Last Updated on April 10, 2026
Planning a trip to Thailand? Fantastic choice! Last year, I traveled through Thailand for 4 months and gathered a lot of information that is useful when traveling to Thailand for the first time. I have collected all this information in this article, which focuses on essential tips and things to know before traveling to Thailand. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate. Enjoy!
Table of contents
- 1. Weather and best time to visit to Thailand
- 2. Vaccinations and mosquito repellents
- 3. Visa requirements
- 4. How to get to Thailand?
- 5. Tips for upon arrival
- 6. It’s easy to get around, keep in mind transportation etiquette
- 7. Most elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are fake
- 8. Tips for staying connected
- 9. Eat off your spoon, not your fork
- 10. A must try: street food and night markets
- 11. Eating vegan is not easy in Thailand
- 12. Drinking water in Thailand (or beer?)
- 13. Take your own sunscreen!
- 14. Tips on culture and etiquette
- 15. Learn some basic Thai phrases
- 16. Avoid expensive bank fees
- 17. Dive into festivals and events
- 18. Be aware of common tourist scams in Thailand
- 19. Get a travel insurance
- 20. Tips for finding accommodation
- Conclusion
- Save for later!
Estimated reading time: 22 minutes
1. Weather and best time to visit to Thailand
Thailand has a tropical climate, so it’s warm year-round, but it’s important to plan your trip around the seasons. The best time to visit is during the cool and dry season from November to February.
March to May is hot and dry, while the rainy season, from June to October, can be quite wet, but it’s also less crowded and lush. 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. If this is when you decide to visit, you’ll definitely want to pack some kind of wet weather gear.
I visited Thailand in September and October (rain season) and didn’t find it annoying. There was often 1 short rain shower a day, often in the afternoon. I also visited Thailand in March and April (hot & dry season). During these months it was dry and very hot, sometimes up to 40 degrees.
2. Vaccinations and mosquito repellents
Consult your doctor before leaving your home country about any recommended vaccinations for Thailand like typhoid, rabies or Hepatitis A/B. In Thai urban areas and popular tourist destinations there is no risk of malaria transmission.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season or going to rural areas, make sure to use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Chemical-based repellents like DEET, Picaridin or Permethrin are the most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites in Thailand. PMD is an example of a natural mosquito repellent that also works just fine. Another natural repellent is citronella, which works for a few minutes to a couple of hours depending on the solution. While you can find good DEET-based repellents in Thailand, it’s worth taking at least a travel-size bottle with you before you leave home. This way, you won’t need to run to a shop the moment you get off the plane.
If you’re already in Thailand and are looking for mosquito repellent, there are plenty of effective options available from pharmacies and shops like 7/11:
- Soffel: available with various concentrations of DEET – the most common being 12%. This is effective for a few hours.
- OFF is also common in Thailand and relies on Picaridin as the active ingredient. It’s available in a range of strengths and concentrations, as well as in various forms such as aerosol sprays, pump nozzle sprays, wipes and lotions.
- Sketolene is another popular brand. It’s widely available in both DEET and citronella formulations. I recommend the DEET version for maximum protection.
Tip: When you step outside, gear up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. By covering your exposed skin, you make it harder for mosquitoes to take a bite out of you. When available, use a mosquito net or bring your own.
3. Visa requirements
Before booking your flight, check the visa requirements for your country. Most travelers can enter Thailand without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. As a Dutch citizen you can enter Thailand without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
If you plan to stay longer or have different travel needs, you might need to apply for single-entry tourist visa (valid for 60 days) or extend your 30 days visa in Thailand. Most big cities have their own immigration offices. The most common ones to extend your visa are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. It’s an easy and straightforward process. In this post, I will tell you how to extend a tourist visa in Chiang Mai and discuss the most important questions regarding the extension.
If you plan to start teaching English in Thailand you will need to have a non-immigrant B Visa, a Work Permit and a job offer from a recognized educational institution of Thailand, apart from other documents.
Visa regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information from official sources before you travel.
4. How to get to Thailand?
The best way to enter Thailand is by air. The Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) handles most long haul international flights while Don Mueang airport (DMK) serves regional flights and low cost carriers. The Phuket Airport (HKT) or Samui Airport (USM) are ideal if you’re heading to the southern beaches and Chiang Mai (CNX) for northern Thailand. If you can’t find a direct flight, consider connecting flights. Major hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha offer numerous connections to Thailand. Some budget airlines flying to Thailand are AirAsia, Scoot, Nok Air or Thai Lion Air. I have had several flights with AirAsia and Lion Air, which have been good.
Tip: use Skyscanner to find the cheapest plane tickets.
If you’re planning on entering Thailand from Malaysia, you can easily take a boat (1 hour) from Langkawi to Koh Lipe, a small beautiful island in southern Thailand. Immigration is super easy this way and the boat trip is fine. From Koh Lipe, you can then travel towards northern Thailand. Next to this, trains and buses run regularly from Kuala Lumpur to southern Thailand.
From Cambodia you can take a bus from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to various Thai border towns and if you’re traveling from Laos, you can cross the border by bus or boat, especially popular through the Nong Khai–Vientiane border crossing or slow boat crossing in Northern Thailand.
Transportation tip
I always use 12GoAsia when traveling in other countries. With just a few taps, you can easily book a ride ensuring a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. Most of the time, you will receive a digital transportation ticket, so you don’t have to worry about printing.
5. Tips for upon arrival
Upon arrival in Thailand, ensure you have all necessary documents ready:
- Passport: With at least six months validity.
- Visa: If required, along with any supporting documents.
- Accommodation Details: Sometimes required for immigration purposes.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof that you plan to leave Thailand within the permitted time. If you don’t know yet when you are going to leave the country, buy an onward ticket and fake it. This works fine.
6. It’s easy to get around, keep in mind transportation etiquette
Getting around Thailand is very easy and affordable. I travelled in different ways, by minivans, night trains, boats, bicycle, public transport and, of course, the tuk tuks. For example, it is super easy to travel by night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or by boat from one island to another in southern Thailand. Below are some general tips and useful apps to install;
- Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews: Fun and easy to arrange, these are great for short distances.
- BTS Skytrain and MRT: Efficient and air-conditioned, these are perfect for navigating Bangkok.
- Taxis and Grab: Taxis are cheap, but ensure they use the meter. I preferred to use Grab or GoJek (Southeast Asia’s versions of Uber) which are reliable alternatives.
- Buses and Trains: For longer distances, buses and (night) trains are comfortable and economical. I often used 12GoAsia to book my transport. The most popular routes that trains and busses cover are:
- Bangkok <-> Chiang Mai
- Bangkok <-> Surat Thani
- Bangkok <-> Krabi
- Bangkok <-> Phuket
- Motorbike rentals: cheap and available around the country, but safety and insurance has to be taken into consideration. A few tips for renting a motorbike in Thailand:
- Have an international driving license, valid identification and (motor) insurance
- When renting a scooter, make photos of the scooter and renting agreement
- Be mindful of your gas (and be aware where you can fill up)
- Always wear a helmet
- Always let trucks and buses pass you
- Cover up
While exploring Thailand, keep in mind some local transportation etiquette:
- Public Transport: In buses and trains, be mindful of giving up your seat to monks, older people, and pregnant women.
- Scooters and Bikes: Traffic can be chaotic, so ride carefully.
- Boats and Ferries: When island hopping, use reputable ferry services and always wear life jackets provided.
7. Most elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are fake
Thailand is famous for its elephant tourism, but unfortunately not all sanctuaries prioritize the well-being of these majestic animals. Many “sanctuaries” exploit elephants for profit through activities like riding, tricks, and performances, often keeping them in poor conditions with harmful training methods. Therefore, I recommend not doing anything elephant-related in Thailand.
If you do decide to do something elephant-related, please keep the following in mind:
- Research: Look for reviews and detailed information about their practices.
- Check Certifications: Look for endorsements from animal welfare organizations.
- Avoid Red Flags: Steer clear of sanctuaries offering elephant riding or performances.
- Ask Questions: Inquire about their treatment and care of elephants. Elephants should have ample space to roam freely.
- Educational Programs: Emphasize conservation and ethical tourism education.
8. Tips for staying connected
Staying connected in Thailand is easy and affordable:
- SIM Cards: Grab a local SIM card at a convenience store like 7/11. At the airport, you pay too much for a SIM card anyway and often get ripped off. AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove are the major providers offering reliable coverage:
- DTAC is best for 4g coverage, especially in urban areas.
- AIS has the best 5g coverage and fastest internet speed.
- TrueMove has good 5g coverage. I used it all over the country.
- eSIM: You can also buy an eSIM in advance. This is a secure and cost-effective solution, offering reliable internet.
- Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Subscribe to a VPN to be able to surf the internet safely. I use a VPN of NordVPN and am really happy with this service. If you sign up via this link and you will register for a monthly plan purchase then you get an additional month added for free. If you register for a 1-year or a 2-year plan purchase you will receive 3 months for free.
Tips for staying connected
Traveling abroad and looking to save on roaming costs? Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and stay connected with an eSIM from providers like Holafly, Airalo or Saily. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them incredibly convenient and cost-effective.
Don’t forget to use my discount code at Holafly: GIRLSWANDERLUST.
9. Eat off your spoon, not your fork
In Thailand, table manners dictate that you eat from your spoon, using the fork only to push food onto the spoon. Hold the spoon in your dominant hand and the fork in your non-dominant hand. Use the spoon to eat soups, curries, and other dishes directly. Avoid eating directly from the fork, as it’s considered impolite. Chopsticks are mainly used for noodle dishes, while knives are rarely used at the table. When dining family-style, use a serving spoon for communal dishes.
10. A must try: street food and night markets
Thai street food is legendary and a must-try. From pad thai and mango sticky rice to som tam (papaya salad) and tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), your taste buds are in for a treat.
I ate almost every night just on the street and not in a tourist restaurant. Why? Because in my opinion, this is the best way not to get sick while traveling. When you eat on the street, you see the kitchen, often the wok, and know that everything is freshly prepared. In a restaurant, you have no idea what the kitchen looks like and how fresh ingredients are. Besides, eating on the street is often much cheaper.
Look for stalls with long lines, a good sign of fresh and delicious food. Also, carry some tissues or hand sanitizer as many street stalls may not always have napkins.
Personally, I found the food night markets overrated. These are fun to visit once, but often consist of the same thing; lots of satay, meat, sushi and fried food. I often missed the vegetables. Personally, I preferred to eat a big dish somewhere at a street stall with some meat, rice and lots of vegetables.
Tip: eat as many mangoes as you possibly can when you travel to Thailand. The mangoes in Thailand are the most delicious in the world.
11. Eating vegan is not easy in Thailand
Fish sauce, oyster sauce and egg are widely used as cooking ingredients in Thailand. The safest bet if you don’t eat fish or meat is to seek out Indian-owned vegetarian restaurants, or restaurants serving kin jay Buddhist cuisine.
12. Drinking water in Thailand (or beer?)
I recommend to stick to bottled water. Also there are plenty of clean water and refilling points available across the country. When buying bottled water, make sure to get a big 5 liter one instead of a few smaller bottles. Every plastic bottle you don’t buy, helps!
Tip: many of the popular beer brands also make bottled water. If you order a “Chang” or “Singha,” the waitress will likely respond “Chang beer?” to clarify. Make it easy by ordering “Chang water” or “Singha beer” to begin with.
13. Take your own sunscreen!
It’s very expensive in Thailand compared to where you are coming from probably. It’s also harder to find a type you are used to.
14. Tips on culture and etiquette
Thailand is essentially a Buddhist country with strict customs. Around 95% of Thais are Buddhist, and the national religion weaves through every aspect of life. Understanding a few key points will make your trip more fun and easy:
- The Wai: This traditional greeting involves placing your hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. It’s polite and often reciprocated.
- Dress Modestly: When visiting temples and religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. Always remove your shoes before entering temples or someone’s home.
- Respect for the Monarchy: Thais hold their royal family in high esteem. Avoid any negative comments about the monarchy. Maligning the royal family is a criminal offense.
- Feet and Head: Don’t point your feet at people or religious objects, and avoid touching anyone’s head.
- Monks: 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.
- No affection: Any public display of affection such as kissing or even holding hands is frowned upon. Touching people’s heads is also considered rude.
15. Learn some basic Thai phrases
English is generally spoken or at least understood in Thailand, but I recommend to learn some basic phrases like:
- Hello: Sawasdee (sa-wat-dee)
- Thank you: Khop khun (kop-koon)
- Yes/No: Chai/Mai chai (chai/my-chai)
- Delicious: Aroy (a-roy)
- How much?: Thao rai? (tao-rai)
- Too expensive: feng-mak-pie
- I’m vegan: chan gin jey kaa/krab
- I am vegetarian: chan gin mangsawerat kaa/krab
Tip: use Google Lens to translate Thai menu cards or street signs.
16. Avoid expensive bank fees
Thai Baht is a pretty stable currency and easy to use. Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in cash when possible. Here are some tips on handling money:
- Credit card: A lot of places don’t accept international credit/debit cards. And even if they do, you might be charged 3% of transaction fee.
- Cash: While credit cards are accepted in many places, having cash on hand is useful, especially for street food, markets, and small vendors.
- ATMs and Banks: Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues. Most banks charge a fee of 220 THB for international card withdrawals, no matter the amount. So if you’re withdrawing money, make it a larger amount.
- Currency Exchange: Rates are generally better at authorized exchange booths than at the airport.
Budget tip
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
17. Dive into festivals and events
Thailand’s festivals are colorful, lively, and deeply rooted in tradition. If your trip coincides with one, consider yourself lucky! These are the best known:
- Songkran (Thai New Year): Celebrated in mid-April, this water festival involves playful water fights in the streets. I celebrated Songkran on Koh Lipe, which was so much fun! Be prepared to get soaked and join the fun!
- Loy Krathong: Held on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, usually in November. People float decorated baskets (krathongs) on water bodies to pay respects to the water spirits.
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival: In Chiang Mai, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical spectacle.
18. Be aware of common tourist scams in Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful destination, but it’s important to be aware of common tourist scams.
On my first day in Thailand, I got scammed, but it ended well. In Bangkok, a friendly Thai man speaking good English approached me, claiming to be a teacher with Dutch students. He suggested a special boat trip offer and called a tuk-tuk to take me to the pier. The ticket price was exorbitant, so I walked away, with the man still urging me to buy it. I found myself in an unfamiliar area but used Grab to get back to the old part of town. Be cautious when approached by strangers and use your judgment to avoid scams like this. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take anything from strangers or not that you shouldn’t talk to Thai people, but always try to use your mind and not go along with everything right away. Before you know it, you will fall into this or any of the scams below:
- Tuk-Tuk Scam or Taxi Scam: Cheap rides leading to overpriced shops.
- Tip: Negotiate fare upfront and insist on direct routes. Or better: use Grab or GoJek.
- Grand Palace Closed Scam: Locals claim attractions are closed and suggest alternative tours to commission-earning shops.
- Tip: Verify opening hours online or with official sources.
- Jet Ski Scam or Scooter Scam: Claims of damage after rental with high repair fees.
- Tip: Rent from reputable vendors and document any pre-existing damage. Always make photos of the jet ski or scooter
- Fake Police Scam: Impostors demanding bribes for minor offenses.
- Tip: Request official ID and offer to go to the nearest police station.
- Massage Scam: Cheap massages with pressured expensive add-ons.
- Tip: Choose reputable massage parlors. Check reviews before.
- Bar and Ping Pong Show Scam: Free or low-cost entry with inflated bills.
- Tip: Avoid street-promoted establishments and choose well-known venues.
- “Free” Tour Guide Scam: Guides leading to commission-earning shops.
- Tip: Hire guides from reputable agencies or trusted apps and websites.
19. Get a travel insurance
Arranging travel insurance for your trip to Thailand is highly recommended. Travel insurance provides coverage for various potential issues that can arise during your travels. Read my extensive article about travel insurances for more information.
20. Tips for finding accommodation
During my trip through Thailand, I mainly slept in mid-range accommodations, i.e. simple private hotels, usually with breakfast. However, sometimes I booked a private room in a hostel to still be able to meet other travellers. By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in Thailand is by using Booking.com or Hostelworld. Not only will you find a plethora of ho(s)tels but you’re also able to filter through options. Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, and “very good 8+ reviews” toggled ON. From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.
Tip: book your first night via an online platform and if you like the ho(s)tel, book directly at the reception for some more nights. Usually you can save some money by doing this. In addition, it’s good to know that sometimes the price on a mobile phone is cheaper than on a computer.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to handle everything from vaccinations and visa requirements to transportation and local customs. I’m confident you’ve gotten all the Thailand travel advice you were seeking—and probably some you didn’t imagine you’d need. Remember to pack essentials like mosquito repellent and sunscreen, stay connected with a local SIM card, and always be mindful of cultural etiquette and potential scams. Whether you’re exploring Bangkok, relaxing on pristine beaches in the South, or diving into local festivals, these tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through Thailand. Enjoy your travels!
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
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