat the Street Food

Thailand has some of the best street food in the world. It is cheap and delicious. Just be sure to follow the rules of eating abroad and you’ll be fine. If it is cooked you are good. If you can peel it, you are good. Usually, street food has such a high turnover, the food is fresh and delicious.

9. Don’t Rent a Motor Scooter – Unless you Have Experience

We often see tourists riding around on mopeds without helmets. They’re wearing tank tops and t-shirts and next thing you know they crash into the harsh reality of realizing they don’t have the experience that they think they do.

Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatalities records on earth and it is a hairy place to drive. You’ll be sharing the road with everything from tuk-tuks to transports, there are no rules and the roads can be quite bad. So, unless you really have a lot of experience on a motorcycle, hire someone to drive you instead.

10. Take a Tuk Tuk

That said, you still need to experience riding in a tuk-tuk once in your life. It can be overwhelming but taking a tuk-tuk ride is a rite of passage! Just be sure to agree on a price before you get in the Tuk Tuk and don’t let them talk you into stopping at any shops.

11. Watch out for Scams

Speaking of Tuk-tuks, watch out for the tuk tuk scam. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. That means they’ll be taking you around to perfume shops, antique dealers, jewelry stores, and anything else they can get you to buy.

Tuk-tuk drivers receive commissions from stores, so they will drive you all around the city except for the place you wanted to go in the first place. These tuk-tuk drivers can be really aggressive, so just say no.

Other Thailand Scams

• The fake baht scam – shopkeepers claiming you have paid with a fake note and then they exchange it with an actual fake note while inspecting it.
• The Gem Scam – random strangers telling you about bargains for gems until you think it’s too good of a deal to pass up. They are good at duping tourists.
• It’s closed today scam: When you are about to enter a famous Wat, someone will tell you “it is closed today”, but they “can: bring you to another temple that is just as good. Instead of going to a temple, you’ll be stuck going on a wild goose chase in search of jewelry and gems.
• See our full list of Travel Scams

12. Traveling Thailand

Thailand is cheap and easy to travel around. If you have a short amount of time, we suggest flying from place to place. If you don’t want to fly, the trains are efficient. We have often take overnight sleeper trains to places like Chiang Mai.

The buses are also good. Thailand has a lot of first-class sleeper buses that can get you from point A to point B. It’s easy to book at a travel agent anywhere in Thai cities and islands.

13. GrabTaxi App

We used to take tuk-tuks when looking for cheap transport around Bangkok and other cities, but now the way to go is with the app GrabTaxi.  GrabTaxi  is like Uber. It’s a similar service, just a different app.

It is much cheaper and you don’t have to barter with the drivers. It’s also far better for your lungs. A tuk-tuk’s two-stroke engine can leave you gasping from exhaust fumes in the hot sun.

14. Go Shopping

So on that note, go shopping in the markets. Thailand’s clothing costs haven’t changed much (in the markets, that is) since 2003! You can get sarongs, fishermen pants, skirts, and shirts for a couple of bucks. And the materials are so light, the extra clothes take up very little space.

15. Go to a Festival

When planning your travels, look into what festivals are happening and be sure to go. There are several festivals around the country throughout the year, but these are a few to possibly plan your visits around.

Thailand Festivals

• Songkran happens in April and is amazing! It’s the world’s largest water fight.  (all over the country)http://happens in November (Chiang Mai)
• Loy Krathong – Lantern Festival all around Thailand
• Yi Peng Lantern Festival – happens in November (Chiang Mai)
• The Vegetarian Festival is in October (Phuket)
• Chinese New Year (Jan or Feb)

16. Take Long Tail Boat

Long Tail Boats are a major way to get around in Thailand, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t take a ride on one somewhere. Luckily longtail boats are used in both the North and the South.

17. Protect from Mosquitoes

This is not to be taken lightly in Asia. We know more than one person that has caught Dengue Fever during our travels, so be sure to wear light-colored long sleeves and pants, wear insect repellant. If you are staying in hostels or cheaper guest houses, bring your own mosquito net.

18. Get Your Zen On

Things are a bit slower in South East Asia and you should start letting things slide off your shoulders from the moment you land. Schedules will most likely be behind, service will be slow, food will come at all different times and things will most likely not go as planned. So, get into that happy place and go with the flow, you’ll have a lot better time and a lot less stress.

19. Pack a SteriPen

You can drink the water in some places, but a lot of times you have to worry about old pipes even if the water is treated. While bottled water is an option, don’t contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem . Instead, pack a refillable water bottle and use a SteriPen to purify your water from the tap.

Most establishments use commercial ice that has been purified so it is often safe in reputable places. If in doubt, ask for no ice and drink out of the can or bottle.

20. Have a Valid Passport

This may seem straightforward, but make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before you leave your home country . Customs may not let you in if it is about to expire in the next few months or weeks.

21. Live the 5 Star Life

Even if you are on a budget it is worth it to splurge for a night or two at a five-star hotel. Thailand is the place where you’ll have the chance to live a five-star life on a mid-range budget. So go for it, you won’t be able to have the same experience downtown New York or in Tahiti, but Thailand has options for beautiful hotels that the regular middle-class American/Canadian can afford.

22. Never Touch Anyone’s Head

This may seem straightforward, but when I did a quick Google search to see what I missed, I saw this on many other lists. So, I’m putting it in because I guess some people lack common sense. I wouldn’t touch a stranger’s head period, but apparently, tourists need to be reminded not to touch someone’s head. I know people love to give kids a quick pat on the head, but even for children, don’t do it.

23. Do Not Purchase Buddha Statues

They are everywhere and you’ll be tempted to bring a Buddha home but to bring a Buddha image out of the country is illegal (unless you have a license) so instead stick to buying elephant statues like the rest of us.

24. Avoid Petting & Feeding the Animals

I know how cute they can look, but avoid feeding or petting monkeys, cats, and dogs. So as much as you want to let that kitten snuggle in your lap, it is best to give it space. And don’t feed the monkeys, they can become vicious and their scratches and bites carry disease.

25. Vaccines

Make sure you are up to date on your vaccines including rabies, tetanus, hepatitis, and typhoid. A lot can happen when traveling and vaccines help with extra protection. If you are bitten by an animal, see medical attention and if you have your rabies shot, you will still need to get additional shots, but at least you will have a longer time to get to the hospital. You may want to carry Malaria medication, Malaria is present in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and parts of Malaysia.

26. Have a Massage – Many Massages

Massages are cheap in Thailand and you can get a massage anywhere and they are heavenly. We’ve had cheap massages on the beach and massages in a five-star spa and all have been great! A Thai massage will work out all the kinks.

27. Full Moon Parties

For the ultimate party experience, you might want to go to a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. Every month, thousands of people head to the islands to celebrate. There’s a lot of drugs, drinking, and debauchery. Keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine, but be careful, things can get out of control. Be sure to book your hotel in advance, it fills up quickly on Kho Phangan during this time.

28. Pack a Padlock or PacSafe

When traveling on a budget in Thailand, we always bring an extra lock and a PacSafe bag protector. It adds extra weight but if you are staying in dorm rooms or questionable guesthouses, it is good to have peace of mind when you are out. We just wrap the cage around our packs and our electronics, cash, and camera gear

29. Explore Thailand’s National Parks

Thailand has 127 national parks and you must make sure to visit some of them to go hiking to waterfalls. There are bamboo rafting excursions, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and camping. Our favorites to visit were Doi Inthanon and Khao Sok.

30. Get Scuba Certified

If you have always wanted to take a scuba diving course, Thailand is a good place to do it Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn how to scuba dive. Popular places to learn to dive are Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket. Koh Tao certifies more people than anywhere in the world in diving. It’s filled with backpackers and good deals. Once you are certified, head out on a liveaboard to The Similan Islands. Operators run out of Phuket and Khao Lak.

31. Thailand is a Big Country

There is a lot to see in Thailand and even a month isn’t enough to take it all in. If you want to really take in the culture, we recommend going north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. If you are looking for beach life, head to the South Islands and choose a couple of different destinations. You can’t see all the amazing beaches of Thailand in one trip, but you can enjoy a few.

Our favorite islands of Thailand are:

• Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Samui
• Phuket Island is busy, but it is the biggest and we enjoyed ourselves there too.
• Railay in Krabi is attached to the mainland, but it can only be reached by boat, so it feels like an island.
• Koh Phi Phi is the epitome of what every one has seen on travel shows about Thailand.

32. Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

In cities and higher-end restaurants and hotels, there is toilet paper these days, but when going more off the beaten path, or to markets, you won’t find TP in the toilets. Carry your own tissues to be safe.

33. Go With the Flow

Thailand can be overwhelming and when you first go you can experience culture shock. But if you take a deep breath and give yourself room to change plans, you’ll be fine. It’s an exciting destination so relax and go with it!

And that is our list of all the Thailand travel tips you’ll need to know before you go!

Places are starting to take credit card. We found that we could easily pay with our card at many establishments. We like to pay as much as we can on card as ATM charge a large fee for withdrawl when using your debit card. It’s really annoying but each time we take out money we are charged 300 Baht which is $11 Canadian. That adds up fast.

35. What to Pack for Thailand

Pack as little as possible, you can buy what you need for cheap at open-air markets and it is cheap and easy to get clothing washed all around Thailand.

Packing List for Thailand

• flip flops – you will wear these all the time in Thailand
• sarong – this works great in a pinch for visiting temples and wats
• ear plugs  – It can be loud on transportation and in some guesthouses.
• We recommend hiking shoes as opposed to boots. Keep it lightweight, breathable and waterproof.
• Bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, a long skirt for women, long pants for men.
• Dry bag  – Protect your electronics on boat rides, rains and water festivals.
• pegless clothesline  – we often dry our bathing suits and sarongs at our beach bungalows.
• Sweater – Bus and train rides can be freezing with air conditioning blasting.
• Read more: Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)

When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand

he best time to visit Thailand can vary depending on your preferences and the regions you plan to explore. Thailand experiences three primary seasons: the cool, dry season, the hot season, and the rainy season. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Thailand for different parts of the country:

• This is generally considered the best time to visit Thailand, especially for travelers who want to explore multiple regions.
• The weather is cooler and more comfortable, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.
• Popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the northern regions are pleasant during this period.
• Beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are also ideal, with clear skies and calm seas.
• The hot season can be scorching, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) and often reaching into the 40s°C (100s°F) in some regions.
• If you can handle the heat, this can be a good time to visit the northern regions like Chiang Mai, where outdoor activities are still enjoyable.
• Beach destinations remain popular, but it’s important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
• The rainy season varies in intensity across the country, with the west coast and islands experiencing heavier rainfall.
• While this is the least popular time for tourism, it can be a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices on accommodations and tours.
• Some parts of Thailand, like the northern region, have less rainfall during this season, making it a suitable choice for travelers interested in cultural experiences and trekking.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool, dry season from November to February, which offers pleasant weather across the country. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind occasional rain, the shoulder seasons can also be enjoyable and budget-friendly. Be sure to check specific weather conditions for the regions you plan to visit to make the most of your trip to Thailand.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

If you are starting your trip in Bangkok check out our suggestions for  where to stay in Bangkok.

Sheraton Royal Orchard – We loved staying directly on the Chao Phraya River. Free boat shuttles to Skytrain and excellent amenities. Check out Availability & Prices TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort – Excellent luxury hotel overlooking the river. Complete with Infinity pool, traditional rooms and superb breakfast Check out Availability & Prices TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Tour Operators in Thailand

• Get Your Guide  – Offers great day tours and multi-day tours all over the world.
• Viator –  Viator is another excellent tour operator that offers day tours and multi-day trips that we have also used often and can recommend.
• Lonely Planet  – This is an excellent travel guide book to take with you through your travels in Thailand.
• TripAdvisor  – Compare and check out hotels as well as find reviews and book on TripAdvisor.

Budget for Thailand

• Budget:  You can find a number of backpacker hostels in the range of 250-700 baht per night. ($8 – $25 USD)
• Mid Range:  Expect to pay 1,500-2,750 baht ($50 – $80 USD) baht per night and enjoy extra amenities.
• High End:  Upscale hotels will range from 3,00-12,000 baht per night ($100 – $300 USD)

Food Budget

• Budget Travel: Expect to pay 90-150 baht per meal ($3 – $5 USD) in a restaurant
• Street food: 30-90 baht ($1- $3 USD) per dish for street food.
• High-end restaurants can range to Western prices to 450-600 baht ($15 – $20 USD)

Thailand Phrases – Quick Reference Guide

• Tuk-Tuk –  Three Wheeler motorcycle that is used as a cheap taxi.
• Songthaew  – Public transport. A pickup truck that has a covered box where passengers sit.
• Thai Greeting  – Bow your head and put hands in prayer position and then say “sawadee  ka”  (for women) or “sawadee  cup ” (for men)
• Muay Tai  – Is Thai Kickboxing
• Khoa San Road  – Bangkok’s most famous street. A Backpackers hub full of shops, bars, and cheap hotels.
• Wat  – A Buddhist monastery or temple

Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand

Is it easy to travel thailand.

Thailand has a very strong infrastructure for tourism and it is easy to travel on any budget. With a good tourist bus system, train system, and flights, internal travel in Thailand are organized and affordable.

What Should I avoid in Thailand?

Don’t take elephant rides , do not go to tiger temples. Avoid staying on Kho San Road, but definitely visit it.

What Should I Avoid in Thailand

We avoid drinking tap water in Thailand without purifying it first. We use a Steripen to purify our drinking water. Its ultraviolet light purifies water in seconds making it safe to drink.

Have you been to Thailand? What’s your best Thailand travel tip? We are always learning about new tips that pop up and we’d love to have you share them below!

Did you enjoy our Thailand Travel Post? Be sure to Pin it for Future Reference.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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19 thoughts on “Thailand Travel Tips – 32 Things to Know Before you Go”

“Awesome resource. I’m making travel plans to Thailand, and your advice are really helpful. I appreciate you giving such thorough guidance.”

I haven’t been to Thailand yet but I think I would be a mid-range traveller. This is such a helpful itinerary you’ve put together! Definitely saving it for future trip planning.

I can’t say enough about the motorcycle one. We went to Thailand and rode both street and dirt bikes. We were avid motorcycle riders and I am so glad when I was given a smaller dirt bike and street bike I just accepted what they gave me because they were perfect and although a well seasoned motorcycle rider, the smaller bikes were all I needed with the terrain of Doi Suthep and The Mae Hong Son Loop.

I wish I would have read this pre trip, we definitely fell victim to the Tuk Tuk scam.

Great post though.

Nice article,It’s really helpful for everyone planning to visit Thailand.It is not only focusing on tourist spot,we get a overall image of Thailand and how to make a trip amazing..this article is giving more importance to animals and our environment thanks for that.

Thanks! Very handy tips.

Thailand is a popular destination, so it’s important to keep your wits about you, as there are many people who will try to take advantage of unassuming travelers.

Waoo, Thailand is really awesome. I wish to visit there. Thanks for sharing such amazing images and information about Thailand. I appreciate your blog post.

Interesting information for the trip to Thailand, Know this before the trip sure trip will have so much to do.

I spent two months in Thailand this year and I miss that country a lot already! I spend most of the time in the north of the country and I’m still planning to go back to explore the south and the magic islands everybody seems to love so much 🙂 Thank you for putting this comprehensive list together. I sticked to most of these tips – except for petting animals… i couldn’t resist the cute eyes of cats in some places. But that’s my weakness all over the world 😉 Cheers!

I have no tips as I haven’t been there yet but I hope I can visit some day. Love the pictures!

Thailand the best country to visit. The food was amazing. We can shop lot of thing there. I wish to visit again. Thanks for you tips. It will make my trip much more comfortable.

So helpful for planning a trip to Thailand. I feel like sometimes the tuk-tuk and the cabs overcharge so Grab and Uber is the way to go

Very helpful for planning a trip

Great article. Thailand is now on the top of my list for my next vacation!!

Great place to visit. Everything is penned down nicely in the blog. I went to Safari Park. It is a mustvisit. Temples are amazing too.

Great tips! I’m so glad to see tip 1 and 2 are animal welfare related. I’m so glad we’ve had a shift of this as a society and that the word is getting out. Thailand is an amazing place to explore!

Helpful post! A perfect guide for those who are travelling for the first time.

Great and comprehensive list. As someone who lived for a while in Thailand, this covers a lot of the mistakes I see many tourists make, so hopefully, it will prepare people more. And, I couldn’t agree more on the motorbike rentals. All over SE Asia, you see tourists banged up and wrapped up after motorbike accidents because they are not used to driving one, particularly in the traffic and with the “rules” of the road in most of the countries.

Somehow I have yet to make it to Thailand. Shocking because it seems like so many people visit as their first trip abroad or especially their first trip to a different continent. I should probably change that since Thailand looks like a pretty great place to visit.

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Thailand Travel Tips 2024 - Must Knows For Travelers

Welcome to the land of Thailand, where ancient charm and contemporary flair harmoniously coexist. In this post, we will show you the Thailand travel tips which provide comprehensive insights for your first trip. We are sure that with our shares you will have an unforgettable experience on a journey to Thailand.

Is Thailand safe for tourists?

Perhaps many people are concerned about the multi-party system and the fear that political instability will make tourists unsafe. However, the good news is that Thailand is very safe for foreign tourists.

The best time for tourists to travel to Thailand

The weather in thailand.

From my Thailand travel tips, November to early April next year is the ideal time to travel to Thailand. This time of year is during the cool and dry season. Typical temperatures range from 29°C to 34°C. However, the climate varies depending on the region, so you can arrange the most convenient time to visit this country to experience many fascinating activities.  

The climate in the south varies between the eastern and western shores. The west coast is more pleasant in the winter when diving and snorkeling are at their best. Meanwhile, the weather on Thailand's east coast is pleasant most of the year. It rains less frequently in January and February and most often in November.

Year-round festivals in Thailand

Thailand is also very famous for its unique festivals, which attract many tourists every year. According to my Thailand travel tip, you can travel in the following months to immerse yourself in the joyful festival atmosphere.

• Chinese New Year in Chinatown (January, February)
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February)
• Songkran Water Festival in Thailand (April)
• Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival (May)
• Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in Loei (June)
• Fruit Festival (June and July)
• Ubon Wax Candle Festival (July)
• Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai (October)
• Scary Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (October)
• Buffalo Racing Festival in Chonburi Province (October)
• Loy Krathong Lantern Festival Thailand (November)
• Monkey Festival (November)

The interesting Lantern Festival in Thailand 

Things to know before going to Thailand

Tips about dressing .

Thailand is an Asian country located quite close to the equator, so the typical weather is hot and humid. 

Visitors in the adjacent country of Thailand will likely be familiar with this type of weather. Hence, you will choose clothes for a vacation for tourists from these regions.

Some tourists who come from colder places might not be familiar with this weather so the tip is that you should wear light and thin clothes. 

You should choose comfortable clothes 

Tips about how to spend money 

An important Thailand travel tip is that paying with cash is more common and easier to use than a card when you arrive in Thailand. Average 1 USD = 34.50 Baht

You should use cash to buy anything easily in Thailand  

That's why you need to prepare cash in advance to go shopping at the market or local eateries at tourist destinations. Don't worry too much because ATMs are everywhere. However, you will also need to notify your bank in advance so they do not assume that transactions in Thailand are fraudulent.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is the scam from street vendors because these people might give you incorrect change back. So that’s why you should always carry spare change and make sure that you count your coins just in case.

Things to know when traveling to Thailand

Thailand travel tips are what you need to know to respect the beauty of Thai culture and avoid awkward situations.

Tips about Thai culture 

Remove your shoes

You need to be careful when going in and out of temples, spas, other buildings, or people's houses.

The reason for these Thailand travel tips is that the feet are the dirtiest part of the body. Therefore, for the most convenience, you should wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Dressing politely

You should see many stunning temples in Thailand. When entering the temple, you must adhere to the clothing regulations. Your clothes should cover your knees, shoulders, chest, and stomach.

On other days, though, there are no restrictions on what you can wear. The best option may be light and delicate clothing because Thai people dress modestly.

Avoid touching other people’s heads

The head is known as the holiest part of the body, so it shouldn’t be touched. You may not touch someone's head, but be careful not to do anything you shouldn't.

Show respect with the “Wai”

You can learn a little Thai to communicate with the locals because they love it when foreigners speak their language.

Women pronounce "hello" as "saw-wad-i kaaaa" (and they linger on the kaaaa with a nasal accent). And it sounds like "saw-wad-i kap" if you're a man. The female equivalent of "thank you" is "ka-pune-kaaaaa" (again with the lengthy kaaaa and nasal tone). Likewise, you would say "ka-pune-kap" for a male.

People greet each other to show friendliness  

Respect the King

The King of Thailand has the same status as the god of the Thai people. Therefore, you must be careful not to say negative things about the king of this country. The king's image is emblazoned on many expressions of affection, including posters, monuments, symbols, and other items. 

Want to explore further? Check out our post about  travel guide to Thailand !

Tips about how to get around in Thailand

Traveling within Thailand is also very easy because this country has many convenient means of transportation for you to choose from. Following these Thailand travel tips, you will find out there are several types:

Tuk-tuk: The tuk-tuk will be a familiar image for tourists when mentioning Thailand. This vehicle is also regularly used by Thai citizens to go around. Fee: 10–20 baht (0.0.28–0.77 USD)

Taxi: This Thailand transportation will be a reasonable choice if you want to enjoy air conditioning and avoid the uncomfortable heat of Thai weather. Fee:  5 baht (0.14 USD)/km

Bus: A bus is also a reasonable option for you to travel short distances if you want to move from one city to another. Fee: 7–22 baht (0.20–0.62 USD). 

Songthaew:  Unlike Tuk-tuk, Songthaew can carry more people and follow a route like a bus. Fee: 10 to 20 baht (0.28 - 0.57 USD)

Everyone can choose the vehicle that suits their needs  

Tips about the budget  

Thailand offers abundant types of accommodation. However, budget-friendly guest houses or hostels can save you money without compromising comfort. On average, hostels cost between 6 and 13 USD per night.

Besides, you can savor the delights of budget-friendly explorations by finding the cheapest means of transport to travel. 

Advice about keeping safe in Thailand  

One problem that you can come across anywhere is theft. It is advisable to stay vigilant in crowded places, keep an eye on belongings, and be cautious of scams or pickpocketing, as with any tourist destination worldwide. Overall, with a little awareness and adherence to local customs, travelers can enjoy a safe and memorable experience in Thailand. 

The vast majority of crimes against foreigners in Thailand are still small-time offenses like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and tuk-tuk fraud. You have to keep in mind the scam from street vendors because these people might give you incorrect change back. So that’s why you should always carry spare change and make sure that you count your coins just in case.

As your journey through the enchanting landscapes of Thailand draws to a close, the memories of this extraordinary adventure will linger in your heart forever. With the invaluable Thailand travel tips shared in this guide, you will navigate the cultural wonders and embrace the local customs. We hope you have a great experience in Thailand! And if you are looking for Thailand and Vietnam package tour , don't hesitate to call us!

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Travelers guide to the amazing island of Phuket, find the best things to do, places to go, travel tips and advice.

Phuket Travel Guide Contents

Places To Go | Things To Do | Hotels & Resorts | Tours | Weather & When To Go | Getting There & Around | See & Do | Where To Stay | Day Trips & Excursions | Typical Costs | Money Saving Tips | Safety Tips | Recommended Resources | Transport | Travel Blog

Welcome to Thailand Travel Hub’s complete guide to Phuket, Thailand’s world-famous tropical paradise which attracts millions of tourists every year, and for good reason. Located on Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman sea, this incredible destination offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax on a secluded white sand beach, shop till you drop in a modern mall or Thai night market, or even indulge in the infamously hedonistic nightlife of Patong. With fantastic weather, delicious food, stunning beaches and friendly locals, a trip to Phuket is an experience not to be forgotten.

Discover the best hotels and resorts, the best beaches, the best activities and the best places to shop and eat on the island, along with our essential travel tips and advice, travel resources and booking information, all here in one place. Phuket has a vast array of accommodation options, with everything from the most basic hostel dorms to five-star ultra-luxury spa resorts, here you can find all the key information which you need to ensure that you choose the place that’s best suited to you. Wherever you choose to stay, Phuket is a great choice and you can look forward to an amazing holiday experience surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and crystal clear azure waters.

Places To Go View All

Kata Noi Beach

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Sirinat National Park

Wat Chalong

The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary

Things To Do View All

Merlin Divers Phuket

Smile Bar & Restaurant

Blue Tree Phuket

Leo & Mas Ristorante Italiano E Pizzeria

Hotels & Resorts View All

Baan Laimai Beach Resort

Price ฿2000 - ฿6000

The Yorkshire Hotel

Price ฿800 - ฿3500

Safari Beach Hotel

Amari Phuket

Price ฿ 5000 - ฿ 13000

Tours & Activities View All

Pawara: Thailand Liveaboard Diving Trip

Tour Destination Similan - Koh Bon - Koh Tachai - Richelieu Rock (Tablamu Pier - Tablamu Pier)

Price $142 / Day

Phuket: James Bond and Hong Island Luxury Sunset Cruise

Price Now Just $120.18

Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, and Maiton Island Day Trip

Price Now Just $91.55

Ferry Transfer Between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi

Price ฿300 / $9.86

Phuket Travel Guide Map

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Weather & When to Go to Phuket

Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket has three seasons; "cool", "hot", and "wet" (the monsoon season). But don't be deceived, the cool season is actually still hot, so a better description would be "hot", "very hot", and "monsoon". The best time to visit is undoubtedly between November and April when you will find that the conditions are optimal for enjoying the beaches and engaging in water-sports or boating activities, with a good amount of sun and minimal rain.

The cool season is November to February when you can expect average daily temperatures of 25°C. This is followed by the hot season from March to May, when you can expect temperatures of around 30°C, and the rest of the year, June-October is the monsoon season when you can expect temperatures of around 28°C. During the monsoon season, the rain can be torrential, heavy enough to make driving very hazardous, and it can stop and start very quickly. Despite this, visiting during the rainy season can still be fun as you will find fewer tourists and should be able to secure a better deal for your accommodation – but just make sure any plans you have are flexible to allow for the downpours.

How To Get To Phuket

Phuket is connected via two road bridges to the mainland in the Phang Nga Provence, although there are also speedboat transfers from Ko Hae, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. If you’re traveling from Bangkok to Phuket , there are several transport options from flights leaving Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airports, VIP buses from the southern bus terminal or Khao San Road, or a combination of train and bus from Bangkok's Hualampong train station.

Getting to Phuket by Plane – Flying is the easiest way to get to Phuket, with most travelers stopping at Bangkok before arriving at Phuket International Airport, although there are also many charter flights which fly direct from some international airports (especially in the high season). Budget flights from Bangkok start at around 700 baht ($23) each way but can cost considerably more if you book them last minute. Flights take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A good tip is to fly from the older, domestic airport called Don Mueang (DMK) as the fares will almost certainly be lower.

Getting to Phuket by Bus – Buses depart from both of Bangkok's bus terminals and arrive in Phuket around 13 hours later, costing you 600-1000 baht ($20-$33) per person. There are also numerous private tour buses which can be booked at hotels and travel agents in the capital which may be more comfortable but don't count on it. If you travel by bus never leave your valuables in any stowed luggage, things can and do sometimes go missing.

Getting to Phuket by Train – It is possible to go as far as Surat Thani by train, and then continue your journey to Phuket by bus, but this will take a long time and cost more than a budget air ticket so is not a great choice, but if you want to travel last minute and haven’t booked flights it could be an option. Trains depart Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station and arrive at Surat Thani 9-12 hours later at a cost of around 500 to 1500 baht ($16.50-$49) each way.

TTH Recommendation: There are many methods of transport you can take to get to Phuket and surrounding area, including Taxis, Minivans, Buses, Ferries and Flights . All can be booked in advanced and conveniently online. We highly recommend 12Go Asia , they have an easy-to-use booking system and helpful staff if you have any questions or queries with your bookings.

Check Transport Routes and Book Tickets on 12Go Asia

Getting Around Phuket

Once you've arrived on the island, there are many ways to get around. Phuket has a decent number of tuk-tuks, which look a little different to the tuk-tuks in the capital, the ones here are a little bigger and painted red. Be warned, though, for many years now, visitors and locals alike have complained about the prices which they charge, and it has been suggested that the drivers collude to keep the prices high – try to avoid using them where possible.

Taxi - Metered, air-conditioned taxis are a much better bet, however, they can be difficult to find and the driver may, as usual for Thailand, refuse to use the meter. If he does so, refuse the taxi and look for another as you will invariably end up paying at least double what the meter would have charged. There are public buses on the island which are good value, however, the network is radial with Phuket Town at the center meaning to go from one beach to another would require two buses and take longer than you would imagine.

Songthaew - Songthaews are the best compromise for most travelers, being cheap, convenient and safe. They are a little smaller than the ones you would see in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but they work on the same principle. Songthaew's run from Ranong Road in Phuket Town and on to Phuket's most popular destinations such as Chalong, Kamala, Kata, Karon, Makham Bay, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, Patong, Rawai, Surin and Thalang. Songthaew's do not have any bus stops, to get on just flag one down, then to get off, just ring the bell, your fare will be 15-40 baht ($0.49-$1.30) depending on distance. Fares start from 15 baht and a typical journey to Phuket Town from one of the main beach towns will cost around 30 baht. Songthaew's always return to their origin at Ranong Road in Phuket Town, so unfortunately you can't get a Songthaew from beach to beach. Songthaew's run from 7am to 6pm.

Motorbike - By far the most convenient way to get around is to hire a motorcycle. For 300 baht ($10) a day, you can go as far as you want and explore the island at your leisure. 60 baht ($2) will get you a full tank of gas, which will seem to last forever. A few key points though; only get a bike if you have a motorcycle license and are a confident rider as some of the roads can be treacherous. Always wear a helmet and never drink and drive, even if others appear to be doing it.

Airport Bus - An Airport Bus runs from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Town Bus Terminal, which leaves every hour starting at 7.30am to 9.30pm from outside the arrivals hall in the domestic terminal. You will need to look out for the orange bus, the fare is 100 baht. When you exit the arrivals hall just turn left to reach the pickup point. If you are going to Thalang, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Por Bay you can get off at Horoines Monument for a connecting bus. If your going to Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach or Rassada Pier you will need to get a connecting bus at the Phuket Bus Terminal.

Where To Stay In Phuket

Patong is the biggest and most developed part of the island, and for many people, it will be the best place to stay. It has a huge choice of accommodation, hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants, bars, pubs and by far the best nightlife options. It is also home to some of the island's best shopping, including the JungCeylon mall and many night-markets and small shops. Patong is fairly large, and a bit too big to be able to comfortably cover on foot, so hiring a motorcycle would be advised. The downside is that it is packed with tourists, especially on the beach, and can be quite noisy at night time.

Karon is a little more relaxed than Patong and noticeably smaller, but still has a lot of choice and variety with many restaurants and bars, and the nightlife is more subdued. The beach is not so packed and cleaner as a result, making Karon a great compromise for most travelers with the nightlife options of Patong still only 15-20 minutes away. It is a better choice for families as some of the Patong entertainment options are not quite family-friendly (with lady-boys and young girls walking around in bikinis in the evenings).

Kamala is smaller and quieter than Karon and can be covered on foot fairly easily. It is more relaxing and has a laid-back village feel to it, the northern end is the quietest, with most amenities being found on the Beach Road at the southern end. Kamala has a fantastic beach, which is quieter and cleaner than either at Karon or Patong, with noticeably fewer tourists. Kamala is only 15 minutes north of Patong, so if you want a more chilled holiday but still want to be within easy reach of extensive shopping and nightlife options, Kamala could be the place for you.

Kata consists of two beaches, Kata Yai (big Kata) and Kata Noi (small Kata), both of which are beautiful with clean, clear waters and white sands. Kata has many accommodation options and plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping options and all the amenities you could need during your holiday. There are also some lively nightlife spots, but nothing as in your face as Patong, which when combined with the great beaches makes this a popular choice for families. Kata could neither be described as quiet nor busy, but a happy compromise with some great value hotels.

Surin is a more upmarket destination with luxury, private resorts, with prices to match. A popular getaway for celebrities, the town itself has little to offer, with most amenities being provided inside the resorts themselves. There are a few high-end restaurants and cocktail bars attached to some of the resorts which are open to the public, where you can try some exquisite food from international chefs. Surin beach is very quiet but stunningly clean and beautiful, a welcome change if you want some peace and quiet.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town is very different to other destinations on the island, and although it doesn't have a nice beach, there is still plenty to see and do. It is a fully functioning Thai town and looks like many provincial towns around the country, and as such, you can see monks walking the streets in the early morning and Thai people going about their business during the day. Cheap accommodation is abundant, and the town is peppered with great restaurants, bars and attractions with plenty to see and do in the evenings. Great for backpackers on a budget.

TTH Recommendation: There are lot's of fantastic accommodation options available in Phuket, from budget hostels, guest houses, beach bungalows, hotels and high end resorts. It's always best to book online before you go, we recommend Agoda.com and Booking.com . Both companies offer excellent customer service and good cancellation policies just in case you change your mind or your travel arrangement change. You can also check out all the customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking!

Check Out Our Top 16 Best Places To Stay In Phuket

Best Things to See & What to Do in Phuket

Discover Phuket's Beautiful Beaches

Phuket is home to some spectacular beaches with perfect white sands and crystal clear warm waters, but Patong beach, in particular, can get quite crowded and busy during the high season. But don't worry as Phuket has more than 30 beaches, with some very secluded and serene places if that is more your speed. Different beaches will have a different feel, with different types of sand, scenery, varying numbers of tourists and different local amenities, so take the time to find out which one you’d prefer.

Some beaches will, unfortunately, be thronged with tourists in addition to hawkers hassling you every five minutes to buy sunglasses, fresh coconuts, or to get a massage, whilst on the other hand, it is also possible to find secluded, quiet beaches with less than a dozen people on them. Some of the more up-market resorts even have private beaches, so that may be something to consider if your budget can stretch to it. But in short, Phuket is famous for its beaches and whichever one you choose you will be sure to enjoy yourself.

There are some truly stunning beaches in Phuket . In Kata for example there’s the gorgeous Kata Noi, which retains a slightly rustic ambience with far less crowds than its lively neighbour Kata Beach, while in Surin, you’ll find the curvaceous Laem Singh Beach – which is surrounded by thick rickets of forest and the most beautiful aquamarine waters.

Scenic Nai Thon Beach is one of our favourites though. A part of the Sirinat National Park – meaning that in terms of development, it’s been almost entirely left alone.

Kamala Beach is another pretty beach that has retained some of its original charm and has a lovely fishing village attached to it with a few restaurants and bars. Stick to the north side of the beach if you want to avoid the crowds.

The more popular beaches include Freedom Beach in Patong, Karon Beach and the once secret Banana Beach – which despite efforts to keep it cloaked in mystery is now a constant on the tourist trail.

Diving & Snorkeling Around Phuket

The surrounding waters of Phuket offer some the best diving sites in the world, such as the world renowned Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai to the North and dive sites such as the King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Racha Yai, Racha Noi and Phi Phi Islands to the south. Checkout our article on the best dive sites in Phuket to find out more.

Phuket hosts some of the best diving experiences and marine life in the world, which keeps divers from all over the world coming back time and time again. There are an extraordinary amount of fish species, including angelfish, lionfish, scorpionfish and trumpetfish, as well as manta rays, seahorses and of course sharks. Whale shark, reef sharks and leopard sharks are all commonly spotted. You can also expect to experience some amazing coral reefs, shipwrecks, sea caves, pinnacles, shelves and swim-through's.

Whether you are an advanced diver or a complete beginner, Phuket is an excellent place to enjoy a spot of scuba diving. Scuba diving in Thailand is an absolute bargain with single dives available from as little as 1500 baht ($45) or a complete PADI open water dive course from as little as 8500 baht ($280). With the prices being so low here in Thailand, it offers a great opportunity to get your scuba diving certificates completed.

There are numerous dive shops to choose from, so feel free to shop around for the best deal. Phuket is a fantastic place for divers with many excellent dive sites featuring extensive coral formations and an abundance of aquatic wildlife. There is a choice of basic or more advanced dives, with an interesting wreck site to be explored in Racha Yai, make sure to discuss with your dive shop if that is something that you might be interested in. Most of the dive centres offer packages with a 3-dive deal going for around 3500-4000 baht ($115-$132) but note that many charge for extras such as equipment hire and insurance.

Explore Phuket Island & Beyond

Phuket is a huge island and you’ll need to allow several days to explore and visit the top attractions. But don’t forget to allocate a few days to visit the Phi Phi islands and Phang-Nga bay, which are a must if you can spare the time. And then there are the Similan islands, plus many other tiny islands dotted about where you can spend a whole day visiting and doing some swimming or snorkelling, there’s a lot more in the area than just Phuket island itself.

Phang-Nga Bay is an unforgettable experience with dramatic limestone formations seeming to rise out of the sea. It is a fantastic photo opportunity and James Bond fans may remember the scenery from "The Man with the Golden Gun".

The Phi Phi islands are just as spectacular and are worth an entire day of your time. Once touted as the most beautiful islands in the world, they were hit hard by the 2004 tsunami which wiped out practically all of their infrastructure, but it has now been rebuilt and the islands welcome many visitors daily.

Visit Phuket's Stunning Temples

Phuket is home to many Thai temples (29 in fact), known as wats, and also some Chinese shrines (known as Taoist temples). These temples are intricately constructed and incredibly ornate, they are fascinating and relaxing places to visit whilst a trip to some of the more important ones should be on every visitor's agenda. Remember that Thailand is a deeply religious country, with around 95% of the citizens being practising Buddhists, and as such these temples are working places of worship, meaning you will have to be quiet when visiting, take off your shoes, and ensure that shoulders and knees are covered to avoid offending the locals.

Wat Chalong is the biggest and most important temple on the island, it is a beautifully elaborate and colourful temple which features lots of gilding and the traditional multi-layered roof, and inside you will see handmade antique hardwood furniture, Thai porcelain and many large golden Buddha statues. On the walls are depictions of Buddha's life story, you could easily spend an hour at this temple alone, make sure you don't miss it.

Experience The Buzzing Nightlife In Phuket

If you want to find the best nightlife on the island, Patong is the place to go. Whether you fancy listening to some live music, seeing a comedy show, relaxing in a sports bar or going to a cabaret, Patong has got all bases covered. And of course, if you're looking for something a little more raucous, there are nightclubs and a string of go-go bars and lady bars. But don’t panic if you’re not staying in Patong, because all but the quietest locations on the island will have some nightlife, but may well be notably more sedate and family-friendly.

There are numerous bars around the island where you can stop for a cold beer and a game of pool, with many showing sports on large screen TVs. Numerous bars will have flags outside indicating to passers-by what types of food and drink they serve, you’ll see many Scandinavian bars and British-style pubs where you can find a taste of home in the evening if you’ve had enough Thai food or just fancy something a little less exotic.

Indulge In The Amazing Cuisine Of Phuket

Food is incredibly important in Thai culture , and indeed you’ll find plenty of great restaurants on the island to sample some of the country’s famous cuisine. And as food is such great value in Thailand, make sure to treat yourself at least once by visiting one of the island’s best restaurants such as the Siam Supper Club or the Blue Elephant. There are numerous cookery classes on the island too, which are great fun and can reveal the secrets of how to make that delicious Pad Thai or green curry which you can whip up once back at home to impress your friends and family.

But Phuket doesn't just offer Thai food, of course. There is an abundance of cuisines from around the world, with everything from authentic Italian pizza, fish and chips, Chinese food, Indian curries and Turkish kebabs to Korean BBQ, Russian and even Armenian food. Whatever you fancy, you can find it here. Just don't forget to try the street-food; from noodle soups to tacos, Thai desserts, pancakes or waffles, the street-food on Phuket is very cheap and delicious.

Tours, Day Trips & Excursions In Phuket

There are numerous day trips and excursions available in Phuket, and these can be booked quickly and easily from either your hotel or the nearest travel agent. Booking a trip or tour is a great way to enjoy a stress-free day out, and in most cases will cost a lot less than you may have thought. Day trips and activities are a fantastic choice for when you've spent too long lying on the beach and are a fascinating way to experience a bit of the local culture whilst having the chance to meet other like-minded people.

Boat Trips - You can book all kinds of boat trips, either around the island or to other small islands in the vicinity, which can include snorkeling, fishing, beach hopping or just sightseeing. You can book a private boat or one shared with other guests, depending on your budget. Many will include a buffet lunch and complimentary drinks. A popular full-day tour is one that takes in the Phi Phi Islands, the famous Maya Beach and the Coral Island, with prices around 3000-4000 baht ($100-$133).

Phuket Sightseeing Tours - You can also book minibus tours of the island, which will show you the most dramatic and beautiful highlights of Phuket, and stop to enjoy the most spectacular viewpoints for some fantastic photo opportunities. You could even combine your sightseeing tour with half-day trips to the elephant sanctuary, or include the mangrove jungle and hidden beach tour (which involves driving quad bikes), almost all the packages can be tailored to your needs with little added expense.

Thai Cooking Tours - There are also half-day food tours where you will be guided around some of the best spots on the island to try tasty local specialties such as Burmese curries, Hokkien noodles, zesty grilled satays and many other tasty morsels, and you will be shown around some of the local food markets which you may otherwise have missed. There are also many Thai cooking classes which last for 3-4 hours and start at about 1500 baht ($49) per person. Then there is the amazing cocktail workshop at the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery for 1700 baht ($56), an experience not to be missed.

Khao Sok National Park Tours - For those willing to go a little further onto the mainland, there are jungle tours of the incredible Khao Sok National Park, where you can see ancient rainforest, stunning scenery with dramatic limestone cliffs, and an abundance of local wildlife including elephants, tigers, monkeys, deer, tapir, wild boar and hundred of tropical bird species.

TTH Recommendation: You'll find travel agents and tour companies absolutely everywhere in Phuket, whether you are staying in Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata, Surin or Phuket Town. However if you want to plan ahead, you can conveniently book online with Get Your Guide and Viator . Both companies offer excellent customer service and have excellent customer reviews. Another reason to booking online is you can look at customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking! Get Your Guide and Viator have a good cancellation/refund policy, in case your travel arrangements happen to change.

Check The Best Phuket Tours & Activities On Get Your Guide

Prices, Expenses & Typical Costs In Phuket

Accommodation - Phuket is a little more expensive than many other places in Thailand, but despite that, you can still find hostel beds from as little as 130 baht ($4.30) per night in the low season. At the other end of the scale, there are a few resorts where you can drop 152,000 baht ($5000) per night. Good quality, comfortable boutique-style guesthouses are usually in the 1000-2000 baht ($33-$66) range, with family rooms for a family of 4 at around 1500-3000 baht ($49-$100) per night.

Transportation - Transportation is noticeably more expensive in Phuket than on the mainland. Motorbike rentals start at 250 baht ($8.23) per day and can save you a fortune if you are a competent rider. Tuk-tuks are expensive, with short trips within the same area at around 200-300 baht ($6.50-$10), and a trip from the airport to Patong or vice-versa can be over 1000 baht ($33), however, prices can usually be negotiated. Metered taxis are a bit cheaper (if they use the meter that is). Songtaews are a great compromise at 25-40 baht ($0.80-$1.33) per person.

Food and Drink - Don't disregard the roadside food vendors, they offer the best value and their food can be just as good if not better than many restaurants. Expect to pay 40 baht ($1.33) for a plate of food or a bowl of noodles, many will provide drinking water free or have sodas for 15 baht ($0.50). In a local-style restaurant, a Thai meal with rice will usually be under 100 baht ($3.33), Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay 150 baht ($4.94) for a full English breakfast, 150-200 baht ($4.94-$6.58) for that familiar fast food meal such as KFC or McDonalds, and with imported food such as Australian steaks, the sky is the limit. Seafood, however, is great value and will almost certainly be much cheaper than in your home country, so make the most of it!

Alcohol is expensive by Thai standards, a 620ml beer will be 65 baht ($2.14) in 7-Eleven and 70-150 baht ($2.30-$4.94) in a bar or restaurant. Cocktails start at 150 baht ($4.94) but can be as much as 600 baht ($20) in upmarket places, and imported wine, being heavily taxed, usually starts around 1000 baht ($33) per bottle. There are locally produced wines at much lower prices, but don't expect too much from them.

Recommended Budgets - Budget backpacker staying in a shared dorm, no alcohol: $25-$30 per day per person. Young traveler in boutique guesthouse with some attractions and nightlife: $70-$80 per day per person. Party animal budget staying at Patong guesthouse or hotel: $120-$140 per day per person. Family of four with guesthouse or resort, attractions, taxi/tuk-tuk transport and restaurant meals: $240-$300 per day per family. Luxury traveler, 5-star hotel, taxis, cocktails and evening entertainment: $320 and up per day per person.

Phuket Money Saving Tips

Avoid expensive taxis - Avoid expensive taxis and tuk-tuks and try to stick to the songtaews wherever possible. It's very easy to fritter away $30 a day on tuk-tuks if you're not careful and on a two-week vacation that can add up. If you're staying in a built-up area such as Patong or Karon, you will find that many places are with 10-15 minutes walk anyway.

Be careful of the hawkers - A lot of the stuff they sell is junk. But if you really want something go and buy it at the night market for half as much! Don't be surprised if that hand-carved item stains all your clothes in your suitcase because it was covered in boot polish, not paint.

Eat street food and at local restaurants - Western-style restaurants charge a premium and usually don't offer anything more than the cheap local restaurants. Try to stick to smaller, basic places and street food stalls and you will save a fortune, you can eat five street food meals for the price of one large McDonalds meal! Look for where the locals are eating, a busy restaurant is always a good sign in Phuket. Most Western food is done badly in Thailand, remember that when ordering.

Don't buy your currency in your home country - You will get 10-15% more by changing it once inside Thailand. Even at the airport in Phuket, you will get a much better rate than back home, but they are very picky about torn or defaced bills, so check them before arriving. SuperRich in Phuket Town often has very good rates.

Don't be scared to offer less - Thais respect a decent haggler! You can haggle with tuk-tuk drivers and at markets, but not in shops or restaurants. Don't come in so low that you insult the vendor, about 50% or a little more is a good place to start proceedings. Many Phuket vendors are aware that prices are cheap for westerners and will try and raise their prices accordingly.

Don’t drop your cigarette butts - If you are a smoker, always ensure that you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly. Throwing it on the street or even down a drain is not allowed and if spotted you could be charged a 2000 baht ($65) fine. Try to find an ashtray if possible.

Ask for a discount at your hotel - If you are planning on staying several nights at the same hotel or guesthouse, and you haven’t booked and paid in advance, ask for a discount. More often than not you may be given a token amount such as 100 baht ($3.28) per night deduction, but you will then be asked to pay upfront. Most places will charge a deposit of 1000 baht for the key or key-card, so don’t lose it, and don’t forget to reclaim your deposit upon departure.

ATMs charges are very steep - Try to avoid using your foreign debit card in a Thai ATM as the charges are sky-high. There is a 220 baht ($7.25) charge on foreign card transactions which cannot be avoided, plus your bank back home will add on their foreign withdrawal fee and may also use an unfavorable exchange rate meaning that you could lose $25-$30 per withdrawal. For budget travelers this could easily be a day's budget lost so look at other options before traveling. Some banks offer debit cards with no foreign transaction fee (but you'll still pay the 220 baht each time), plus there are international money cards which can be preloaded with funds. Failing that, you should either bring as much cash with you as you feel comfortable with or make use of travelers cheques.

Beaches are free - If you find yourself short of funds, spend a day on the beach and eat street-food, the beaches are free and 2 street-food meals will cost as little as 80 baht ($2.65).

Look for happy hour deals and food vouchers - Many, if not most bars will have some kind of promotion or happy hour. This can range from 50% off deals to buy two beers get one free, or even a free beer with certain meals. If you’re a fast food fan, all the big chains in Thailand produce money off vouchers and coupons which can be picked up in various shopping malls, or you can download their online app to get free meals and discounts.

Is It Safe to Travel Around Phuket?

Phuket, like most parts of Thailand, is very safe, and certainly much safer than somewhere like London or Paris, for example. However, as it is arguably Thailand's most upmarket destination attracting tourists with money to spare, basic precautions should still be taken to protect yourself from opportunists. Bear in mind that many Thai people in the service industry earn under $10 per day, so be careful about flashing large wads of cash in your wallet, leave any valuable jeweler at home, and place expensive belongings in the hotel safe before venturing out. You are extremely unlikely to be the victim of violent crime, but petty theft and scams still take place.

Be very careful on the roads - Like many places in Thailand, your biggest danger is likely to be the roads and the traffic, especially if you are renting a vehicle. Some of the roads on Phuket can be very steep, winding and poorly maintained and as such, don’t attempt to drive yourself unless you are confident that you can do so safely. Take care when crossing the road, Thai drivers are not the most diligent in the world, and drunk-driving is unfortunately commonplace.

Keep your wits about you - Particularly in Patong at night, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and possessions. If someone tries to say that they know you from your hotel, it will be a scam. If a lady-boy puts her arms around you and kisses you on the cheek, check to see if your wallet, watch and necklace are still there immediately.

What what you drink - Drink-spiking can happen, so don't let your drink out of your sight where possible. Don't trust people who approach you out of the blue, and don't be tempted by offers to go somewhere you aren't comfortable with. If you are visibly intoxicated, you will be more likely to attract the attention of thieves and scammers so take care when enjoying the nightlife.

Stay away from trouble - If you witness an altercation involving a Thai person, under no circumstances should you get involved as you are very likely to end up being assaulted, blamed for something or possibly both. The best advice is to get as far away from the situation as you can.

Watch out for creepy-crawlies - Other wildlife will include numerous lizards (both inside and outside), spiders, scorpions, snakes, mosquitoes, hornets and the dreaded giant centipede, which the Thais call “da-karb”. Most are harmless unless provoked. If you find something nasty in your bedroom, ask a Thai for assistance, they will know immediately whether it is dangerous or not.

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Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

Last updated on January 9, 2023 at 5 PM

• Travelers entering Thailand are  not required  to show Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 test results. All travelers can freely travel to Thailand without any COVID restrictions.
• Travelers are  not required  to obtain a Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry (COE). There is no need to download any mobile app.
• Travel Insurance is still highly recommended when you travel to Thailand.
• Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelers traveling from and to countries that require RT-PCR COVID test for incoming travelers such as India and China. Insurance validity must be +7 days to the intended stay in Thailand.
• Buy your Travel Insurance now at AXA Thailand .
• Book your Hotel in Thailand at Agoda.com

Travelers may join our Facebook Group to ask questions, get help and read the latest developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand

1. Passport and Thai Visa

From October 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023, travelers will be allowed to stay for 30 days or 45 days without prior approval of a Thai visa.

During this period, the length of stay per visit will be 45 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may enter Thailand under a tourist Visa Exemption scheme: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, UK, Ukraine, Vietnam and the USA.

Also, during this period, the length of stay per visit will be 30 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may apply for a VOA: Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.  The visa fee of 2,000 THB will remain the same for these countries.

In addition, passport holders of the following countries/ territories may enter Thailand without a visa under a bilateral agreement: Cambodia (45 days), Myanmar (45 days), Lao PDR. (45 days, Macau (45 days), Mongolia (45 days), Russia (45 days), Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Korea (ROK) (90 days), and Peru (90 days).

Note: Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months or check with your airline for the passport validity requirement.

2. Buy Travel Insurance for Thailand

For health security, foreign travelers should buy Travel Insurance when traveling to Thailand or Asia, in general. Health Insurance is mandatory for travelers whose next country of destination requires them to perform an ATK or RT-PCR test in Thailand prior to traveling to the said country.

You may use your own health insurance purchased from your own country or it is recommended to purchase from an insurance company in Thailand such as AXA Insurance Thailand .

To purchase AXA Thailand Insurance; the most reliable insurance that has never had any problem with the Thailand Pass application, please click the link below:

https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

3. Proof of Vaccination or COVID Test

UPDATE: The Proof of vaccination or Covid test requirement has been revoked as of today’s announcement by the government.  

 4. Hotel Booking or Proof of Address

Foreigners arriving in Thailand are normally required to provide an address in Thailand. Travelers may provide private accommodation such as a house or apartment. Travelers who opted to stay in hotels must book a hotel in advance.

To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended Bangkok Hotels:

• Anantara Riverside Bangkok
• Avani+ Riverside Bangkok
• Bangkok Marriott Marquis
• Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
• Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
• Lebua at State Tower
• Millennium Hilton Bangkok
• Park Hyatt Bangkok
• Shangri-La Bangkok
• Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
• The Landmark Bangkok
• The Okura Prestige Bangkok
• Vie Hotel Bangkok

To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended hotels  in Phuket:

• Andakira Hotel
• Andamantra Resort and Villa Phuket
• Crest Resort and Pool Villas
• Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
• Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa
• Impiana Resort Patong
• Kalima Resort & Spa
• Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa
• Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach 
• Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
• The Marina Phuket Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Nature Phuket
• V Villas Phuket

To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled a list of highly recommended hotels  in Pattaya:

• Avani Pattaya Resort
• Bella Express Hotel
• Cape Dara Resort
• Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort
• Dusit Thani Pattaya
• Grande Centre Point Pattaya
• Hilton Pattaya
• Ibis Pattaya
• InterContinental Pattaya Resort
• MYTT Beach Hotel
• Navana Nature Escape
• Pullman Pattaya Hotel G 
• Royal Wing Suites and Spa
• Veranda Resort Pattaya
• Woodlands Hotel and Resort

Book Your Thailand Hotel on Agoda.com

Accredited vaccines approved by who and thailand ministry of public health.

• AstraZeneca / AZD1222 / Covishield / Vaxzerria
• Pfizer / BNT162b2 / Comirnaty / Tozinameran (INN)
• Janssen / Ad26.COV2.S
• Moderna / Spikevax
• Sinopharm Vaccine / COVILO/BBIBP-COrv / Hayat-Vax
• Novavax / NVX-CoV2373 / Nuvaxovid / Covovax
• Medigan COVID-19 vaccine / MVC-COV1901
• Turkovax / ERUCOV-VAC
• Sputnik Light
• Ad5-nCoV / Convidecia
• Zifivax (Protein subunit)
• V-01 (Protein subunit)
• KCONVAC (Inactivated virus)

How to Stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 Years

Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years with VIP treatment? The Thailand Elite Visa program is the best fit for you. The Thai Elite Visa is one of the special Thai visas aimed for digital nomads, retirees, business people, investors, high-income individuals, and families looking to move to Thailand. Siam Legal is the authorized corporate sales and service agent of Thailand Elite visa in the USA, UK, and Australia ; with years of experience and an exemplary reputation.

Privileges of Thailand Elite include:

• Multiple entry Visa valid for 5 to 20 years
• VIP assistance on arrival and departure at the airport
• Expedited immigration and passport control processing
• Exclusive arrival and departure VIP lounge
• Immigration services such as 90-day reporting
• Assistance in processing driver’s license and opening a bank account

Should you choose Siam Legal as your official agent for applying for Thailand Elite visa, we do not charge any agent fee and we also offer exclusive benefits such as:

• 24/7 VIP phone number provided by Siam Legal
• 1-Night Free Hotel Stay and Food Vouchers at Marriott Hotels in Bangkok, Phuket, and Samui (value 9,000 THB)
• 2 hours of legal consultation with our legal advisor (value 10,000 THB)
• 2 hours of immigration consultation (value 6,000 THB)
• Free Notary Public service (one document, one-time value 3,000 THB)
• Free Bank Account Opening Service (value 5,000 THB)

For individuals or families who are interested in this long-stay visa program, you may visit: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite

Apply for Tourist and Non-Immigrant E-Visa

Travelers may apply for a Thailand visa through the online portal. The online visa application is open to the type of visas such as 60-day Tourist visa (TR), 6 months tourist visa (METV), 90-day Non-Immigrant visas, and 1 Year Non-Immigrant visas. The e-visa application process will take from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the Thai Embassy or Consulate. The application fee will be paid by credit card and the e-visa will be sent to the applicant through email. The online application is only available to countries listed below and the applicant must be currently located in that country or territory.

Applicants may apply for the Thai visa at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

Notary Service in Bangkok

Siam Legal Visa Assistance

Package: 395 usd (non-immigrant o visa assistance).

• Visa Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
• Extensive checklist of required documents
• Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa or retirement visa)
• 2-3 weeks total processing time
• Our offer is available in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada visa applications only

Package: 200 USD (TR Visa Assistance)

• Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
• Assistance in visa application (TR tourist visa)
• 2-3 weeks of processing time
• Available in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada visa application only

https://www.siam-legal.com/omise-payment.php

For the latest information, updates, and guide on How To Travel to Thailand in 2022, you may check this page here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-travel-restrictions-updates

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THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: Unlock Thailand’s Hidden Gems Review

Want to uncover the secrets of Thailand ? Look no further than the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023”. Packed with essential tips and must-see attractions, this ultimate pocket travel guide is designed especially for first-time visitors. From stunning beaches to ancient temples, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the vibrant culture, tantalizing cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes that Thailand has to offer. With the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” in your hands, you’ll unlock the hidden gems of this enchanting country and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Why Consider This Product?

Thailand is a breathtaking country filled with rich cultural heritage , stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful destination, the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is an essential tool to ensure you make the most of your visit. This comprehensive travel guide is packed with valuable information, insider tips, and must-see attractions specifically curated for first-time visitors like you.

With a team of expert travel writers, this guide combines local knowledge with up-to-date information to unlock Thailand’s hidden gems. You can trust the advice in this guide as it is based on scientific research, endorsements from experienced travelers, and customer testimonials, which enhance its credibility.

Features and Benefits

Detailed itineraries.

Whether you have limited time or want to explore different regions of Thailand, this travel guide offers detailed itineraries to suit every traveler’s preferences. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket, you can easily plan your trip based on these well-crafted schedules.

Insider Tips

Uncover the secrets of Thailand with the insider tips provided in this guide. Discover hidden restaurants serving delicious local delicacies, hidden beaches away from tourist crowds, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that are a must-visit. With these valuable insights, you can experience Thailand like a local and create unforgettable memories.

Cultural Insights

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant culture, and this guide delves deep into the heart of Thai traditions. Learn about the country’s religious practices, festivals, and etiquette to ensure you have a respectful and immersive experience. Understanding the culture will enhance your appreciation of Thailand’s historical sites, temples, and local customs.

Essential Travel Information

From visa requirements to transportation options, this travel guide provides the essential information you need to plan a stress-free trip. It includes practical advice on currency exchange, safety precautions, and local laws, ensuring you have all the necessary knowledge for a smooth journey.

Product Quality

The “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is meticulously researched and written by a team of experienced travel writers with firsthand knowledge of Thailand. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, ensuring that you can trust the guidance provided in this guide. The authors are passionate about sharing their love for Thailand and have poured their expertise into creating a high-quality product.

To maintain its reputation for excellence, this travel guide is regularly updated to reflect any changes in attractions, accommodations, or transportation options. You can be confident that the information you receive is current and reliable.

What It’s Used For

Crafting itineraries.

The primary use of this travel guide is to help you craft your ideal itineraries for exploring Thailand. Use the comprehensive suggestions and itineraries provided to plan your days effectively, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see attractions or experiences.

Local Tips and Recommendations

The “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” serves as a valuable resource for insider tips and recommendations. Whether it’s finding the best street food vendors, navigating transportation systems, or avoiding common tourist pitfalls, this guide offers indispensable advice to enhance your travel experience.

Cultural Understanding and Etiquette

One of the unique aspects of this travel guide is its focus on cultural understanding and etiquette. Use the provided insights to learn about Thai customs, traditions, and expected behavior. This knowledge will ensure that you show respect for the local culture, interact with locals more meaningfully, and avoid any unintentional cultural missteps.

Safety and Practical Information

Safety is paramount when traveling to a foreign country. The guide includes essential safety tips, from avoiding scams to understanding local regulations. Additionally, practical information such as communication options, public transportation details, and emergency contacts is provided to ensure a worry-free journey.

Product Specifications

Who needs this.

This travel guide is perfect for anyone planning their first trip to Thailand. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking thrilling activities, a culture enthusiast eager to explore temples and historical sites, or a beach lover dreaming of stunning coastlines, this guide covers it all. It caters to a wide range of interests and provides valuable information for individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends.

Pros and Cons

• Comprehensive and well-researched information
• Insider tips for hidden gems and local experiences
• Detailed itineraries for efficient trip planning
• Cultural insights and etiquette guidelines
• Practical information for a smooth and safe journey
• Regular updates to ensure accuracy
• Limited focus on budget travel options
• Some details may become outdated between guide releases

Q: Is this guide suitable for solo travelers? A: Absolutely! This guide provides valuable information for solo travelers, including safety tips, accommodations suitable for independent travelers , and solo-friendly activities.

Q: Can this guide be used for multiple visits to Thailand? A: Yes, definitely! The guide covers a wide range of attractions and experiences. Even if you have visited Thailand before, you can still uncover hidden gems and plan unique itineraries using the valuable insights provided.

Q: Is the guide available in digital format? A: Currently, the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is only available in paperback format. However, you can take photos or scan the relevant pages to create a digital version for easy access during your trip.

What Customers Are Saying

“I relied on the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023″ for my first trip to Thailand, and it exceeded my expectations. The detailed itineraries helped me make the most of my limited time, and the insider tips led me to amazing experiences I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.” – Sarah R.

“The cultural insights provided in this travel guide were invaluable. It helped me understand the customs and traditions of Thailand, allowing me to respectfully immerse myself in the local culture.” – Michael T.

Overall Value

The “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to Thailand. With its detailed itineraries, insider tips, cultural insights, and practical information, this guide will ensure you have an unforgettable journey filled with incredible experiences . The high-quality content, regular updates, and customer testimonials make it a trusted and reliable companion for your adventure in Thailand.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

• Read the guide thoroughly and take notes to plan your personalized itineraries.
• Research local customs and etiquette to show respect for Thai culture.
• Keep a physical copy of the guide with you during your trip for easy reference.
• Explore beyond the popular tourist destinations to discover hidden gems.
• Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and follow safety precautions.

Final Thoughts

Product summary.

The “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is the ultimate companion for first-time visitors to Thailand, offering essential tips, must-see attractions, and insider insights. With its comprehensive information, cultural understanding, and practical advice, this travel guide ensures a memorable and immersive experience in the Land of Smiles.

Final Recommendation

Whether you’re an adventurer, cultural explorer, or beach enthusiast, the “THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023” is a must-have resource for your journey. Unlock the hidden gems of Thailand with this comprehensive guide and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime with the ultimate pocket travel guide for Thailand in 2023!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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About the Author: The Thai Guy

14 Expert Tips For Visiting Bangkok In 2023

A visit to Bangkok is always worth it. Use these Bangkok travel tips to have a safe and enjoyable stay in the Thai capital.

Read update

Visit Bangkok 2023: Check out even more Thailand travel tips for visiting the country's capital!

Recognized for its chaotic streets, incredible culinary delights, vibrant wildlife, and iconic tourist attractions, Thailand's capital city offers a lot to see and could take travelers a few days or more to explore. No matter how many times one visits Bangkok, it is the one city that never gets old, and vacationers will always discover more of its unique features every time they explore it. The city has plenty of fun adventures awaiting, but travelers should be well-prepared, especially when visiting for the first time. With that in mind, here are fourteen tips for visiting Bangkok in 2023 to ensure travelers enjoy a fun, safe vacation.

UPDATE: 2023/04/06 21:23 EST BY ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

To provide readers with accurate information that remains current, this article has been updated to include additional tips to enhance the travel experience in Bangkok in 2023.

Related: Take These 10 Stunning Day Trips From Bangkok For The Ultimate Thailand Experience

14 Adhere To Thailand Travel Restrictions

Bangkok is full of delightful attractions, including some of the most enchanting temples in Thailand. To enter Bangkok and enjoy what it has to offer, tourists need to have a passport, flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance isn't mandatory; however, it's highly recommended (still, some travelers coming from certain countries may require proof of insurance - see this page for more information).

Any legit Bangkok travel 2023 guide will also state that some tourists will also need a visa; Thailand visas are issued by the Thai embassy in one's own country, although some foreign nationals from approved countries may enter Thailand without a visa between 30 and 90 days - again, see this page for more information. If vacationers miss or have incorrect documents, the entry screening process may be delayed, which can affect their smooth trip to Bangkok.

• Bangkok travel requirements 2023 : Thailand visa (some countries are exempt), passport, travel insurance (recommended), flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Note that most travelers no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test result.

13 Use A Map To Navigate Through Bangkok

Like other big cities in the world, Bangkok's routes can be confusing. While asking questions is one good way of interacting with the local people who are known to be friendly, approaching strangers can be challenging for shy travelers. That's where a map can be handy.

The Bangkok map has the city's main monuments, squares, churches, museums, and most of its iconic landmarks - one of the most famous being Bangkok's Grand Palace . With the map, travelers may not need a lot of information to find their way through the city’s attractions.

Navigation Tips Bangkok Travelers Will Find Useful

• Here's a useful interactive map of Bangkok featuring many of its top landmarks and attractions
• Here's a printable map of Bangkok showcasing many of its famous areas and attractions

12 Beware Of Bangkok Scams

Bangkok is easily the most chaotic city in Thailand, and in a place like that, tourists could be targeted for scams. One of the most important travel tips to Bangkok bound travelers is this: it is important to beware of these scams to avoid falling for them. This doesn't mean that Thai's capital isn't safe. It has a high level of safety and is widely considered by many to be one of the safest cities in the world . But like any other touristy place, these scams happen.

Like in most places around the world, it's wise to avoid outright trusting any stranger that approaches, especially those that sound too kind. (Yes, some people are genuinely friendly and helpful, but it's always best to err on the side of caution, no matter which country one is in). In addition, boarding any taxi parked by the hotel is one of the rookie mistakes first-time travelers make when visiting Bangkok . So, avoid taking any taxis parking by the hotel unless it’s confirmed that it’s assigned by the hotel.

Related: Thailand's Dragon Temple Is Real, & Here's How To Get There

11 Rely On Public Transportation In Bangkok, Especially During Peak Hours

Public transport is not only a cheaper option to get around Bangkok, but it is also the fastest way to escape the sometimes frustrating traffic in the city. Between 7:00 am and 9:30 am & 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm, the traffic can be heavy, and the roads are packed with motorbikes, cars, tuk-tuks, and buses. To avoid being stuck on the road, tourists can use the Bangkok subway or the BTS Skytrain . They can also use the city’s incredible network of boats and ferries, which is part of the public transportation.

Try to avoid getting around by taxis on roads such as Petchaburi, Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, Rama IV, Ratchadamnoen, and the Ratchaprasong area. Traffic can be heavy along these routes.

10 Stay Safe When Taking Longer Journeys Or Traveling Outside Bangkok City Limits

Tuk-tuk and taxis are the best options for vacationers visiting places further afield or outside the city limits. Still, when this is the only option, it is important to be aware of a few things to ensure a smoother trip. Make sure the driver has their meter turned on or agrees on the cost of transportation before embarking on the journey. Also, use Google Maps to ensure the driver follows the exact route. Sometimes, some tuk-tuk or taxi drivers take a longer route to increase the meter billing.

9 Check Bangkok Hotel Reviews And Avoid Asking Taxis For Recommendations

Accommodation is a significant part of planning a trip to Bangkok, and every traveler wouldn’t want to have a bad experience, even when on a budget. That’s why vacationers should ensure they pick safe areas, especially if planning to stay for three days and sample the must-do activities in Bangkok .

Reviews from previous visitors help determine the best hotels in Thailand's capital. If a hotel or hostel has consistently poor online reviews, it's best to avoid it and choose one with good guest feedback. Tourists must also ensure they receive everything offered in their booked package and report if something is missing.

Furthermore, some travelers claim that tourists should avoid asking taxi or tuk-tuk drivers about accommodation options in the city. According to a number of travelers who have been to Bangkok many times before, some drivers get a commission from hotels by taking tourists to them, which means the tourist may pay a higher fee and not the true price.

Related: Two Days In Bangkok: Here's What To See In This City In Only 48 Hours

8 Stay Safe When Shopping In Bangkok

Many visitors go to this bustling city for its incredible shopping culture. Every traveler who's been to Bangkok can tell how amazing its markets and other shopping spots are. Visiting these markets offers tourists a chance to meet the local people and learn some words in their dialect. The markets also let vacationers get an insight into the local culture and expose them to some of its most impressive products.

There are cool things worth buying in Bangkok that many vacationers would want to take home. To keep one's wallet safe in Bangkok's markets, though, it is crucial to ensure that one is paying the right amount for a product. Avoid purchasing jewelry unless from a genuine jeweler store with experts within. This is to avoid exchanging money for fake jewelry.

7 Learn A Little Thai Language Before Visiting Bangkok

Ideally, travelers should be familiar with a few words before visiting the city. This will allow them to trade a little more confidently and freely in the local markets and even talk to the hotel staff in the local dialect. Learn a few words like how to say "thank you", "hello", "goodbye", "cheers", and any other word that would be useful for tourists during their stay.

Here are a few Thai language tips:

• ‘ Sawatdee ’ means "hello". Males say "Sawatdee Khrap". Females say "Sawatdee Khun Kha".
• Lar Korn means "goodbye".
• Khawb Khun means "thank you". Males say "Kahwb Khun Khrap", while females say "Kahwb Khun Kha". Both mean 'thank you kindly.'
• When drinking, the locals say " Chok dee " to mean "cheers!"

Related: Budget Guide: This Is How Much Money You'll Need Per Day In Thailand

6 Bangkok Tours Are The Best Option For Exploring The City

While there are many options for exploring this city, tours are typically the best way because they take tourists to various areas that many tourists might not reach without the help of a local person in the know. They can even take vacationers to some of the secret places in Bangkok that are full of fun, unforgettable adventures.

Many tourists rely on guidebooks, which are great for those who enjoy following these types of books and don't mind putting in the effort to find the city's attractions by themselves. For some, though, that task can be a bit stressful. However, Bangkok tours are affordable and convenient and remove the hassle of navigating the city and finding the spots tourists want to visit. All visitors need to do is book and then show up at the meeting point. Ultimately, tours of Bangkok reduce the stress of planning and the fear of finding it difficult to navigate through the busy streets.

5 Exchange Money At Bangkok Airport (Get Coins And Notes)

Among the numerous Thai money and currency exchange tips , one that comes top is that vacationers should have some of their money changed into Thai Baht at the airport. It is wiser to do it there since some exchange booths in Bangkok can be expensive.

Also, have small change and a few coins to help pay for transport or have meals at the local restaurants. Of course, vacationers will want to spend some of their small change trying some delicious and authentic Thai dishes while in the city. Filling one’s pocket with a bunch of coins may be discomforting, but since many local eateries and food stalls may not have the exact balance for a 1,000 baht note, it is better to have plenty of coins and small notes.

• Where to exchange money in Bangkok Airport: For the best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport, visit the Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone on the B Floor, which is located underground and just next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. The money exchanges here offer decent rates that tend to be much fairer than at banks. There are several exchange booths, so check them all to find the best rate.

4 Show Respect By Removing Shoes

When visiting Buddhist temples in Bangkok (and Thailand in general) it's important to respect religious protocols. One of these practices is removing shoes before entering the temples. In some cases, travelers may also be asked to remove their shoes before entering a person's home or even a shop if they visit Bangkok in 2023 - while this practice is old, it's still prevalent and highly important to the Thai people, and it is polite to respect it.

3 Enjoy Bangkok Street Food (Selectively)

Street food is an exciting part of the culinary experience Bangkok travel 2023 has to offer (or any year, for that matter). There are street food stalls, floating markets, and night markets to explore. Travelers should not shy away from trying the street food in Bangkok but choose where they eat from selectively. Best practice is to ensure the food is being cooked right in front of you to avoid consuming something that has been sitting out for hours. Choosing spots that are clearly popular with long lineups (which also means the food supply is constantly being refreshed) is also a great option.

2 Bring Clothing That Covers Shoulders And Knees

Visiting the many Buddhist temples in Bangkok and near the city is an essential part of Bangkok travel in 2023. However, travelers must remember to bring clothing that is appropriate for entering temples. This includes shirts that cover the shoulders and skirts, dresses, or pants that fall below the knee. Of course, if travelers forget to pack something like this, it's a great excuse to go shopping in the markets!

1 Go With The Flow

Bangkok travel in 2023 can be overwhelming at times, especially for travelers who are visiting Thailand for the first time. But they'll quickly become accustomed to the hectic traffic and busy streets, finding moments of peace at the temples and connection with fellow backpackers at hostels. Being flexible and understanding that plans are sure to change when exploring Bangkok will help travelers make the most of the experience and live in the moment.