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Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are 25 crucial things to know before visiting Thailand. This was our first time in Southeast Asia, and let’s just say we learned a lot. These tips are specifically for first-time visitors, answering the questions we wish we had known before hopping on that flight!
Visa requirements
If you are flying from countries such as the U.S. or 92 other countries, you qualify for a visa exemption stays up to 60 days arriving by air. If you wish to stay longer, you must get a tourist visa! Check out more details here.
Best time to visit
Thailand has three main seasons: the hot, calm, and rainy season. The best time to visit is November and February when the weather is cooler and dry. We just returned from a 7-day trip this February, and the weather was pleasant. Do not visit during the peak rainy season (July–October) unless you don’t mind.
Cash is king
While major cities like Bangkok have plenty of places that accept credit cards, having cash is still the preferred payment method in many parts of Thailand. This reminds me of my home country, Togo, where getting a lot done with enough cash is effortless. Remember that Street food vendors, local markets, and even small restaurants only take cash. We exchanged our money at the hotel when we stayed at the Capella Hotel. So, consider that and ask if your hotel will offer this service. You will also find ATMs at bank branches, shopping malls, convenience stores, and major stores in Bangkok.
Tourist police are there to help
This is a dedicated tourist police force that assists visitors 24/7. You can reach them by dialing 1155. We saw them in most tourist places. If needed, approach them respectfully and have your passport on you. They speak English and can answer all your questions.
Air quality
During the burning season (typically from February to April), the air quality is poor in Bangkok and everywhere. However, we wore masks a few times when needed and were just fine!
Where to stay
Thailand has accommodation options for every budget, from luxury resorts to budget boutique hotels. Try both to experience a bit of different Thailand. For example, we spend 2 days at the Capella Hotel and a few days around the mountain. One is at an organic farm hotel, and the other is at a Cocoa Valley in the hills. The scene is very surreal and quite amazing to see.
Transportation
Thailand’s public transport is efficient and affordable. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in Bangkok make getting around easy. Tuk-tuk fares in Bangkok are all over the place. There are no set rates, no meters, just vibes. Prices depend on distance, time of day, traffic, and how much the driver thinks they can charge. Make sure to always negotiate price before getting in. Don’t feel like negotiating? You can prebook a 2hr Bangkok Tuk Tuk guide here. Consider flying with AirAsia to save money for long distances, such as visiting city an hour from Bangkok. They are like the Ryanair or Spirit Airlines. We have to be honest about them, tho. They lost our luggage ( they did a good job finding it and returning it to us) and were a bit late in departing a few times, so just keep that in mind.
Check out our full Thailand vlog here!
Get a SIM Card
Staying Connected is very essential! You can buy a local SIM card at 7/11 or check your phone’s app store for ESIM options
Do you tip in Thailand?
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. At restaurants, leaving small changes or rounding up bills is common. We had to ask our tour guide for this in certain situations. We recommend using your best judgment.
Vaccinations and health precautions
Make sure to check with your doctor on vaccinations to stay current. My wife and I both had our vaccination cards updated, so we were okay. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Make sure to also bring mosquito spray! Because those things are not a joke!
How to dress when visiting temples
Temples are sacred places, and dressing appropriately is essential. Please wear outfits that cover your shoulders and knees. Shoes are always taken off when entering temples. So, wear something that can be quickly taken off, and public displays of affection are considered inappropriate in temples.
What kind of meat do they eat in Thailand?
Thai cuisine features a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. But please know that most dishes will have a lot of pork. If you don’t eat pork, try other plates. We absolutely love their veggies and seafood! Especially the street food one.
Learn a few basic Thai phrases
Learning a few basic Thai phrases goes a long way. Here are some few Try these:
- Sawasdee (sa-wat-dee) – Hello -Side note: men add “krup” and women add “ka
- Khop Khun (kop-koon) – Thank you
- Aroi (a-Roy) – Delicious
- Khun (Mr or Ms) – use this followed by the person’s first name. This is the most common way in Thailand to address someone respectfully.
Can you drink the tap water in Thailand?
One of the key things to know before visiting Thailand is that tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Many hotels provide free drinking water in rooms. I know that people often say not to have ice, but as someone with a delicate stomach, I was fine adding the ice to my water. Please use your best judgment when it comes to that.
7/11 is your best friend
Thailand’s 7/11 stores are legendary. Whether you need a quick meal, a SIM card, or even toiletries, you’ll find it at 7/11. Their toasties (grilled sandwiches) are a must-try!
How safe is Thailand for tourists?
Thailand is generally safe for tourists. However, be aware of common scams, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Just like in every country, being cautious is necessary. Keep an eye on your belongings, and if something feels off, trust your instincts.
Explore Nan, north of Thailand, for authentic Thai food
There are many places besides Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand to see and explore. We recommend exploring Nan for a few days. This area offers a more authentic Thai experience, with fewer tourists and incredible local food. We visited a restaurant in Pua District at the top of the mountain, which had a beautiful view, waterfall and koi fish to feed.
Is it okay to ride elephants in Thailand?
A lot of tourist spots offer elephant rides, but the reality is these animals are often mistreated. If you’re visiting, choose ethical sanctuaries where you can observe them humanely—no touching! Our friend @that_travel has been excellent at teaching us about sustainable travel, and we 100% recommend her as your go-to. This was our first experience, and we finally got to put into practice everything she taught us!
Can you fly a drone in Thailand?
Thailand has strict drone regulations. Before flying, you must register your drone with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). We recommend getting on this as soon as you buy your ticket especially if you are a content creator!
Are private tour guides worth it?
The right guide will make your trip worth it. Helping you navigate local customs, sharing incredible historical facts, and taking you to hidden gems most tourists totally miss. We explored with the Smiling Albino team, and their private tours are on another level. Everything is customized to your interests, so it feels more like an epic personal adventure than a cookie-cutter tour. And the best part? These are real locals who know their stuff. If you’re in Northern Thailand, book with Khaa—you’ll feel like a friend is showing you around their favorite spots, and trust me, you’ll love every second.
P.S. They’re also in Bangkok! And if you’re exploring other parts of Southeast Asia, they’ve got you covered there, too.
What is the best company to rent a car from?
While big international rental companies like Hertz are available, renting from a Thai company is often cheaper. Make sure you have an international driver’s permit and your passport.
How much does wine cost in Thailand?
Due to high import taxes, wine in Thailand is quite expensive—expect to pay around $10 per glass at a restaurant. Locals mostly drink beer, so I considered doing a mix to save money.
Is eating in Thailand cheap?
We suggest eating at street food markets if you want to save money. You will see a lot of Michelin Guides, even at the street food markets. Of course, you can do a mix of a few upscale restaurants, too. There are so many hidden gems by the river you can also grab amazing food from.
Can you fly directly to Thailand from the USA?
Yes, you can! Though our flight with EVA Air was 15 hours with a 2-hour layover in Tawain!
How many days in Thailand is enough?
A good 7-10 days is suitable for first-time visitors. We spent a week in Thailand on our recent trip.
We hope our tips for things to know before visiting Thailand comes in handy. if you have visited Thailand, we would love to hear your thoughts! Check out this Caribbean destination for your next trip. As always book mark this for later.
Thank you so much for all these tips. I am planning to visit sometime soon but, not sure when. With all these information I can make a calculated decision on various things.
Again thanks!