The 20 BEST Thailand Travel Tips For An Epic Visit [2025]

20 Best Travel Tips for Thailand I’m sitting

1. Learn Some Thai Travel Phrases Before You Arrive

One of my biggest travel tips for Thailand is to learn a bit of the language. In a lot of ways, this is a universal travel tip, not just applicable to Thailand. 

I am a big advocate of at least learning a few basic phrases wherever you travel, as it opens up so many more experiences and wonderful interactions. 

But the Thai people in general are probably the nicest you’ll ever meet (unless you come to Manchester, of course!) and their willingness to learn and embrace English on our behalf is nothing short of commendable. 

So it’s only fair that we make an effort too. Plus, the smiles on their faces when you do even just say hello or thank you are truly priceless. 

Want to take it one step further and actually have a proper conversation, that shiz will unlock so many doors to a deeper level of experience. If you do, why not take some Thai lessons?

2. Stay in Hostels Around Thailand

Forget those misconceptions of what hostels are like, because here you’re gonna be treated to some of the best in the world. Whether it’s your first time staying in a hostel, or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll soon realise that in Thailand, for a few quid a night, you’ll get the bargain of the century! 

Here, there are hostels with pools, gyms, pool tables, restaurants, co-working spaces, rooftop bars, yoga classes, and countless other features you honestly won’t believe. Some even offer free brekkie! One of my best Thailand travel tips is to check these out, backpacker or not!

On top of that, you get the other benefits of hostels like a cheap laundry service (why do hotels charge so much?!), easy methods of booking transport and tours, kitchen facilities, as well as a social atmosphere that makes it super easy to meet new and like-minded people. In fact, when it comes to Thailand solo travel tips, staying in hostels is honestly the number one way to make new friends.

Many of the dorm rooms these days are private pods with curtains, plug sockets, lights, fans, and lockers. But if that’s not your vibe (hello, backpacking in your mid-30s!), then pretty much all hostels have private rooms or single gender dorms. So it’s easy to get the hostel vibe and price, but do it whichever way suits you.

3. Respect Thai Culture

The people of Thailand are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered on my travels, so it’s important that you embrace their warmth by trying to show respect for their unique and beautiful way of life. Here are a few things to know about Thailand culture.

When it comes to Thailand travel basics, respect is a big deal. 

This means things like not walking around town with your shirt off (save it for the beach or pool, and definitely don’t be one of those idiots who ride a scooter topless!). Covering your shoulders and not wearing short shorts at temples. Also, be sure to take your shoes off whenever you enter a temple or residential building. 

Another of my big Thailand travel tips is to be aware of how you behave around monks. Make sure to give up your seat on public transport for them and avoid sitting next to them or touching them. If they are praying, observe silently so as not to disturb them and try to keep your head lower than theirs if possible. 

If you attend morning alms, receive a blessing, or visit a temple, then donations are welcome and can be in the form of money, food, or toiletries. Be sure to lower yourself and place items in donation boxes or bowls “bāt” that monks carry to avoid touching. 

Remember also, the Buddha is not a decoration or an ornament. Avoid getting souvenir statues from tourist shops or getting tattoos of the Buddha. If you want a Thai tattoo, then a Sak Yant is a better option and can be done respectfully, and can even be done by specially trained monks.

4. And More Importantly, Respect the Thai King!

In Thailand, the Royal Family is especially revered and respected. In fact, the country has strict laws that make it a criminal offence to speak negatively about the royal family. You’ll find images of the king and royal flags everywhere, from large posters on main highways in Bangkok to smaller images in shops and people’s homes. 

Even though he passed away in 2016, you’ll also often still see plenty of images of the previous monarch, the beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as he was seen as almost saint-like by the Thai people and like a father figure. 

You should be careful when talking about the King and the Royal Family, even down to what you post on social media, and be sure to stand and be silent when the royal anthem is played in public places, such as before the start of a film in the cinema. 

Given the strict laws about discussing the Royal Family, many Thais are quite reserved and not keen to speak too much beyond formalities. It’s best not to bring it up, and if you are brought into a discussion, keep things neutral and avoid any jokes, speculation, or criticism. Instead, it’s best to just listen.

5. Try the Vibrant Thai Cuisine

Thai food is the BEST in the world! You just can’t beat the blend of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour that these culinary magicians whip up on the daily. There literally isn’t a bad dish to try, but some might blow you away if you’re not accustomed to Thai spice levels! 

Plus, if you’re a veggie, then there are heaps of different options and adaptations (I hope you like tofu!) as well as plenty of traditional places that do veggie food. Look out for this sign “เจ” (pronounced jay) (or sometimes the Chinese character (齋)) alongside red and yellow signage, especially around temples. 

One of my biggest Thailand travel tips is to not be afraid to try the street food, it’s legendary stuff and, hand on heart, I’ve never been ill from it. In fact, I’ve only gotten food poisoning from proper restaurants whilst travelling. Just keep an eye out for the stalls with the longest lines and quickest turnover! 

If you really want to get to know the food, then there are also many cooking classes you can take in Thailand that will teach you how to recreate your favourite dishes once you’re back home.

6. 7-Eleven: Every Backpacker in Thailand’s Favourite Store!

Ok, so I might have already casually given away my love for 7-Eleven above when talking about food, but this place is a Thai institution, and honestly, it’s all part of the quintessential experience! I mean, really, have you even been to Thailand if you’ve not had a 7-Eleven toastie!? 

Look, of course, I am not saying 7-Eleven should be your only shop of choice; keeping it local and supporting street food and market vendors is important. But the thing is, locals love a good 7-Eleven too, and they’re the ultimate for convenience. 

From microwave meals like basil chicken & rice, to the aforementioned toasties, iced lattes, instant noodles, chocolate lava cakes, and an endless amount of incredible and exotic sweets and treats to try. Half the adventure is just rummaging around the shop, deciding what you actually want to buy, but with everything being so affordable, you can let loose! 

Not only does 7-Eleven do convenience food better than anywhere else, but they also sell a great selection of toiletries, basic medication, and first aid supplies. It’s one reason why Thailand is one of the best destinations for backpackers and why they do seem to be drawn to here!

It’s no wonder locals and tourists alike are obsessed, and thankfully, you’ll find a 7-Eleven around almost every corner. In fact, as of last year, there are over 13,000 7-Eleven stores in Thailand!

7. Get Soaked for Thai New Year: Celebrate Songkran

Celebrating a local festival when you travel is always a great experience, but how about if that festival happens to be the world’s largest water fight!? You in?

What better way to embrace Thai culture than firing a water pistol into a crowd of thousands! Ok, so there’s more to it than that, but Songkran, which is the Thai New Year, is something you just can’t miss on your ​​Thailand trip. 

Whilst the biggest and most intense celebrations are known to be in the Northern city of Chiang Mai (one of our favourite places in the world), the celebrations go on in all corners of the country. One of my favourite Thailand travel tips I often hand out if for visitors to time their trip with Songkran if they can.

From those made up of mostly tourists on busy city streets in places like Bangkok or Phuket, to more traditional local celebrations in smaller towns and cities… wherever you go, you’ll find the Songkran for you! 

Happening between April 13-15 each year, you’ll find the streets filled with people armed with buckets, water pistols, hose pipes, and bottles! Just be sure to bring a dry sack because your cries to be spared will fall on deaf ears! 

We actually celebrated a very similar festival called “Thingyan” over in Myanmar one year, and it remains one of our best travel experiences to date.

8. NEVER Ride Elephants, It’s NOT Cool!

Right then, continuing my Thailand travel tips is a cause close to my heart, animal rights. Historically, in Thailand, elephants have had a tough time of it and have been used for both labour and entertainment. As sensitive, sentient beings, this is not cool at all. 

Thankfully, much has changed over the years, and people are seeing the harm these practices have caused and are also giving these gentle giants the respect and love they deserve. 

BUT not everyone is on board, and unfortunately, the Thai government hasn’t gone far enough to ban cruel practices such as riding. 

Whilst on the surface it might look like it wouldn’t cause too much harm with the animals being so big, they actually have very sensitive spines that are not at all suited to riding. Plus, the lengthy process of “breaking” an elephant so it will comply is simply heart breakingly cruel. 

If you’d like an ethical elephant interaction, then instead consider visiting one of the sanctuaries for rescued elephants. A note of caution, though, please, please do your homework, as many of these places are set up to look like sanctuaries, but still employ cruel practices to get the elephants to interact with people too many times a day. 

Ones I recommend are: Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Sukhothai and Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

9. Lady Boys, Liberation, and Not So Illicit Substances.

Thailand is one of the most visibly gender-diverse countries in the world. “Ladyboys” or “Kathoey” in Thai are central to this and are well known the world over. Beyond lazy stereotypes and jokes, they are real people who are not just accepted, but celebrated in many parts of society. 

Along with recent changes in the law to allow same-sex marriage, what that means is that Thailand is considered a safe space to express yourself openly and freely. But it also means you must come here with an open mind and leave your judgments at home. 

Weed was decriminalised in 2022… sort of! Smoking in public, selling edibles, is all legal, and you’ll find heaps of dispensaries, smoke shops, and cafes have popped up all over. Rumours are rife that laws might tighten up again soon, but for now the scene is thriving… maybe too well. Time will tell. 

Whilst this means you’re all good to spark up a joint, it does open up a whole new avenue for trouble too. The main thing is that you should, of course, be careful how wasted you get and, in particular, when you’re in locations where this might leave you more open to injury or exploitation. Operating a scooter is a complete no-no, and mixing weed and alcohol is also not a great idea.

My top Thailand travel tips for first timers are… be chill, be safe, be respectful, and enjoy yourself responsibly!

10. Always Carry Some Cash

Despite feeling like one of the most advanced and modern countries in the region, in much of Thailand, cash is still king. Whilst you’ll be able to pay by card in many places, a lot of them do have a lower limit (for example, 200 THB in 7-Eleven) or an additional charge, which can prove frustrating. 

Then there are heaps of other places where you’ll only be able to carry cash. This is especially true for buying food from street vendors and goods from market stalls. The laundry lady, she’ll probably want cash, and even entrance prices to many temples or national parks will require a cash payment too!

To make matters worse, many cash machines in Thailand now charge a fee for withdrawals from a foreign card (which, when we first visited, wasn’t at all banks).

One of my biggest Thailand travel tips when it comes to money is to use a card like Wise, Starling, Monzo, or Revolut that doesn’t charge a foreign fee. You’ll also want to strike a balance between withdrawing enough each time to justify the fees and also not ending up walking around wadded!

10 Must-Know Safety Tips Before Planning a Trip to Thailand

Ok, so I’ve covered my main top tips for travelling to Thailand, but here in this sub-section, I’m going to break down some important Thailand safety tips. Although it’s a hella safe and fun country, you’ll need to exercise some caution and common sense, especially being a place where many let loose.

1. Avoid the Tap Water in Thailand

Tap water in Thailand is gonna give you a one-way ticket to a night riding the porcelain throne if you decide to drink it! Like in many countries around the world outside of Europe and Australasia, there are germs that we’re just not accustomed to, like the locals. 

One way to deal with that is to buy bottled water every day from 7-Eleven, but then you’d be contributing to the issue of single-use plastics, and you’d feel like you’d let Greta down big time! Tut, tut! Plus, staying hydrated in Thailand is a full-time job, and it all adds up… and then there are those times where you go hiking in the jungle without any agua. 

The solution: grab yourself a Grayl filter bottle, then you can even drink water from the bum gun! Mmm! Seriously, though, these are a literal life and planet saver. 

The tap water can be used for brushing teeth, though… Probably! I mean, I’ve always used it for that purpose and never had an issue. In fact, there’s only one country where I went as far as cleaning my teeth in bottled water, any guesses? (Yes, it was India, and I didn’t get sick there!)

2. Renting a Scooter in Thailand? Be Safe!

I’m not going to be one of those people who harp on about not renting a scooter when in Asia; that would make me a hypocrite. Because I’ve done it here and even bought a manual motorbike in Vietnam before actually knowing how to ride it! 

Let’s be honest, it’s the done thing in Thailand and beyond, and in many places it’s the only convenient way to get around if you want to avoid racking up Grab rides like they’re going out of business and you’re their last hope! 

Having said that, whilst it’s considered “normal”, you should still be aware of a few things before you twist that throttle!

3. Get up to Date on Your Vaccines

Thailand is a pretty common travel destination these days, but that doesn’t mean it comes without any health risks. Be sure to visit your local doctors or travel health clinic before jetting off to see which vaccines you need. 

One hack you could consider if it’s going to be expensive for you to get your vaccines is to look into visiting a clinic in Bangkok when you arrive, as they are usually a lot cheaper.

4. Keep Your Distance from Wild Animals

Following on from mentioning the rabies jab above, my advice is to keep a good distance from wild animals, including street dogs. 

Whilst they are cute, and honestly, it breaks my heart to see them (though this issue has been lessened over the years I’ve been visiting, thankfully), at the end of the day, rabies is an issue here. 

Be aware of your behaviour around any wild or free-roaming animals, especially dogs and monkeys. They can be very unpredictable, confident in approaching humans, and aggressive if they suspect you have food. Don’t approach them, avoid eye contact, and be aware when opening and consuming food. 

Any bite, scratch, or lick into an open wound should be treated seriously from any wild animal, including dogs, monkeys, cats, and bats. 

Rabies is serious and needs fast treatment before symptoms begin (at which point, you’re pretty much screwed, unfortunately). Even if you’ve had your vaccine, it’s only a “Pre-exposure” and you’ll need a couple of follow-up jabs, but it does mean you’ll avoid the costly and harder to access immunoglobulin.

5. Bugs Can Be Buggers!

Thailand is paradise, but it’s a mosquito-ridden paradise, especially if you’re travelling in the rainy season (May–October)! Make sure you either pack some decent insect repellent before you go, or grab some of the stuff in the pink bottles from 7-Eleven. 

Not only are the various types of bugs and creepy crawlies annoying and itchy, but some of them carry diseases, and their bites can easily get infected in the hot and humid climate of Thailand. 

From dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day, to Anopheles mosquitoes that come out at night, the buggers have you covered for an attack at all hours. That’s not even to mention the sandflies, midges, and ants! 

Get yourself covered in DEET, avoid standing water, and use mosquito nets and AC where possible, and cover up as much skin as you can if you’re going into the jungle.

6. Be Sun Safe

Being close to the equator, the UV index for Thailand is strong year-round. With hours of unrelenting beating sun, you’ll be burnt to a crisp before you can say pass the coconut. Seriously, don’t underestimate the sun here; even on overcast days, the UV can penetrate the clouds and cause serious damage. 

Plus, it’s super easy to get dehydrated here, so make sure to keep drinking water and carry a reusable bottle with you. If you need to replenish quickly, the Japanese drink “Pocari Sweat” is perfect for topping up your electrolytes and is available at most 7-Elevens and many pharmacies. 

7. Watch Out for Scams

Thailand might be the land of smiles, but don’t be fooled into thinking everyone is your friend! Whilst they aren’t as prevalent as in many of its neighbours and places like India or Morocco, in some areas you’ll find quite a few scams aimed at unsuspecting tourists. 

8. Secure Your Belongings; Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Having just “survived” four months travelling around South America, it’s easy to feel pretty complacent now we’re back in Thailand. Whilst it is a LOT safer than the mean streets of Rio or the favelas of Colombia (BTW, we had absolutely no issues anywhere in South America), it’s also not without its issues in certain places. 

Whilst Thailand can and does feel like a very developed country, especially if you’re swanning around the fancy malls of Silom, don’t forget, many people here earn but a fraction of what most visitors do. This means that for the desperate or the opportunistic, we can be targets. 

I’ve heard more about this kinda thing happening in Vietnam or Cambodia, but bag and phone snatching is something that does happen on occasion, especially in places like Pattaya and Patong (Phuket), and sometimes in Bangkok. It’s not exactly rampant, thankfully, but when it does occur, it’s usually from a scooter and can result in some nasty injuries. 

One of my Thailand tips and tricks is to just always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in less crowded areas. Keep your phone out of the way and avoid handbags casually strewn over your shoulder. A money belt worn under your shirt is also a good practice when travelling anywhere. 

You should also make use of hostel lockers and hotel safes for your valuables back at your accommodation, and keep things like laptops, cameras, passports, and money out of sight. Whilst theft is uncommon, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

9. NEVER Leave Your Drink Unattended

When visiting Thailand, it’s probably high up on your list to go out, party, and let your hair down. But on occasion, people do get their drinks spiked and leave themselves vulnerable to sexual assault and robbery. It doesn’t happen a lot in Thailand, but it’s still something to be cautious of.

Another thing to be aware of in this regard is that it’s not just locals you need to be wary of; in fact, quite often it’s some trash-ass white guy who is either a predator or a thief posing as a fellow tourist. Seriously, one of my best tips for Thailand is to keep an eye out for foreigners causing trouble!

It doesn’t just happen to women either; actually, men are more likely to be targeted when it comes to robbery because let’s be honest, when you see a bar girl, you’re pretty easy to lead on! 

Use your head, avoid dodgy establishments, don’t get absolutely wasted, and keep an eye on your drinks.

10. Make Sure You Take Out Travel Insurance

Whilst Thailand is a warm, friendly, beautiful, and generally safe place to visit, it’s not without its dangers. As foreigners,  we can often get taken in by the romance of the place and be blissfully unaware of the hazards locals are all too knowledgeable about. 

Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is a must, especially tailored towards backpackers and long-term travellers. Make sure you’re covered by a reputable company so you can truly embrace the wonderful chaos that is Thailand.

Important Things to Know Before Going to Thailand

Alright, so you’re ready to hop on that plane and sample the entire toastie menu in 7-Eleven on your first night. But wait a moment before throwing that Chang singlet on, because here are some more practical tips you should know before you arrive in the land of smiles.

Check Your Visa Requirements for Thailand Before You Arrive

Most passports (and by most, you know I am referring to our Western privilege here) will offer 60 days visa-free. Meaning you can “kinda” just rock up! These are eligible for a single extension of up to 30 days from a Thai immigration office, subject to approval. 

However, your passport must expire at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page. Plus, from 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand now have to fill out a digital arrival card (these used to be done on paper). These can be done from three days prior to your arrival. 

Whilst there is no official limit on “visa runs”, the Thai government has recently been cracking down on this more and more. There are even rumours that the 60-day visa-free entry is going to be reduced to 30. 

Either way, make sure to double-check online well in advance of your trip.

Budgeting Tips for Travelling Around Thailand

Thailand’s currency is the Baht. $1 is approximately 35 Baht, and £1 is around 47 Baht. 

Thailand is generally a pretty cheap place to visit compared to the UK, Western Europe, the USA, and Australia. But it’s still good to set out a daily budget because, despite it being affordable, it’s easy to go wild and overspend if you’re not careful!

Example Budget Per Day, Per Person

In Thailand, you’ll see it’s very easy to travel on a budget, and if you have more cash to spare, you can really live it up here.

Staying Connected in Thailand: SIMs, Data, and WiFi

What’s the point in coming all the way to Thailand if you can’t share those 2 am 7-Eleven selfies, show off your sunburn, and wow the world with your infected Khao San Road tattoo!? Amirite! 

Ok, so maybe you just wanna tell your Mum you’ve landed and let your Nan know you’re eating ok, oh, and have a chat to the most important member of the family… the dog, of course! 

But staying connected is the name of the game these days. From keeping in contact with folks back home, to booking your hostel or that last-minute night bus, and finding your way back to your digs of an evening. It’s not just about TikTokking your trip; a lot of the time, your phone and/or laptop are essential travel tools. 

eSIMs

eSIMs are the new kid on the block, but trust me, they’re a game-changer. Rather than having to pay for overpriced SIMs in the airport, rely on dodgy free Wifi to book your Grab or traipsing around Bangkok after an 11-hour flight trying to find a decent provider… You can have it all ready to go before you land! 

With an eSIM, you just download an app, scroll through the different packages to see which one suits your needs and budget, and make your purchase. Follow the simple instructions for installation, and boom, as soon as the wheels touch the ground, you’re good to go! 

SIM Cards

The old school way of doing it is still useful if you need a local phone number (eSIMs usually only offer data). Plus, if you can be bothered with it, it’s often still cheaper than an eSIM, though it is slightly more inconvenient to purchase and set up. 

The best SIMs for tourists are AIS (Strong network and fast speeds, widest coverage and most reliable, but comes at a cost), DTAC (Good coverage and budget-friendly deals) TrueMove H (Good alternative to AIS, great coverage nationwide, strong network and has flexible deals on data plans). 

These can easily be purchased at the airport, telecom service counters, or any 7-Eleven. You can also top them up at a 7-Eleven.

Free WiFi

Free WiFi is common all over Thailand, especially in big cities. It can be found in most accommodations, cafes, restaurants, public transport, libraries, and airports. On the whole, it’s often not bad, and for those of us working online, it does work well. It’s one reason why Thailand is a great location for digital nomads to base themselves.

It’s a good alternative to buying an eSIM or SIM card, and it’s also a great way to not run through your data. But at times, it can be inconvenient to have to keep connecting to WiFi or nip into somewhere for a coffee just to check your location or catch a Pokémon! 😛

When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

Whilst Thailand is a good idea any time of year (I’m writing this in “rainy season” and honestly the weather has been great), there are things you should take into account when it comes to the best months and regions to visit during those times.

Amongst my top tips for travelling to Thailand are to check the time of year and location you want to visit properly and adapt your expectations.

What to Buy Before Travelling to Thailand

Don’t worry about buying elephant pants and questionable t-shirts before you jet off, there’s plenty of that here! But there are a few things you should pack for Thailand.

The Best Ways to Get Around Thailand: Transport Tips!

Thailand is well set up for domestic and international travel, with large airports and transport hubs in most major cities. It’s got one of the best networks for transport in Southeast Asia.

You’ll find it easy to get a flight here from virtually anywhere (Ok, so South America was a pain, but ya know!) and from within Asia it’s generally super cheap with regular services all year round. 

Internal travel within Thailand is cheap, reliable, and often comes with a number of different options to suit a wide range of budgets and comfort levels. In fact, travelling through Thailand is a breeze.

However, one of my tips for visiting Thailand is to book longer-distance trips in advance, especially if you’re travelling in the peak season, and 12go is often our website of choice. 

The different methods of transport in Thailand

The Final Thailand Travel Tip: Say Sawadee Ka to the Land Of Smiles!

Ok then, hopefully you’re packed full of excitement and enthusiasm for your upcoming trip to Thailand. I mean, I am literally sitting here in Thailand, but I am somehow jealous of you! 

There’s just nothing like the first time you set foot in this magical country; it’s an addictive sensory overload that will have you yearning for a return as soon as you leave. 

From that thick hit of humidity when you step outside to the indescribable layers of flavour in your favourite Thai dish. The gentle clink of chimes dancing in the wind and the hum of monks at prayer, to the pungent aromas of the open-air markets with their eclectic atmosphere of shouts and energetic bartering. Thailand is pure magic.

There truly is nowhere else like Thailand, and over many years and countless visits, it’s left an indelible mark on our hearts that keeps pulling us back to explore new corners and relive old memories. Hopefully, my list of Thailand insider travel tips will make your first visit even more memorable.

Get out there and make your own, you won’t regret it!

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