Thailand travel tips

Planning a trip to Thailand? Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, stunning beaches, or ancient temples, knowing the essentials will make your journey smoother. From the best time to visit and cultural etiquette to transportation and budgeting tips, this guide covers everything you need to enjoy the “Land of Smiles” to the fullest.

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

The ideal time to visit Thailand depends on the region you plan to explore. If you’re heading to the central region – home to cities like Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi – or the northern region, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the best time to go is from November to March. During this period, the weather is dry and pleasantly cool. From April to October, frequent rainfall may impact travel plans.

For the southern region, which is divided into four coastal areas, the weather varies as follows:

1. Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea is bordered by six provinces, including popular beaches like Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi Island. The best time to visit is from November to April, while the risk of rain increases from May to September.

2. Gulf of Thailand Sea (Ao Thai)

The Gulf of Thailand is bordered by five provinces in the southern part, with popular beaches like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. The best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand is from May to September. There may be occasional rain in April, and from December to February, monsoons with strong waves and rain are common.

3. Eastern Sea

The Eastern Sea is bordered by four provinces, with popular beaches such as Pattaya, Sattahip, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Chao Lao Beach. The best time to visit the Eastern Sea is between November and April. From May to October, there is a chance of encountering rain.

4. Western Sea

The upper Gulf of Thailand, located in the western part of the country near Bangkok, includes two provinces. Cha-am, Hua Hin, and Pranburi are some of the popular beaches in this region. The ideal time to visit is from November to May.

Therefore, if you’re looking to explore both the northern and central regions of Thailand while also enjoying the beautiful beaches of the south, such as Phuket or Krabi, the ideal time to visit would be from November to March each year.

2. Thailand Visa

Passport holders from the following countries/territories are granted visa exemption when entering Thailand for tourism purposes. They can stay for up to 30 days on each visit without the need for a visa:

ASEAN countries, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (Hong Kong, Macau), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

For other passports or depending on your nationality, you can also apply for the Thailand E-Visa before flying or entering the country. Simply visit the following link: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

When you start to apply or after receiving your E-Visa, kindly take time to double-check and make sure all the information in the E-Visa matches exactly with the details in your passport and on your international flight (e.g., full name, date of birth, gender, passport number, date of expiry, period of entry to Thailand, name of airport/city when entering Thailand, etc.)

3. Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand

Discover the essential do’s and don’ts to ensure a smooth and respectful experience during your visit to Thailand.

Learn a Few Essential Thai Phrases

The Thai people take great pride in their language, so they’ll truly appreciate your effort to learn a few words. Here are some essential phrases:

• Hello => Sawasdee krap
• Thank you => Khawp khun krap
• Goodbye => Lah gorn
• Bill, please => Kep tang krap
• Delicious => Aroi
• No spice => Mai pet
• No sugar => Mai sai nam tam

Respectful Dress Code for Temples and Palaces

Make sure to dress modestly when visiting temples and palaces, ensuring your knees and shoulders are covered.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering Temples and Certain Shops

This rule also applies to some shops, so keep an eye out for signs outside. If you notice shoes already lined up outside, be sure to take yours off before entering.

Always Carry Cash

It’s advisable to carry cash when visiting markets in Thailand. Credit cards may not be accepted at many local shops or stalls, and smaller accommodations often prefer cash payments.

Learn to haggle while shopping on the streets

When visiting markets, always inquire about the price first and try to negotiate. If the price doesn’t drop, move to another shop and repeat the process. After visiting a few stores, you’ll likely find the best deal.

Be cautious of scams

When using tuk-tuks, be wary of scams. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. You might be taken to various shops like perfume stores, antique dealers, or jewelry outlets where they try to get you to make purchases.

Don’t underestimate travel time

Although Bangkok has widespread and efficient transportation, the city’s notorious traffic congestion can delay your journey. To avoid missing flights, especially international ones, it’s best to leave extra time and consider taking a cab several hours in advance, factoring in potential traffic.

Stay cautious while enjoying the nightlife

Whether you’re in Krabi, Bangkok, or Phuket, always keep safety in mind. Never leave your drink unattended, stay away from poorly lit areas, and avoid excessive drinking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Avoid taking Buddha images out of the country

While it may be permitted in certain cases with the proper authorization, there are strict regulations on what Buddha images can be exported from Thailand. Be cautious as vendors may still sell them without informing you of the legal restrictions.

Avoid standing on the raised threshold of a house or temple

According to traditional Thai beliefs, the raised threshold is where guardian spirits reside. To show respect and avoid disturbing them, always step over the threshold when entering.

Avoid touching monks

Women should never touch a monk or hand anything directly to them, as this is considered disrespectful in Thai culture.

Respect the Thai royal family

Thailand has strict laws regarding disrespect towards the royal family, including on social media. Always show the utmost respect.

Avoid touching a Thai person’s head

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. While there are exceptions, such as with close loved ones or during a head massage, it’s best to avoid touching someone’s head to show respect.

Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike

While we recommend avoiding motorbike rentals due to the high risk of accidents in Thailand, if you choose to rent one, always wear a proper helmet and follow traffic rules for your safety on the busy roads.

Avoid swimming when a red flag is posted on the beach

Rip tides in Thailand can be dangerous, especially during the wet season. Always check the beach flags and avoid swimming if a red flag is raised for your safety.

Avoid leaving your passport as a deposit

Some local travel agencies or car rentals may ask for your passport as a deposit, but this is not necessary. Your passport is crucial when traveling abroad, and leaving it with someone can lead to misuse. Always keep it with you for your safety and security.

Avoid getting scammed with inflated vehicle rental prices

Tuk-tuks and auto-rickshaws in Thailand often don’t use meters and charge fixed prices based on distance, taking advantage of unaware tourists. To avoid paying more than necessary, consider using Grab, where the fare is clearly set before your ride begins.

Avoid drinking tap water

While tap water in Thailand is technically potable, it’s better to play it safe during your holiday. Bottled water is widely available, and it’s a small investment to ensure your health stays in check while exploring the country.

4. Famous Thai Local Dishes

Explore the delicious and diverse local cuisine of Thailand, where bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques come together to create unforgettable dishes.

Pad Thai – Thai Style Fried Noodles

Pad Thai, a globally beloved Thai dish, is widely available in Bangkok and other popular spots across Thailand. It features stir-fried noodles mixed with bean sprouts, eggs, and onions, all cooked together before serving. The dish offers a perfect blend of flavors, combining chili powder, fish sauce, sugar, and peanuts to excite your taste buds with a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements.

Tom Kha Gai – Chicken Soup with Thai Coconut Galangal

Tom Kha Gai, one of the top 10 most delicious Thai dishes, is a flavorful chicken soup infused with galangal, offering a perfect blend of sweet and sour tastes. Made with coconut milk, lemongrass, chili, coriander, straw mushrooms, and tender chicken, this dish delivers a rich, creamy, and spicy experience that’s a true reflection of Thai culinary tradition.

Tom Yum Goong – Thai Style Spicy and Sour Soup

Tom Yum Goong is a signature Thai dish that combines fresh shrimp and straw mushrooms with a fragrant mix of lemongrass, chili, galangal, lime leaves, chives, lemon juice, and fish sauce. Known for its bold, tangy, and spicy flavor, this soup pairs perfectly with steamed rice or vermicelli, offering a deliciously satisfying experience.

Pad Krapow Moo Saap – Stir-fried Pork with Basil

Pad Krapow Moo Saap is a popular Thai dish made by stir-frying minced pork with fresh basil, green beans, chili, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar in a hot skillet. This flavorful dish is commonly served for lunch or dinner, accompanied by steamed rice and, if desired, a fried egg (kai dao) on top. Its spicy and aromatic taste makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Som Tam – Thai Green Papaya Salad

Som Tam is a flavorful and spicy Thai salad that originates from northeastern Thailand. It combines shredded green papaya with dried shrimp, tomatoes, green beans, and a mix of seasonings like lemon, chili, garlic, and roasted peanuts. This refreshing and tangy dish is perfect for those who enjoy a zesty, crunchy salad with a spicy kick.

Gaeng Keow Wan Kai – Chicken with Green Curry

Gaeng Keow Wan Kai, or green curry chicken, is a flavorful Thai dish made with tender chicken, bamboo shoots, eggplant, coriander, and basil. The dish gets its vibrant green color from the perfect blend of green curry paste and rich coconut milk, creating a balance of spicy, creamy, and aromatic flavors. It’s typically served with steamed Thai fragrant rice for a satisfying meal.

Gaeng Daeng – Red Curry

Gaeng Daeng, or red curry, is a popular Thai dish made with chicken or shrimp, red curry paste, coconut milk, and finely chopped kaffir lime leaves. This curry is known for its bold and spicy flavor, offering a perfect balance of richness and heat. It’s often served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and delicious meal.

Thailand offers a vibrant mix of culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. By following these travel tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip. For more personalized guidance and detailed itineraries, visit Vietnam Style Travel to plan your perfect Thai adventure. We’re here to help you every step of the way!