Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Thailand
I can’t believe it took us this long to visit this country. Renowned as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is a destination that will completely alter your perspective on traveling. From the marvelous temples, delicious cuisine, insane nightlife, and gorgeous islands, Thailand seems to have it all. And for a fraction of the price. Its a place where you can find your Zen during the day, and get consumed by the chaos at night. Follow this travel guide for all the tips you’ll need for visiting and avoiding scams along the way.
Thailand a Brief Overview
Formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by a European power. Its history stretches back thousands of years and the influences of various empires is evident in its deeply rooted cultural identity. Today Thailand is a fusion of tradition and modernity, where golden temples share the skyline with glass skyscrapers and reverence for the monarchy and Buddhism remains ever-present. Thailand is also home to a diverse range of landscapes from green hills to turquoise-watered beaches and some of the friendliest people in the world. This blend of ancient and electric give Thailand that dichotomy of irresistible charm & joyful chaos.
Best Time to visit Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand is during November to February. The temperatures are much cooler (70-88°F), there’s less rain, and it’s less humid however, this coincides with the peak season. The country is pretty much always hot (90s °F) but you’ll want to avoid the hottest months (March – June) and the rainy season (June – October). Unless of course you’re going for the world’s largest water gun fight, Songkran which occurs every year in mid-April and don’t mind being perpetually drenched in questionable water. Another world-class festival Yi Ping, a stunning northern Thai tradition where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky to symbolize letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future.
Thailand Entry Requirements
- Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date.
- Visa – No Visa is required for US citizens and many other nationalities if staying under 30 days.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card – Starting May 1st 2025, all foreign nationals will be required to fill out this electronic card 3 days before entering the county. We got lucky and didn’t need one but you can access it online here.
Best Cities to Visit
Thailand is a huge country with so many diverse landscapes to experience. We recommend visiting a few different cities to grasp a better idea of what it has to offer. Here’s some of our favorites:
- Bangkok – Thailand’s capital city and the go-to for delicious street food, crazy nightlife, and magnificent temples. The city is a mix of luxury & chaos in the best possible way.
- Chiang Mai – Considered the largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its mountain temples, eccentric festivals, and elephant sanctuaries. It has a more laid back and chill vibe than Bangkok.
- Phuket – Phuket is Thailand’s largest island notorious for its audacious party atmosphere, scenic beaches, and easy access to island hopping.
- Phi Phi Islands – The most famous islands in the Andean Sea, renowned for its crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs.
- Ayutthaya – Once the ancient capital of Siam, this UNESCO World Heritage site is rich with crumbling temples and fascinating ruins steeped in history. It’s a good day trip from Bangkok.
Transportation
Fortunately after the 15hr long flight from the East Coast USA all other transportation in the country is cheap and quick. The best way to get between the big cities is by budget airlines (Bangkok is about 1.5hrs flight from both Phuket and Chiang Mai). Budget travelers can take the overnight trains or buses to save some money while Bangkok also has a reliable subway system. The traffic is hectic in the urban areas, with more motorcycles and scooters than anywhere I’ve ever seen. There are no Ubers but you can download the Grab app for a similar experience. While tuk-tuks offer a novelty experience, try to avoid them since they can be overpriced. For hopping between islands, speed boats are usually the way to go but be sure to take motion sickness pills since it will be a bumpy ride.
Essential Items to Bring
- Lightweight, breathable clothes (it’s hot)
- Slip-on shoes (you’ll take them off often at temples)
- Power adapter (Thailand uses types A, B, and C)
- Swim suit
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Modest clothes to go inside temples (must cover the shoulders and knees)
- Waterproof phone case (if visiting during Songkran)
- Toilet paper or sanitizing wipes
Top Tips For Surviving Thailand
- Money – Thailand is mostly a cash society with most vendors only accepting Thai Baht and using credit cards will come with extra fees. Exchange $50-100 USD at the airport to get into the city and only take the rest out at ATMs downtown to avoid high exchange rates and fees.
- Tipping – Tipping is not necessary at restaurants but if You really want you can leave some change or up to 5%
- Language – Besides from the smaller towns almost everyone spoke English so it was super easy to get around. A couple of Thai phrases we picked up are Sawasdee (hello) and khop khun ka (thank you).
- Accommodations – Lodging comes in a variety of ranges from low budget hostels to luxury sky rise hotels and beach villas. For the most part everything is relatively cheap with 4 or 5 star hotels being under $100 USD.
- Temples – If you’re planning on exploring inside the majestic temples, be sure to cover up the shoulders and knees. Also you’ll have to take off shoes before entering so wear something easy to slip on or some cool socks.
- Water – The tap water is questionable so be sure not to drink it. Just buy water bottles from your nearest 711 (Konbini game on Japan’s level).
- Street food – Thailand is South East Asia’s King of street food but many travelers stomachs can’t handle everything you’ll encounter. While most cooked meals are safe and I never got sick, It’s possible some food can upset your stomach so bring pills or avoid being too adventurous.
- Bargaining – Prices are more of an abstract concept than a number set in stone. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for things since everyone is selling the same stuff and most likely they are ripping you off anyway.
Scams to Avoid
While Thailand is generally safe and has an extremely low crime rate, there still is the potential for scams. Use these tips to avoid the common tourist traps and you should have no problems.
- Tuk-Tuk scam – Aside from being ridiculously over priced, some drivers will try to trick you by saying a certain place is closed and that they can take you around somewhere else. Don’t fall for this and continue sighsteeing on your own.
- Taxi Meter – Some taxis may drive you to your destination without turning on the meter and then charging you a ridiculous price. Always negotiate a rate before getting in a taxi and make sure the meter is running. This is why we usually chose a Grab over taxi.
- Over Priced items – Usually in sketchy bars but sometimes in restaurants, the bill will charge you extra for items or include some random fee. Always be sure to check the receipts carefully
- Ping Pong Show – If you go looking for degenerate activities on a night out of people doing strange things with their body, they might entice you to watch for free but then try to charge you for expensive drinks once inside so just be aware.
Unique Experiences to Have in Thailand
Thailand is famous for many unique experiences that you can find almost anywhere throughout the country. Here’s some of the most popular activities:
- Muy Thai Boxing – Experience the raw energy of Thailand’s national sport by watching a live Muay Thai match or signing up for lessons to try it yourself!
- Thai Massage – Rejuvenate your body and mind with an ancient Thai massage, a healing art that combines acupressure, stretching, and a little bit of pain, but in a good way?
- Elephant Sanctuaries – Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries where you can feed, bathe, and walk alongside these gentle giants in a cruelty-free environment.
- Street Food – Dive into the heart of Thai culture with sizzling street food served fresh at every corner. Between the floating markets in Bangkok to the Nigh Bazaar in Chiang Mai, there’s endless amounts of options.
- Temples – Find your inner Zen at the infinite amount of majestic temples, each with their own intricate architecture and shiny Buddhas inside.
Thailand is a paradise of diverse landscapes, serene beaches, chaotic nightlife, marvelous temples, and tasty cuisine. It’s a blend of awe and chaos unlike any other country. Plus with the insane festivals, there’s always a good reason to visit Thailand. Stay tuned for more of our epic adventures in our travel series. Until then, thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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