31 Tips for Visiting Thailand: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Must-know travel tips for a successful visit to Thailand (and what to avoid) | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Prepare for your trip to Thailand
We’ve visited Thailand so many times we’ve lost count. It’s one of our favourite countries!
Safe to say, we’ve gathered our fair share of Thailand tips through the years.
Endless beaches, tropical heat, warm smiles and food that’s worth the flight alone – Thailand really has it all.
Whether you’re visiting the country for the first time or just need a refresher before returning, we hope our guide with tips to Thailand helps.
Do you need a visa? What about power plugs? Is the tap water safe to drink? Can you ride elephants? And what else should you keep in mind?
In this guide with our best tips for visiting Thailand, we share essential advice and offer some practical guidance, covering everything from costs, tipping and public holidays to ethical tourism and customs in religious settings.
Table of contents
- 1. Weather and seasons
- 2. Visa and entry rules
- 3. Navigating Bangkok’s Airports
- 4. The currency is baht
- 5. Price level (with examples)
- 6. Credit card or cash
- 7. Tipping culture
- 8. Electrical outlets
- 9. Tap water or bottled water
- 10. Save money and reduce plastic waste on water
- 11. Buy a local SIM card or eSIM
- 12. Easily translate between languages
- 13. Make plans as you go
- 14. Festivals and holidays
- 15. Take care in traffic
- 16. Alternative to taxi or tuk-tuk
- 17. Order food for delivery
- 18. Don’t flush paper in the toilet
- 19. Don’t ride elephants
- 20. Skip selfies with tigers
- 21. Avoid shows with animals
- 22. Don’t collect shells or corals from the beach
- 23. Respect the monks
- 24. Be humble near the Buddha
- 25. Dress appropriately
- 26. Bring easily removable shoes
- 27. Don’t point your feet or rest them on tables
- 28. Refrain from criticising the royal family
- 29. Keep your hands off others’ heads
- 30. Protect yourself from the sun
- 31. Remember to smile
1. Weather and seasons
In general, the best weather in Thailand is in December and January – no surprise that these are also the most popular months to visit.
November and February are also great choices, offering plenty of sunshine, comfortable temperatures, light winds and little to no rain.
From March to June, temperatures rise significantly, especially on the mainland, making it the hottest time of year – often referred to as summer.
Be aware of the burning season if you plan to visit Northern Thailand, like Chiang Mai.
The rainy season brings slightly cooler temperatures and usually lasts until around November, with September and October being the wettest months on average.
Rainfall varies across regions, so check the weather for your specific destination before you go!
2. Visa and entry rules
Visa exemption
Citizens of numerous countries can visit Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa (for tourism purposes).
This applies to passport holders from most European countries, the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and several others.
There’s nothing you need to do in advance – your “visa on arrival” entry is granted on arrival at a Thai airport or another entry point.
As far as we know, this exemption is allowed only twice per year; otherwise, a visa is required.
If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 60 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance or extend it once for an additional 30 days with the immigration authorities.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Nationals of certain countries that are not eligible for visa exemption can apply for a Visa on Arrival at designated entry points. This visa usually permits a stay of up to 15 days and requires a fee.
Before your trip, check whether you need a tourist visa and find detailed information on Thai visas through the official Thai e-visa website.
Note: Visa regulations can change, so it’s best to check with the Royal Thai Embassy or official Thai immigration websites for the latest updates before you travel.
General entry requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry into Thailand.
Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward or return travel, such as a flight ticket showing your departure within the allowed visa-free or visa-on-arrival period. We’ve never been asked for this, as far as we remember.
We’ve also heard that you might need to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay, but again, we’ve never personally had to provide it.
Overstaying your visa period is a serious offence in Thailand with penalties including fines, detention and potential bans on re-entry. Stick to the permitted length of stay, and if needed, extend your visa before it expires.
If you land in Bangkok and have a domestic flight to catch – such as to Chiang Mai or Koh Samui – make sure to check which airport you’re flying from.
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport), the main hub for international flights, and Don Mueang Airport, which primarily serves domestic and regional routes. Many low-cost airlines operate from Don Mueang.
If you arrive at Suvarnabhumi but need to transfer to Don Mueang, allow plenty of time for the journey.
While Google Maps may suggest a 40-minute drive, Bangkok’s traffic can easily double that, especially during peak hours.
4. The currency is baht
The Thai currency is the baht (฿ or THB), and at the time of writing, 100 baht is approximately equivalent to 2.60 EUR or 2.90 USD (Spring 2025).
One baht is divided into 100 satang.
The exchange rate can vary depending on your bank or exchange office.
ATMs typically charge a fee from both your own bank and the local bank for withdrawals.
5. Price level (with examples)
Is Thailand expensive? The short answer is no.
While you can, of course, choose to stay at the most expensive luxury hotels, eat pricey meals and order high-end drinks, in general, Thailand offers excellent value for money.
Here are some examples of prices:
(100 baht is around 2.60 EUR or 2.90 USD in 2025)
- Rice or noodle dish from a street stall: 50-100 baht
- Main course at a restaurant: 100-250 baht
- A cup of coffee: 100-200 baht
- Juice or smoothie from a street stall: 40-80 baht
- Juice or smoothie at a restaurant: 100-150 baht
- A small beer in the supermarket: 40 baht
- A small beer in a restaurant: 80 baht
- Cocktails: 150-200 baht
- Laundry: 50 baht per kilo
- Massage: 300-400 baht for an hour of Thai massage, oil massage or foot massage
The prices are, of course, approximate and can vary depending on the island, city, restaurant or bar, but they give a general idea of the price level.
6. Credit card or cash
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Thailand, and today, you can use them in most places – especially in hotels and established restaurants or cafés.
However, cash is still the most common form of payment in smaller restaurants, street stalls, shops and for transport, so it’s a good idea to carry both.
ATMs and currency exchange services are usually widely available. It’s usually most cost-effective to withdraw money in baht, and to minimise extra fees, it’s a good idea to take out the maximum allowed amount at once.
7. Tipping culture
Tipping is not required in Thailand, and you’re not obligated to add extra baht to your bill if you don’t wish to.
However, it is much appreciated!
If you’ve received good service, you can round up or leave a small tip.
In more upscale restaurants, tipping is more commonly expected, and for larger groups, it’s considered good practice to leave a tip.
Some restaurants and cafés may include a “service charge” in the bill, in which case no additional tip is necessary.
For taxis, rounding up or giving a small tip is sufficient, especially if the driver helps with heavy luggage.
Hotel staff assisting with bags can be tipped around 10-20 baht per large bag or room.
For a massage costing 300-400 baht, a tip of 50-100 baht is a kind gesture, as it acknowledges the hard work involved. But again, this is entirely up to you.
8. Electrical outlets
The electrical outlets in Thailand generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan.
The standard voltage is 220 volts.
9. Tap water or bottled water
Is tap water safe to drink in Thailand, or should you go for bottled water?
Unfortunately, you can’t drink tap water in Thailand (at least not without risking a stomach ache), but in our experience, a tiny bit is fine for brushing your teeth.
You’ll need to buy bottled water, which is easily available in small shops, restaurants and supermarkets (such as 7-Eleven and Tops).
We’ve also included a tip below to save money and reduce plastic waste when buying drinking water.
Many restaurants and cafés offer free water, and we’ve never encountered tap water being used for ice cubes or similar, so we’ve never had any issues.
10. Save money and reduce plastic waste on water
One of our best tips for a more sustainable stay in Thailand is to refill larger containers (such as a 6-litre bottle) at the “water machines” found on many streets in cities and on bigger islands.
These machines use the reverse osmosis method, ensuring the water is safe to drink. And it’s a great way to cut down on plastic waste during your trip.
The cost is usually around 1 baht per litre, although prices can vary slightly. Either way, it’s incredibly affordable.
The dispensers only accept coins.
11. Buy a local SIM card or eSIM
In general, you’ll find wifi in many places across Thailand, so if you just want to check social media now and then, logging on at a restaurant or your hotel should be fine.
If you need more reliable internet access (and don’t have a plan that includes data in Thailand), consider buying a local SIM card for tourists.
You can easily purchase a tourist SIM card at the airport or at supermarkets (such as 7-Elevens), and it’s typically quite affordable.
The cards offer various options, including 7, 15 or 30-day plans, with choices for internet speed and data allowances.
We’ve had a good experience with the company dtac, but there’s no reason to think other providers would be any worse.
If you’d rather avoid a physical SIM card and have a newer phone (iPhone X or later), you can also opt for an eSIM, which lets you switch between your regular number and a Thai subscription.
We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success and love that you can activate it as soon as you enter a country. There’s no need to search for a supermarket or wait in line! Plus, you can immediately order a Bolt or Grab ride (ride-sharing apps) when you arrive.
12. Easily translate between languages
A handy tip for easily translating from Thai to any other language is to have the Google Translate app downloaded to your phone.
You can type text to be translated, but a great feature is the camera function. You can either take a photo or simply hold the camera over any text you want translated. The app will scan the text and provide an instant translation.
This is especially useful for reading ingredients on product labels in supermarkets or understanding signs written in Thai. It’s incredibly practical.
There’s also a voice feature where you can hold down the microphone, speak a sentence and have it translated into the language of your choice. We’ve found this especially helpful when trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak much English.
Note: You’ll need wifi or data for the app to work.
13. Make plans as you go
Thailand is a straightforward country to travel in, and you don’t need to have everything planned in advance.
You can easily arrive without pre-booking a taxi, hotel, excursions, boat trips or transport between islands. The Thai people are incredibly helpful.
If you’re a bit flexible, almost anything can be arranged (even at the last minute).
If you’re travelling during the high season, it’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance, though.
While many islands and cities will always have rooms available, some of the best hotels often get fully booked months ahead. We usually find great deals on Booking.com (adlink).
14. Festivals and holidays
Of course, there are exceptions to the advice of planning your holiday along the way.
A quick Google search can inform you about any local holidays or festivals during your visit and what impact that might have on opening hours and services.
Here are some festivals and holidays worth keeping in mind.
New Year
Especially around Christmas and New Year, many hotels can get fully booked, and there may be higher demand for accommodation.
The same applies during Chinese New Year, which lasts 15 days, typically falling between the end of January and the end of February.
Songkran
The Buddhist New Year, celebrated in Thailand, is called Songkran. It takes place in the days following the first full moon of April.
Songkran is a water festival celebrated nationwide, with people spraying water on each other using large water guns.
Tourists are more than welcome to join in (you probably can’t avoid it), but be careful not to swallow the water if you want to avoid a stomach upset in the following days.
During Songkran, most public offices, banks and small restaurants are closed, while large chains and shopping centres typically remain open.
Loy Krathong and Yee Peng (light festivals)
The Light Festivals consist of two different celebrations, usually held at the same time.
They occur on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai calendar, which typically falls in November in the Western calendar.
Loy Krathong marks the transition from the dark, rainy monsoon season to the “cooler”, sunnier days by placing small floating lights on the water.
While Loy Krathong can be experienced throughout the country, Yee Peng is only celebrated in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, where hundreds of paper lanterns are released into the sky.
If you can overlook the environmental impact, we imagine it’s a stunning experience to witness!
Full Moon Party
If you’re planning to visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, it’s worth noting when there is a full moon.
A massive full moon party is held monthly on Koh Phangan, and as a result, transport to all the islands (if the ferry also goes to Koh Phangan) can get fully booked in the days leading up to the event.
Likewise, hotels can fill up quickly – especially those near the party at Haad Rin beach.
15. Take care in traffic
Unfortunately, traffic accidents are quite common in Thailand, so it’s important to exercise extreme caution if you rent a scooter or car.
Tip: You drive on the left side of the road!
We’ve rented scooters many times, and it’s a popular (and inexpensive) way to get around. If you feel confident on two wheels, don’t be put off.
Just be sure to ask for a helmet!
Even if you’re a skilled rider, there will always be other inexperienced scooter riders and motorists to watch out for.
Make sure to carry an international driver’s licence if you’re stopped by the Thai police – otherwise, you may face a fine.
The same applies to an MC driving licence. A car driving licence isn’t enough to legally ride a scooter in Thailand, as they are considered motorcycles due to their engine size.
…And of course, never drive if you’ve consumed alcohol.
16. Alternative to taxi or tuk-tuk
If you prefer to avoid haggling with taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, consider using Thailand’s equivalent of Uber: Grab or Bolt.
Both services operate through apps, and you’ll need to be online (for example, with a local SIM card or eSIM with data) to use them.
With these apps, you can choose from various car sizes (ideal if you’re travelling with many people or large luggage).
Grab even offers the option of riding on the back of a scooter at a very affordable price – perfect for solo travellers.
We’ve used both apps, and while Bolt is usually the cheapest, we’ve found Grab to offer better prices in some cities. We typically compare the routes to decide which app to use.
However, in more remote areas and some airports, these services may not be available. For instance, they are not allowed to pick passengers up at Koh Samui airport, but we’ve had no issues using Grab from Phuket airport.
You can pay by credit card through the app or opt to pay in cash directly to the driver. They typically prefer the latter.
17. Order food for delivery
If you prefer a cosy evening in, both Grab and the Food Panda app are great options.
These apps allow you to browse nearby takeaway options, which can be delivered straight to your hotel door (or sometimes to the lobby) for just a small fee.
While dining out is always enjoyable, having this option available can be a welcome alternative if you’re travelling with children, feeling unwell or simply need a break from restaurant meals during a long trip.
18. Don’t flush paper in the toilet
The sewer pipes in Thailand are narrower than in many other countries, so they can easily get blocked if toilet paper is flushed. The sewage system simply isn’t built to handle it.
For this reason, you should never throw toilet paper in the toilet, even in airports or upscale hotels.
Instead, put it in the provided toilet bin or use the small water hose (also referred to as a “bum gun”) next to the toilet to rinse yourself off, and then dry with toilet paper. This method also helps keep the bin from smelling.
19. Don’t ride elephants
In many places in Thailand, you might encounter the option to ride elephants, but we strongly advise against supporting this practice.
While it may seem fun to get close to these majestic creatures, the reality behind the experience is deeply troubling.
Elephants, known for their gentleness and intelligence, are not meant to carry tourists.
Wild elephants are often tamed in brutal ways to make them obedient for rides. This process, known as “the crush”, involves breaking the elephant’s spirit.
Young elephants are taken from their mothers, tied up in chains for days or weeks while they are beaten and starved.
Additionally, the physical strain of carrying tourists on their backs causes significant harm. Elephants’ spines are not designed to bear such weight, leading to permanent back damage. If a seat is strapped to their back, it can cause painful sores and blisters, which may become infected.
If you truly care about elephants, we encourage you to skip elephant riding.
Read our guide on why you shouldn’t ride elephants to learn more about the unethical practice (and alternatives to elephant riding).
20. Skip selfies with tigers
If anyone is profiting from tourists interacting with wild animals, it’s a strong sign that the practice is unethical.
It’s never in the best interest of the tigers to be posing for selfies with humans, as it forces them into a highly unnatural way of living.
Despite this, there are still several tiger parks in Thailand where tourists can take photos with tigers, and unfortunately, they remain popular.
Reports suggest that many of these tigers are sedated to ensure they “behave” appropriately – after all, they need to lie still next to people (including children!) who could easily be harmed in seconds.
Some places claim to be ethical, stating they don’t drug the animals, but how do you get such large, dangerous predators to interact calmly with humans without triggering aggression?
Like elephants, tiger cubs are often separated from their mothers and subjected to discipline or starvation if they show any signs of resistance.
This leads to stressed animals that live in constant fear of punishment.
Additionally, these tigers are usually kept in small enclosures that bear little resemblance to their natural habitats.
So, calling it “ethical” is impossible.
21. Avoid shows with animals
While we’re on the subject: avoid supporting any form of animal entertainment.
Animal shows are common around the world, and Thailand is no exception.
These shows feature monkeys, dolphins, elephants, crocodiles, snakes and orangutans performing tricks for large crowds.
We understand the curiosity of people who love animals (especially children) and want to witness the animals’ intelligence and beauty.
However, if you truly love animals, you shouldn’t support these cruel forms of entertainment.
These shows always involve some level of exploitation, and sadly, they remain profitable for those involved.
Regrettably, we have previously supported tourist attractions involving animals too, in our naïve love for animals, believing them to be thrilling (and simply unaware of the realities).
We deeply regret those choices and now hope to help others make better, more informed decisions.
Let wild animals stay wild and free.
22. Don’t collect shells or corals from the beach
Coral and seashells are so beautiful!
And what a nice souvenir they would make, right?
Instead of taking them with you, it’s best to leave them on the beach or in the sea for other people and animals to enjoy.
They form part of the ecosystem, which should remain as undisturbed as possible.
And just imagine if everyone who found a beautiful seashell took it with them; there would be nothing left to admire during a beach walk or while snorkelling in the sea.
Many seashells and corals are protected by law, and it’s illegal to remove them or buy them in markets. Some airports in Thailand, like Krabi and Chiang Mai, even prohibit bringing them on flights.
23. Respect the monks
Monks in Thailand are highly respected and deeply religious figures, and they must always be treated with the utmost respect.
Women, in particular, should be cautious.
It’s important not to touch them or shake hands, as monks are prohibited from having physical contact with women.
24. Be humble near the Buddha
Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country, and religion is taken very seriously.
Always show respect towards images and statues of the Buddha.
Avoid running, shouting or engaging in any inappropriate behaviour at or near Buddhist temples.
25. Dress appropriately
When visiting temples and other sacred places in Thailand, it’s customary to cover your shoulders, chest and knees.
Some places may offer scarves or sarongs for you to borrow or rent, but be aware that you might still be turned away if you’re not appropriately dressed.
In other areas, Thais are generally used to tourists wearing casual attire like shorts and tank tops.
However, reserve beachwear for the beach.
It’s also important to remove your shoes before entering temples. More on that Thailand tip below.
26. Bring easily removable shoes
Speaking of shoes…
In Thailand, it’s common to remove your shoes when entering homes and temples.
If you see shoes lying in front of a restaurant, massage parlour or someone’s home, take yours off too.
Wearing shoes that are easy to take off, like slip-ons, flip-flops or sandals, makes it much more convenient, especially if you plan to visit many temples in, for example, Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
It will save you time and make your travel experience smoother.
27. Don’t point your feet or rest them on tables
In Thai culture, the feet are considered the lowest and least dignified part of the body, so it’s important to avoid pointing them at people or placing your feet on tables or chairs.
Doing so can be seen as disrespectful and rude.
Instead, try to sit cross-legged or with your feet tucked under you when sitting to show respect for the local culture.
This doesn’t apply when having a food massage, obviously.
28. Refrain from criticising the royal family
The Thai people love and admire their royal family.
As a result, it’s common to see portraits of the king and his family in public spaces, restaurants and private homes.
It’s crucial to refrain from making negative comments or jokes about them, as insulting the royal family is illegal.
29. Keep your hands off others’ heads
Touching someone’s head or hair is considered offensive in Thailand, as it is seen as the most sacred and pure part of the body.
This includes children – so avoid ruffling their hair.
30. Protect yourself from the sun
Yes, yes, you might think, of course I’m careful in the sun!
But we’ve seen plenty of people roasting on the beach at midday – and unfortunately, just as many ending up bright red (not tanned).
Even if you’d like a bit of a tan on holiday, here’s a warning: the sun is incredibly strong.
The UV index can easily reach 12-13, which is considered extreme.
Stay in the shade during the dangerous hours in the middle of the day, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
31. Remember to smile
Thais are warm and welcoming, and they smile a lot. Return the gesture!
Greet with “sawadee ka” (if you’re a woman) or “sawadee khrup” (if you’re a man).
Say thank you with “khob khun ka” (female) or “khob khun khrup” (male).
The friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons we love Thailand so much.
Losing face is a big deal in Thai culture, so even in disagreements or when negotiating prices, stay calm and polite.
Thank you for reading along
Thank you for reading our guide with tips for visiting Thailand. We hope you find it helpful!
What are your thoughts on Thailand? Do you feel ready for your trip?
If you want to read more about Thailand, you can read our guides to:
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you haven’t been to Thailand yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and advice!
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- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
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