22 Thailand Travel Tips for the first timers

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Updated: 25 January, 2025

Travelling to Thailand for the first time? This guide will help you prepare for your trip: from important formalities such as visas and vaccinations to practical tips on transport, safety and budget.

Based on my 3 years living in the country, I have compiled my best tips for traveling to Thailand so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will help you in any way I can. 😉

Tips for traveling to Thailand

1. Visa and Passport

If you are from the USA, Australia, Canada or the UK you do not need a visa to travel to Thailand. There is a visa exemption and with the entry stamp you can stay up to 60 days.

In total there are 93 countries that do not require a tourist visa, in the photo below you can see the list.

In addition, to travel to Thailand your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of leaving the country.

Then, if you want to stay longer, you can extend your visa for another 30 days by paying 1,900 baht (about €50 / USD54). It is a simple procedure at the immigration office.

If you exceed the days, you will be charged a fine of 500 baht (about 14€ / 15USD) per day when you leave the country.

If I didn’t mention your country or it’s not listed in the visa exemption list, you can find the details on the Thailand's official visa website.

⭐ Related article: Practical Tips for Living in Thailand, there I also talk about visa run.

🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, book your accommodation at this Booking link with a 15% discount.

2. Vaccines and Health

Mandatory vaccination

There is only one mandatory vaccine for travel to Thailand: yellow fever, for countries where it is endemic.

If you are from the USA, Canada, Australia or the UK you will not need the yellow fever vaccine unless you have recently travelled to a country where yellow fever occurs.

Yellow fever is endemic in 34 African countries and 13 American countries, including much of South America, except Chile and Uruguay. Thailand asks for the vaccine a total of 45 countries.

Recommended vaccines

The rest of the vaccines are recommended and are the same ones you would get for any other trip: MMR, tetanus – diphtheria – whooping cough, hepatitis A and typhoid fever.

Also, if you are going to have a lot of contact with animals on your trip, it would be a good idea to get the rabies vaccine.

It is best to consult the International Vaccination Center in your city, they are the ones who can advise you based on your medical history.

Mosquito Repellent

Something you can't forget to pack is a good mosquito repellent to prevent dengue fever, which is quite common in Thailand.

If you are traveling during the rainy season, going to a park or hiking, I recommend carrying a good repellent like this one with DEET. That way, mosquitoes won't even get close to you. 😅

👍 My two cents: Always carry repellent with you, you never know when you will encounter a cloud of mosquitoes.

⭐ Related article: Vaccination Guide for Thailand.

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory for traveling to Thailand, but it is recommended, because if something serious happens to you, it can cost you dearly. 😖

To give you an idea, a day of hospitalisation in Thailand can cost you up to 5,000 USD, an operation around 20,000 USD and repatriation up to 250,000 USD.

Because medical treatments are so expensive in Thailand, you are asked to pay in advance if you do not have international insurance.

I recommend this travel insurance for Thailand , with excellent medical, accident, repatriation and other coverage. With this link you get a 5% discount.

In my case, I had to use the insurance in Thailand and the attention in the chat was fast. In the end, I only needed one day of hospitalization and little else. Luckily, the insurance took care of everything from the first moment, something that is appreciated with the prices in Thailand.

4. Safety in Thailand

Thailand is a pretty safe country to travel to, even if you are traveling alone as a woman. I can tell you this from experience.

The crime rate is very low compared to large European cities. Although bag thefts on motorbikes have increased in Bangkok, they are still rare. Pickpocketing is rare, but in tourist areas it is advisable to take care of your belongings. If you are a woman, you can go out alone at night without any problems, just be alert as you would anywhere else.

⭐ Related article: Tips for traveling alone in Thailand, includes issues of safety, clothing and others that no one tells you about.

5. Scams in Thailand

In Thailand you can encounter some scams. However, most Thai people are honest, and the government has discouraged these practices that scare away tourists.

Here are some common scams:

1. Tuk-tuks and taxis: Be wary of “free” tours or if you are told an attraction is closed.
2. Damage to rental cars or motorcycles: Check for scratches or other damage to avoid unfair charges.
3. Branded clothing and precious stones: Be careful where you buy, if it's too cheap, it's probably fake.
4. Bars and restaurants without prices on the menu: Avoid them, especially at night, as the night can be very confusing in Thailand. 😅
5. “Free” night shows: Nothing is free, better avoid them.

⭐ Related article: 15 Most common scams in Thailand and how to avoid them.

6. Best Time to Travel

The best months to travel to Thailand are from January to March, which is the dry season throughout the country and coincides with the high season.

The rainy months are from May to October in almost the entire country, except in the Gulf of Thailand, where the worst months are October and November.

Although the monsoon may seem like a serious matter, it is not that serious. The rains are in the form of a deluge, but they usually last for a while and it is rare for it to rain all day. However, during the rainiest months, boats and tours are sometimes cancelled.

Below you have a general graph of rainfall in Thailand by region:

⭐ Related article: Best Time to Travel to Thailand

7. Money in Thailand

Thai currency

The Thai currency is the baht and is generally the only currency accepted. In tourist areas, you may be accepted to pay in dollars or euros, but at a poor exchange rate.

Card payments

In most shops, including many street stalls and hotels, you can pay with your card or mobile phone. The only drawback is that many small shops have started charging a surcharge of 3% for card payments.

ATMs

In major cities and tourist destinations, you will easily find ATMs, and the most widely accepted international cards are Mastercard and Visa.

When withdrawing from ATMs, Thai banks:

• They charge a fee of around 200-300 baht per withdrawal.
• They usually limit the number of times you can withdraw money to 1 or 2 times every 24 hours.
• They also limit the maximum withdrawal amount, depending on the bank, up to 25,000 baht.

👍 My two cents: To avoid fees and restrictions, go to the bank and ask for a cash advance at the counter. You will only need a card in your name and your passport. Not all banks and branches offer cash advances, but the best options are at Bangkok Bank and Krungsri Bank.

Your bank will also charge you for currency exchange and a commission that can sometimes be very high. For traveling, I recommend using an online bank or wallet like Revolut or Wise, with low fees and a better currency exchange.

Currency exchange houses

The most accepted currencies are euros, dollars and pounds sterling.

The bills must be in good condition, without tears or stains, and you will get better exchange for the larger denomination bills (50 or 100 €/USD).

I recommend you go to SuperRich where they have the best exchange rate, they have offices at Bangkok Airport (BKK) and in the main cities.

8. Budget

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, you're probably wondering, how expensive is ThailandAlthough it is more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries, it is still cheaper than Europe or the United States with options for all budgets.

Here are some prices to give you an idea:

• Street food: From 60-90 baht per dish.
• Mid-priced restaurants: Around 350 baht per meal.
• Accommodation: What you would pay for a budget hotel in Europe or the US can cover a luxury resort in Thailand, depending on the season and area.
• Transport: Very cheap. Domestic flights start at €30 (USD 32) and even cheaper by bus or train. You can check timetables, prices and book on this page .
• Motorbike rental: This is one of the cheapest things to do in Thailand, with prices ranging from 200-300 baht per day depending on the region.

In summary, to travel to Thailand calculate a minimum of €70 (USD 74) per day, although you can spend much more depending on your preferences.

9. Shopping and Bargaining

In shops and shopping centres prices are fixed, however, in markets and street stalls haggle hard. 😅

Bargaining is an art and in Thailand they find it boring when someone just pays the price. Plus, if you don't haggle, you'll pay more.

When haggling, it is normal to get up to 30% off. Go ahead, you will see that it becomes addictive. 😄

10. Language

In Thailand, the official language is Thai. In Bangkok and in tourist areas you will find people who speak English, although often at a low level.

Therefore, I recommend using short sentences and basic vocabulary. Finding people in Thailand who speak Spanish or other languages is difficult, except for tours, but you can use the translator on your phone.

In my experience, translators are sometimes inaccurate when translating into Thai from a language other than English.

11. Cheap Flights to Thailand

From Europe, airlines such as Emirates, LOT, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian and Turkish Airlines have cheap flights to Thailand. Turkish Airlines also has flights from America and Africa with a stopover in Istanbul.

To find cheap flights, use a comparison site like skyscanner, and if you have flexible dates, even better.

Also, look for flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) where they are cheaper.

12. Public Transport

In Thailand you won't have much difficulty finding public transport to most places, with options between buses, trains, boats and planes at good prices.

To get around the country, check out this page , it shows you all the options with schedules, prices and you can even book without having to go to the station.

⭐ Related article: Getting around Thailand: all means of transport.

13. Is there Uber? Alternatives

No, Uber stopped operating in Thailand in May 2018.

You can use Grab or Bolt, which work just like Uber and will serve you in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and other places. With these apps you avoid the language barrier and being overcharged.

14. Driving in Thailand

Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of traffic fatalities in the world. Therefore, I recommend driving only if you have a lot of experience behind the wheel.

If you are going to ride a motorbike, do so only if you have experience. If you don't know how, it is better to travel by public transport or with tours.

Where to rent a car in Thailand?

You can rent from any international company. However, if you are looking for good prices, I recommend this search engine for reliable and cheap local companies. I have paid less than 20€ / 22USD per day.

Where to rent a motorcycle in Thailand?

To rent a motorbike you have to go directly to the rental shops that you will find everywhere. My recommendation is to read the reviews on Google Maps beforehand and compare prices.

A motorbike per day usually costs between 200 and 300 baht depending on the location and season.

⭐ Related article: How to Rent and Drive a Motorcycle in Thailand.

15. Excursions in Thailand

There are many places that are worth visiting on excursions, because it is practical, you visit more places and sometimes it is also cheaper.

These are some of the most popular excursions:

• Ayutthaya the ancient capital from the Kingdom of Siam with lunch included.
• Visit to floating market and market on the tracks.
• Chiang Rai Tour with its temples.
• Full day visit to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi.

You may also be interested in these articles with the most interesting visits in the country, with transportation options and excursions.

• 5 Best Excursions near Bangkok
• 11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
• 8 PERFECT Day Trips from Krabi
• 7 Best Tours from Phuket

16. Ethical Tourism with Animals

Animal tourism in Thailand is a complicated issue, where animal abuse is more common than it seems. Many tourists dream of visiting an elephant sanctuary, but I am sorry to say that most of them, even if they are called sanctuaries, are not.

Recognizing an ethical sanctuary is not easy because they often tell us what we want to hear. One trick is to observe who the protagonist is: in false sanctuaries, everything usually revolves around the tourist, not the animals.

Unfortunately, sometimes you realize it when you're already there, as happened to me in this "elephant sanctuary«. In this article I tell you about my experience, with information about ethical sanctuaries recommended by FAADA and about the brutal training of elephants, which literally translates as "breaking the soul." 😥

Ideally, you should avoid any place with animals, except to see them in the wild in national parks. Khao Yai This is where you will have the best chance of seeing wild elephants.

If you still decide to visit a place with animals, avoid these places at all costs:

• Drugged Animals: It happens in tiger sanctuaries so that people can take pictures with them.
• Animal shows: Places where elephants dance, paint or play, trained through punishments.
• Riding elephants: It damages the spine and causes serious problems, in addition to the brutal mistreatment during training.
• Photos with animals: Monkeys and elephants are forced to work for food and live in poor conditions.
• Bathing with elephants: It is unhygienic and dangerous, the elephants can lie in the mud and crush you.
• Any physical contact: To allow contact, animals are subjected to cruel training.

👍 My advice: If you see an animal doing something it wouldn't do in the wild and someone is making money off of it, be suspicious. There's nothing good behind it.

17. Accommodation in Thailand

Thailand has accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. If you are looking for specific recommendations, here is my Thailand accommodation guide, there you will find all my articles with recommended areas and hotels.

Book online or directly at the hotel?

I prefer to book online. This way I avoid the stress of looking for accommodation when I arrive. Once, on a trip to Morocco, I decided to look for hotels on the spot, and although sometimes it worked, other times I lost valuable hours looking for options with availability.

Something similar can happen in Thailand, especially during peak season or holidays, when hotels fill up quickly. By booking in advance, you save time and can read reviews from other travellers to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To find good accommodation deals in Thailand, I recommend this page .

Key deposit

In some accommodations, especially in Bangkok and the islands, you will be asked for a deposit for the keys, which is paid in cash or by card. If everything is in order when you leave the room, you will be able to get your money back without any problem.

🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, book your accommodation at this Booking link with a 15% discount.

18. Mobile Data

If you want to have an internet connection during your trip, you have two options: local SIM or eSIM.

SIM card

The best local option is AIS, the company with the best coverage, even in remote areas such as the reservoir. Khao Sok National Park (although it is not perfect).

💰 Cost: 200 baht (about €6/USD) per month with unlimited data. However, on some small islands like Koh Tao, the connection can be slow or limited. You will need a passport to make the purchase.

📍 Where to buy it: official stores or 7-Eleven.

👍 Friend's tip: Avoid the shops at the airport, plans are usually 10 times more expensive. Instead, go to the 7-Eleven at the airport, where they have the same prices as in the city.

eSIM card

If you prefer to have a connection from the moment you arrive and save yourself the hassle of searching for stores, the most practical option is an eSIM. It is easy to set up and you don't need to remove your original SIM. With this link you get a 5% discount.

However, check that it is compatible with your mobile phone because it does not work on some older models.

If you're visiting multiple countries, this eSIM is valid for 11 Asian countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

19. Electricity and Plugs

In Thailand, electricity is 220 V and 50 Hz and the plugs are type A, B and C. Below you can see what they look like.

In my experience, type C plugs are the most common, I didn't need an adapter for my chargers and hairdryer.

Depending on the current and type of plug in your country, you may want to bring a converter or adapter.

20. Dress and Taking Off Shoes

In Thailand you can dress however you like, even us women. However, in temples, the Grand Palace in Bangkok or state offices, you need to cover your shoulders and knees (this applies to men, women and children). If you don't have appropriate clothing, you can just put a sarong over it and that's it.

Taking off your shoes is a common custom in temples and other places. Look for signs or shoes at the entrance. 😉

21. Thai Food

Thai cuisine is delicious, varied and famous for its balance of flavours: sweet, salty, sour and bitter, to achieve umami. They also use fresh ingredients and many dishes are prepared to order. Some, like Tom Yum soup, are even among the healthiest in the world.

How spicy is Thai food?

Many dishes are very spicy, more so than most Mexican food. If you don't tolerate spicy food, you can order dishes that don't have chili peppers, like pad thai, but do have a hint of black pepper, which is not considered spicy in Thailand.

Another option is to order food without spices, especially for dishes that are prepared at the moment, saying:

• I asked for more (if you are a woman)
• I asked for khrap (if you are a man)

Note that the “d” in ped has a hard sound similar to our “t,” and the “h” is silent. It translates to “no spicy, please,”

Is street food safe?

Yes! Street food in Thailand is safe, delicious and cheap, with dishes for just a few euros. In fact, this is one of the few countries where a street stall has a Michelin star. I recommend trying everything. 😋

⭐ Related article: 8 best Thai food dishes

22. Drink Water and Ice

Is tap water drinkable?

Although the tap water in Thailand is technically safe to drink, you should not drink it or use it to brush your teeth. The problem is not the water itself, but the pipes and tanks, which may not be in good hygienic condition. Taking risks can end up ruining your vacation and spending it next to the toilet. 😬

I recommend buying bottled water, which is very cheap, a 1.5 litre bottle costs about 12 baht (0.34€ / 0.36USD) in any supermarket.

Are street drinks safe?

Yes! The teas, coffees and smoothies sold at street stalls are safe, they always use filtered water that they buy. You won't have any problems.

Is it safe to drink iced drinks?

Yes, ice in Thailand is safe. Vendors buy ice, which is made from filtered water. Although some sites still recommend avoiding it, this is outdated information.

I speak from experience living in Thailand for three years, I have never had any problems with iced drinks and I have had a lot of them. I also don't know any Thai or foreigner who avoids them for safety reasons.

Filtered water is so cheap that no vendor would risk his business to save on ice, causing problems for his customers.

Coffees, teas and smoothies are an important part of everyday life in Thailand, because there is nothing better than having a nice cold drink on a hot day (that is, every day). 🍹

Final Thoughts

These are my best tips for traveling to Thailand, a country that will amaze you with its food, landscapes and people.

You can continue reading the main articles I've written about Thailand Travel.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Thailand and Southeast Asia

• Thailand Itinerary 2 weeks: Must-Sees
• What to bring to Southeast Asia: 47 essentials
• Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels
• 8 PERFECT Day Trips from Krabi
• How to get from Krabi to Phi Phi: all the alternatives
• What to buy in Thailand: 20 Souvenirs and Gifts