17 Important Tips for a Successful Trip to Thailand

Thailand is a dream destination for many travelers thanks to its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine. Located in Southeast Asia, it is a faraway country where the culture, lifestyle, and habits can be very different from what you are familiar with.

To prepare your trip, especially if it is your first visit to Thailand, good organization is essential in order to maximize your experience and avoid the unexpected. In this article, you’ll find Tips for a Successful Trip to Thailand based on my experience as a traveler who has explored the country several times, especially in a tourist and commercial context. You will find practical information and useful advice to help you prepare for your stay and make the most of it.

1. Thailand Visa and Travel Documents

Thai immigration allows entry into Thailand for citizens of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and those from around sixty other countries without a visa and free of charge, for a stay of 60 days or less. If your country is absent from the visa waiver list, do apply for an e-Visa, a quick and easy application on the official website of Thai immigration services: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United States, Switzerland, Czechia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, Cambodia.

⚠️ Updated (March 2025): The visa-free allowance has been reduced from 60 to 30 days in consideration of preventing some abuses related to undeclared business activities. This change has been confirmed by Thai authorities, and more information will follow soon. To avoid surprises, please check for updates before departure.

• Travel documents

Traveling to Thailand requires you to be in possession of a valid ID card or passport. It is also advisable that you make photocopies of both documents and carry them with you. Travel insurance is indispensable; you never know what may happen. There should also be a confirmed hotel reservation and a return ticket in case they ask when you arrive.

>>>> For more information: Thailand Visa Update: Latest Formalities and News

2. Flight Tickets: Find the Best Deals

Before you buy your ticket to Thailand, compare prices on multiple platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Trip.com, and official airline websites. Recently, Trip.com has been offering a good service for the purchase of tickets.

• 💡 Tip: Search in Incognito mode to prevent sites from tracking your history and raising prices based on your interest. Frequent flyers often see price discrepancies when they return to the same site multiple times.
• 📌 Another tip: Buying directly on the website in private browsing, for example on Trip.com via a browser, is often cheaper than via your mobile app, as is also the case with other platforms. Take the time to compare carefully before booking.

3. Vaccinations and Health

There are no vaccinations for entering Thailand from America or Europe. This part is for those who may want to get vaccinations to protect themselves even further:

• Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated water and food. Vaccination is recommended 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
• Hepatitis B: Spread through bodily fluids. Three-dose vaccine, sometimes in combination with hepatitis A.
• Typhoid: Transmitted through contaminated water and food. Vaccine advised 4 to 6 weeks ahead of departure, with a possible combination with hepatitis A.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Spread by mosquitoes. Two doses of vaccine are required, 28 days apart.
• Malaria: Vaccines are not available. Preventive treatment and protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended.

Consult with a doctor at least one month prior to the trip to tailor measures for yourself. To learn more about vaccines useful for travel in Southeast Asia, refer to official health resources.

Pack some simple medications like analgesics, dressings, and anti-diarrheal drugs. Pharmacies in Thailand are widespread, although some brands might differ. If you are on medication, bring enough for your trip along with a prescription in English for customs or a local physician.

In addition, thailand's tropical monsoon climate, with its high humidity and hot temperatures, creates favorable conditions for the development of a number of skin diseases. These diseases are often related to bacteria, fungi, or environmental allergies. 

>>> Learn more about vaccine for travel to Southeast Asia.

4. Money

The Thai Baht remains the national currency. As of March 2025, 1 USD is approximately 36.5 Baht.

Thailand is known for its budget-friendly options in accommodations, transportation, and food. In the north, costs are typically lower than in Bangkok, though they rise slightly in beach destinations in the south.

General costs:

• 1.5-liter bottle of water: 15-20 Baht
• Soda: 20-25 Baht
• Beer: 30-100 Baht

US dollars are widely accepted, but locals prefer new, crisp bills. Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Cirrus are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots. Be aware of a 3-5% service fee when using credit cards.

ATMs are available nationwide, charging a 4-6 USD fee per withdrawal, depending on the bank. Withdrawals are possible in either Baht or USD.

📌 For more information, please read: 

• Thailand Money Basics
• How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Thailand? 

5. Jet lag and Time Difference

Thailand is +7 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) year-round, as daylight saving is not observed. Here are some time conversions:

• Sydney: +4 hours ahead of Bangkok
• London: +6 hours (summer) or +7 hours (winter) ahead
• New York: +12 hours ahead of Bangkok

In Thailand, the pace of life differs from that of many Western countries. The days start early, especially for the markets and temples, which often open as early as 6 a.m. In big cities like Bangkok, life remains bustling until late at night, with restaurants, night markets, and bars open well after midnight.

6. What Should You Pack in Your Suitcase?

Thailand is endowed with a hot and humid tropical climate, so the best way to dress is in lightweight, airy cotton or linen clothing. If you are to travel in the rainy season, i.e., between May to October, you'll find that having a lightweight raincoat or umbrella comes in handy.

In the northern part of the country, particularly with reference to Chiang Mai and Pai, it can become comparatively cool during wintertime months (December to February), especially in the morning and evening. It might be helpful to have a light jacket or thin sweater.

👉 Here are some takeaways:

• Flip-flops and sandals for easy access when entering temples and the beaches. In most cases, you might have to remove your shoes.
• Sunscreen (the strength of the sun is phenomenal, even indoors).
• Anti-mosquito repellents are a must-have for those travelling to tropical areas.
• Sunglasses with a wide-brim hat would keep one under the warm weather safely.
• For hotels that have pools or if you plan to visit islands, swimwear would be necessary.
• Scarf or sarong for covering up in temples and for protection against air-conditioning in some modes of transport.

7. Travel Adapter for Thailand

The plugs in Thailand are of types A, B, and C (220V, 50Hz). Most European appliances should work, but an occasional incompatibility may arise. Therefore, a universal adapter with USB ports for multiple device charges is highly recommended. Otherwise, they are readily available in 7/11, in the shopping malls, or in the local markets. >>>Learn more about: Sockets and electricity in Thailand.

8. Insurance

Thailand offers a good quality healthcare system with English-speaking doctors in hospitals. Private hospitals are more costly than public ones, so travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and repatriation is highly recommended. Often, credit card services (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, Amex) include travel insurance if used for bookings.

Popular insurance providers among travelers from English-speaking countries include:

• Allianz Global Assistance
• AXA Travel Insurance
• World Nomads
• Travel Guard by AIG
• Bupa Global
• Cigna Global

9. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand

Thailand is generally safe for travelers who respect local customs. Yet, exercise caution near borders with Cambodia, and Myanmar where certain areas may experience periodic unrest. 

In addition, it is always prudent to keep the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Thailand. In case of a lost passport, legal problem or emergency, these institutions can help you

• United States Embassy (Bangkok)
  Emergency Contact: +66 2 205 4000

• United Kingdom Embassy (Bangkok)
  Emergency Contact: +66 2 305 8333

• Australian Embassy (Bangkok)
  Emergency Contact: +66 2 344 6300

• Canadian Embassy (Bangkok)
  Emergency Contact: +66 2 646 4300

• New Zealand Embassy (Bangkok)
  Emergency Contact: +66 2 254 2530

📌 Tip: Before you leave, take a screenshot of important maps and addresses, in case you don't have an internet connection!

>>> Read More: Is Thailand Safe to Travel?

10. Transport in Thailand

You can avoid getting stuck in traffic jams with cheap and fast transport in Bangkok, namely the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (Metro). More on this is in the Complete Guide to BTS and MRT. The bus services provide coverage to the whole city, although their net can be complicated. The ViaBus app will help you navigate.

Independence is available by way of Grab and Bolt, which offer taxi or private car booking at comparatively lower rates than the standard taxi fare. Last but not least, there are tuk-tuks which provide a classic ride, albeit more costly, and are all about bargaining.

Besides, there's no shortage of high-class domestic carriers like Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and budget airlines like Air Asia, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet Air. These allow an easy transition through 23 domestic airports, 6 international airports, and several scores of cities outside the country. Most of the time reasonably priced, fares may sometimes be below bus ticket prices during promotional periods.

>>> Related articles:

• Thailand Airport - Complete Guide for Travelers
• Metro in Bangkok Thailan

11. Gifts to Give

When you travel to mountainous regions or simply want to express your gratitude to your guide or driver, a thoughtful gift from Europe is a great suggestion. Women appreciate items like perfume or lipstick, while men often prefer wine or alcohol. Pens, colored pencils, and candies are also highly appreciated by children.

>>> Discover the 15 Most Famous Thailand Souvenirs

12. Tipping

Tipping is generally appreciated in Thailand, especially for guides and drivers who provide exceptional service.

As a guideline:

• Tour Guides: Around $4-5 USD per traveler per day
• Drivers: Approximately half of that amount

You can tip in USD, Thai Baht, or other major currencies. It’s common to provide tips at the end of each leg of your journey, particularly when moving to another region or switching guides.

For tuk-tuk drivers and boat operators, consider tipping $2-3 USD per traveler if you’re satisfied with their service.

13. Communication in Thailand

To call your home country from Thailand:

1. United States: Dial 0011 followed by the 1 country code and then the phone number.
2. United Kingdom: Dial 0011 followed by the 44 country code and then the phone number.
3. Australia: Dial 0011 followed by the 61 country code and then the phone number.
4. Canada: Dial 0011 followed by the 1 country code and then the phone number.
5. New Zealand: Dial 0011 followed by the 64 country code and then the phone number.

For cheaper international calls, you can use an alternative operator by dialing 009 or 001 before the country code.

14. Internet Access and SIM Cards

When you arrive in Thailand and you can purchase a SIM card at the airport. These cards, however, are often more expensive than those sold in the city. If you don't need any immediate connection, it would be advisable to head to such stores as 7/11, where you can get a number of choices at cheaper prices, and among the top carriers are AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC, which provide prepaid SIM cards designed for travelers. Most of these have unlimited 4G/5G connection for 7, 15, or 30 days, sometimes with a certain amount credited to local and international calls.

Always remember to put your passport or a copy of it with you, as it is mandatory for the registration of SIM cards in Thailand.

• Note: Wi-Fi is widely available and free in most restaurants, hotels, and cafes across Thailand, making it easy to stay connected.

15. Learn a Few Easy Words

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a couple of Thai words can go a long way in establishing an interaction and showing respect for the local culture. It means a lot to Thai people when a foreigner attempts to show their language skills, even if only with a "Sawasdee." Often, a smile and a few words in Thai are enough to create a lovely exchange. 🗣 A quick overview:

• Hello: Sawasdee khrap (for a man) / Sawasdee kha (for a woman)
• Thank you: Khop khun khrap/kha
• Yes / No: Chai (yes) / Mai chai (no)
• Sorry / Excuse me: Khor thot khrap/kha

📌 Read our article to know how to say "Hello" in Thai, so you can start all your exchanges right! 😊

16. Avoid More Serious Scams

Like any tourist place, there are scams in Thailand which target unsuspecting tourists. The most common is an 'over-helpful' person coming up to you claiming that they are there to help you, after which you open yourself up to getting into dubious developments. Below are some of the well-known scams to avoid:

🚫 False altruistic guides: For example, an individual comes up to you saying your destination (temple, tourist site) is closed and offers you alternatives, including a stop in a shop where you will be pushed to purchase overpriced goods.

🚫 Overcharging taxis and tuk-tuks: Remember to always ask for the meter to be switched on in a taxi or haggle the price of a tuk-tuk before getting in.

🚫 The false friendly invitation: A stranger, at times an older person looking benevolent, starts talking to you as if to help you or even as an excuse to exchange greetings. Later, they invite you over for a meal or to meet their family under the guise of thanks. What looks like hospitality is an attempted scam or theft, and thus it is best to avoid such spontaneous contacts with strangers.

🚫 Bogus cops: If such a person approaches you in uniform and asks for your passport or dollars for a "fine", then ask them to show you proof of that and offer to go to the nearest police station.

🚫 Jewelry and tailor scams: Some claim to sell you luxury items at bargain-bottom prices, but most of the time, they're not even close to high quality.

👉 Travel safely: It is quite important to remain reachable, especially in the event of the unexpected, an absolute must. Before leaving, please register contacts of your family, friends, and emergency services (embassy, hospital, tourist police). Predominantly inform your loved ones regarding your geographical location so they know where you are.

17. Key Cultural Codes to Be Aware Of

Thailand, an area in which respect and politeness hold values for daily living, comes with cultural points that must be taken care of to avoid blundering.

• 🙏 The Wai: The traditional type of greeting in Thailand is where the people would put their palms together as in praying, followed by a slight bow of the head. It is used in greeting, thanking, or showing respect.
• Do not point your feet: Feet are considered to be impure in Thailand. Refrain from pointing the feet, opening one's feet onto a seat, or touching sacred things with them.
• Respect the temples: For visiting a temple, please cover both the shoulders and knees. Before entering, hold back from the entry and never turn your back to any Buddha statue while taking pictures.
• Keep your distance from the monks: We are downright strict rules on the contact of physical fitness with women in Buddhism. If you are a woman, do not touch nor give anything to them directly. If you're a man, you must learn to respect him in his very natural state. Any way of this familiar distance is a taboo.
• Don't ever disrespect the king: The king's image enjoys such respect in Thailand that any criticism or mockery will be deemed beyond acceptable and will lead to sanctions.

Our last words

With this checklist, you have all the keys in hand to organize a stress-free trip to Thailand. By anticipating some practical aspects, you will be able to explore the country with peace of mind and have an unforgettable experience. Pack your belongings, plan your travels, and enjoy every moment there. If you have any other useful tips for traveling to Thailand, feel free to share them in the comments to help other travelers. Enjoy your stay and beautiful discoveries in Thailand! 😊

>>> Also, read for a comprehensive guide on preparing for your trip to Thailand:

• Thailand in April, a tropical paradise to discover
• Thailand Islands: Guide to Choosing the Best One in 2025 
• The Ultimate Guide to a 2-Week Adventure in Thailand 
• Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites