Travel Tips for Your First Time in Thailand

Are you travelling for the first time in Thailand? Here are Thai travel tips to help you navigate the cultural differences, avoid common scams, and be safe while visiting the “Land of Smiles”.

Thailand holds a very special place in our hearts and as such, we have been regular visitors since the year 2000. With beautiful Thai islands and beaches, historic temples, warm and friendly locals, and simply amazing food, your trip will be unforgettable.

However, there are many cultural differences you may not be aware of and knowing these beforehand will make for a more enjoyable trip. Forearmed with knowledge of common scams and some basic tips to ensure your safety will allow you to travel around Thailand safely and responsibly.

We have also included some travel top tips for Thailand on what we consider are must visit destinations and experiences. By all means, take the road less travelled, but ensure you allow time to visit Bangkok, and explore some of the majestic islands in Thailand.

So, are you ready for some great advice for travelling to Thailand? Read on to see our top travel tips for your first time in Thailand. If you take heed of some of the advice and travel tips in Thailand above, you will have a very memorable trip and love Thailand as much as we do!

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Did You Know?

• Thai’s adore their royal family.
• Approximately 95% of Thailand’s population are Buddhist.
• Thailand has never been colonised by Europeans unlike its neighbouring South-East Asian countries.

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“Adventures are the best way to learn.”

– Anonymous –

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Thailand Travel Tips

These tips on traveling to Thailand have been generated from our experience of more than 20 years of travel to Thailand. We love the culture, people and food in Thailand and hope these tips will help those visiting Thailand for the first time.

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Cultural Tips for Thailand

When travelling in Thailand, or anywhere really, it is important to be sensitive and respectful of the local culture. This can easily be achieved by doing a little research about the culture and history before you go. To save you the trouble, here are just some of the ways you can show respect for the Thai culture.

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1. Show Respect for the King and the Royal Family

In Thailand, the King and the royal family are very well respected. To show any disrespect to the monarchy at all could actually get you thrown into jail! All forms of Thai currency depict the king so do not step on any form of cash at is considered a criminal offence.

If travelling in Bangkok, the Thai National Anthem is played every day at 8am and 6pm in train stations, markets, and public buildings throughout the country. The expectation is that you should stop what you are doing and stand respectfully in silence until the end.

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2. Show Respect to Monks

When travelling in Thailand, it is a common occurrence to see monks not only in the temples, but also walking along the street, shopping, eating out etc. Always be respectful in their presence and women should never touch a monk or his robes, or hand something to a monk. If you choose to greet a monk, they should receive a higher wai (Thailand’s prayer-like gesture with the hands together in front and head slightly bowed) than ordinary people.

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3. Learn a Little Thai

English is widely spoken in most of the tourist areas in Thailand which allows for easy communication. However, Thai’s really appreciate it if you have made an effort to learn just a couple of Thai words. Even if you don’t say it perfectly, they won’t mind! Here are some of the most common words / phrases you can learn before your holiday:

N.B. If you are male, you should end sentences with the word (khap / khrap), and if you are female, you should end your sentences with the word (ka). This is used to make your sentence or question polite and respectful.

• Hello / Goodbye: sawatdee khap / ka
• Thank You: khop khun khap / ka
• Sorry / Excuse Me: khor thoad khap / ka
• Yes: chai khap / ka
• No: mai khap / ka
• How Are You / Are You Well?: sabai dii mai?
• I Am Well Thank You: sabaii dii khap / ka
• Delicious: aroy
• Not Spicy: mai phet
• A Little Spicy: phet nit nawy
• Very Spicy: phet mak 
• Bill Please: check bin khap / ka

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4. Don’t Touch Someone’s Head

In Thailand, the head is considered the most important part of the body and revered as sacred. As such, you should never touch someone’s head or hair in Thailand, including children as it is considered extremely rude and offensive.

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5. Don’t Point Your Feet

As mentioned above, the head is considered sacred, however, the feet are considered as the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. You should never point your feet at someone, raise your feet higher than someone’s head, or put your feet on a desk or chair. The bottoms of the feet are considered to be extremely dirty and should not be shown to anyone!  In addition, do not point your feet at an image of Buddha or the King. It is considered to be extremely rude!

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6. Don’t Raise Your Voice at Thai’s / Lose Your Cool

Causing someone to “lose face” in Thailand, even if done by accident with good intentions, can lead to poor interactions. Shouting, being aggressive or displaying strong emotions and causing someone public embarrassment is generally not looked upon favourably in Thailand.

In order to achieve a favourable outcome, always keep in mind the rules of saving face. Keep your emotions in check even when you know you are being blatantly ripped off or scammed. Sometimes letting someone be wrong is just better than pointing out they are wrong. Alternatively, you can personally take the blame for the misunderstanding and remain patient and calm until both parties reach a positive resolution. A smile will get you a long way in the “Land of Smiles”.

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7. Cover Up When Visiting Temples in Thailand

Buddhism is a very central part of life in Thailand and no matter if you are male or female, skimpy clothing is frowned upon. This is especially important if you are planning on visiting temples, places of worship, or you are travelling in city and rural areas away from the coast.

When entering a temple or wat, ensure your knees and shoulders are covered. I carry a large lightweight scarf / sarong in my bag at all times which can be thrown over my shoulders or used as a skirt when required. I have also used it as a picnic blanket, beach towel and in cars with cold air-conditioning.

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8. Remove Your Shoes

It is a common tradition in Asia to take off your shoes before entering a temple, some shops / businesses, and private homes. If you see lots of shoes at the door, this is a good sign you will also need to remove your shoes to enter.

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9. Do Not Purchase Buddha Statues

Even though Buddha statues are sold everywhere at the local markets, it is actually illegal (unless you are licensed) to take a Buddha image out of the country.

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10. Return a Wai

The wai (pronounced like the word ‘why’) is Thailand’s traditional way of greeting others, much like a handshake in the west. The wai is done by putting your palms together in front of your chest and with your head slightly bowed (like a nod), touch your index finger to your nose. This is often also accompanied with a greeting of hello i.e. sawasdee. As a foreigner, it is considered respectful to wai someone who greets you in this way, and to not return a wai is considered impolite. However, Buddhist monks are not expected to return a wai.

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11. Land of Smiles

Thailand is also known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ for a good reason. Thai’s are famous for being smiley and it is a large part of Thai culture and etiquette. A smile goes a long way in this country so always return someone’s smile and especially so during negotiations.

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12. Island Time

One noticeable difference for many tourists is that things are often done at a slower pace in Thailand, and throughout South East Asia in general. Service can be slow and casual in both restaurants and shops, buses may not be on time, and no one seems to be in much of a hurry to get anything done. Just remember, you are on holidays, there is no hurry and this is the way it is here! You just need to learn to go with the flow…

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13. Don’t Point

In Thailand, pointing at someone is considered extremely rude. Instead, it is best to lift your chin in a person’s direction, or make a patting motion with your palm facing down and fingers straight to call someone over to you.

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14. Use Your Right Hand

Always use your right hand to pass objects to someone and when handing over money / paying someone. The left hand is considered unclean as it is used for the purpose of going to the toilet.

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15. LGBTQ+ Friendly  

Thailand is one of the most tolerant countries is Southeast Asia and has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. If staying in the more touristy or urban areas visitors can enjoy partying and the freedom of expression. However, in general, all public displays of affection are much rarer in Thailand than in Western countries.

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Health and Safety Tips for Going to Thailand

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16. Be Sun Safe

The hot sun in Thailand has brought many an unprepared tourist unstuck and ruined their holiday because they have gotten badly sun burnt. Instead, stay safe in the sun and reapply sunscreen across the course of the day. We recommend bringing your own sunscreen (preferably SPF 30+ and reef safe) as it is expensive to buy in Thailand and the selection available is very limited.

In addition, we recommend wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing with long sleeves for additional sun protection.

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17. Bring Insect Repellent

It is imperative to protect yourself against being bitten mosquitos, ticks, and even some flies in Thailand as some of these can spread disease. Some common diseases being spread by mosquitoes include Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria and Zika.  Mosquitoes are most prevalent between dusk and dawn and even more so during the wet season. As such, be sure to apply insect repellent (preferably at least 50% DEET) and cover up with clothing when possible to avoid bites.

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18. Don’t Drink Tap Water

Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink! Worst case scenario you may end up with a disease like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, or best case, a serious case of travellers’ diarrhoea. Bottled water is readily available to buy or pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the hotel before you leave or at the water dispensers in the street. Alternatively, pack a use a SteriPen to purify your water from the tap.

Be aware when eating fruits and vegetables in some places as they may have been washed with tap water. Most restaurants and bars will serve ice in drinks, and generally in reputable places, it is ‘safe ice’ (commercial ice that has been purified). If you are unsure, ask for no ice and drink out of the can or bottle.

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19. Always Carry Toilet Paper

To be on the safe side, we highly recommend carrying tissues or toilet paper with you at all times when you go out. In more expensive restaurants, you will generally find toilet paper available, but you will not find toilet paper in most bars, markets, temples etc. Be prepared in the event of a case of the dreaded Montezuma’s revenge….

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20. Vaccinations

All travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccinations before heading off on a holiday to anywhere in the world, but the following vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Thailand. Talk to your doctor about how you can best protect yourself prior to your departure.

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B 
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Malaria
• Rabies

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21. Protect your Valuables with a Cable Lock and Pacsafe

We don’t travel anywhere without our Pascafe cable lock, Portable Travel Safe and Crossbody Bags. We use our cable lock to secure our valuables in a cupboard in the hotel room or in our bag / portable travel safe which we cable lock to an immoveable piece of furniture or fixed item. We both have a Pacsafe crossover bag which we use each day, one for just our camera, and one for our everyday items. Pacsafe products are well known for their anti-theft technology and are slash proof, have amazing lock down functions on zippers and hooks, and are RDIF safe. They provide peace of mind knowing our valuables are safe at all times.

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22. Don’t Pat or Feed Any Animals

We have met so many travellers over the years who have learnt the hard way that it is not safe to feed or pat stray dogs or cats on the street, or those ‘cute’ little monkeys. These animals are unpredictable and may bite without warning and provocation. If bitten, you will need to see a medical practitioner to assess the exposure and determine if preventative treatments for Rabies, Herpes B virus or other infections are needed. This is not the way you want to spend your time on holidays!

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23. Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian crossings / zebra crossings do not work the same way they do in western countries. For your own safety: stop and look both ways before walking as cars and motorbikes often do not stop at them and give way to pedestrians.

Also, always look both ways on a one way street as it is not uncommon for a motorbikes to be driving up a street the wrong way.

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24. Rent a Motorcycle Only if You Are Experienced

It is a common sight in Thailand to see tourists with little to no riding experience on motorbikes without helmets and in very little clothing. It is a risk many are willing to take, but be aware Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatality records in the world. Add to this poor road conditions and very few road rules, and it is an accident waiting to happen.

If you do decide to rent a motorbike, we highly recommend:

• Have a motorbike license in your own country (this is Thai law)
• A valid International Driver’s License
• Wear a good quality helmet
• Wear protective clothing – long pants, enclosed shoes
• Don’t speed
• Don’t drink and drive

N.B. If you do have an accident, whether you are at fault or not, if you are a farang (tourist), the accident is your fault. This is an argument or fight you cannot win, so negotiate well to keep the costs down.

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25. Book Travel Insurance

The best way to be safe when travelling in any country is to have travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. We never travel without it as we have had to use it several times in the past. We have been using 1Cover for the past 4 years, however, we also recommend SafetyWing as many of our fulltime travel friends swear by them.

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Eating and Drinking in Thailand

26. Try Street Food

Thailand is world renowned for its cuisine, and in particular its street food is said to be the best in the world. It is quick, cheap and super tasty – every budget travellers dream! Some of the must try dishes include Pad Thai, Som Tam, Satay and Mango and Sticky Rice.

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27. Choose Where to Eat Carefully

There are so many amazing places to eat in Thailand from high end restaurants to mama and papa street stalls, however, not all have the same levels of food hygiene and cleanliness. Here are some of the ‘golden rules’ for choosing a place to eat safely when travelling anywhere in the world:

• Choose food that is freshly cooked
• Select fruits and vegetables you can peel
• Be cautious with raw, undercooked or reheated food, raw and shelled seafood, raw or undercooked eggs, and salads
• Choose busy restaurants to eat at, especially those that are full of local people, older people or those with young children
• Make sure cutlery is clean
• If you are unsure if it is ‘safe ice’, go without

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28. Eat With Your Spoon

The preferred and proper way to eat Thai food is with the spoon. The fork is held in the left hand and is only used to push the food onto the spoon (held in your right hand) which then goes into your mouth. Chopsticks are not as common and used to eat Pad Thai and other noodle dishes.

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29. Food Service Can Be Slow

As mentioned in #14 – Island Time, food service can be slow and often individual dishes will come out at different times. Thai’s share their food plates so this is the norm in their culture.

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30. Drinking in Thailand

It’s holiday time and who doesn’t like to indulge in a beverage or two while enjoying your break? We certainly do but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when buying drinks in Thailand. Read on for some tips to help you drink responsibly in Thailand and stay safe:

• The drinking age in Thailand is 20 years of age
• You can only buy alcohol in shops between 11am to 2pm, and 5pm to midnight each day (Thai law)
• It is illegal to drink in temples or places of worship, gas stations, stores, and public parks
• Keep a close eye on your bar bill as ghost drinks can sometimes appear
• Don’t accept drinks (or food) from strangers

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Common Scams in Thailand

Thailand, in general, is a very safe country and there are a large number of safety initiatives in place to guarantee that holidaymakers return home relaxed with nothing but positive experiences to share. Nevertheless, there are unscrupulous individuals who prey on tourists using something unlawful or deceitful. Many of these schemes are obvious to the naked eye, but others are less apparent.

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31. It’s Closed Today

This scam occurs near the major tourist attractions in Thailand and is common outside and in the area near The Grand Palace in Bangkok. You will be told by someone the attraction is closed but they can take you to another temple that is just as good or on a tour. When you get into their transport you will be taken to a gem or tailor store (on the way) where you will be offered amazing discounts.

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32. The Gem Scam

This is a very common scam in Thailand and essentially you will be offered gems which are worth 5 or 10 times more in your own country. Once in the store, another tourist will enter (usually a paid foreigner in on the scam) and verify the gem seller’s story. Beware as they are very convincing and fantastic sales people!

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33. Wrong Change

Get familiar with the local currency as soon as you arrive. This can take many forms but the most common is being short-changed and taken advantage of by cashiers as you may not be familiar with Thai currency i.e. taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, busy markets, small restaurants and bars. This can easily be avoided by carrying smaller notes with you and change larger 500 and 100 baht notes at stores like 7-Eleven or at your hotel.

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34. Fake Baht

In this scam shopkeepers will claim you have paid with a fake or counterfeit note and then they exchange it with an actual fake note while inspecting it. Again, the best way to avoid this scam is to carry smaller notes.

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35. Jestski and Motorbike Rentals

Upon returning your rented jetski or motorbike to the renter, they will claim you have damaged the vehicle and demand compensation for repairs. We recommend checking the jetski or motorbike carefully before renting it and ‘obviously’ taking photos or video of every scratch and dent.

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36. Tuk-Tuk Scam

The tuk-tuk scam involves the driver offering a price that seems too good to be true. Once you are in, he will then offer to stop at a ‘shopping destination’ along the way such as perfume shops, antique dealers, jewellery stores, and anything else they can get you to buy. The drivers receive commissions from stores so they can be extremely persistent and aggressive. Just be firm and say no!

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37. Unmetered Taxis

Prior to getting into a taxi, always request and insist on the meter to be used. If they don’t agree, wait for the next taxi. Pre-quoted prices by drivers are always more expensive. Our top tip is to find a new ALTIS model taxi as the fare is the same as the older model taxis which often don’t have as good air-conditioning. Also, the GRAB App is a popular alternative to taking taxis.

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Thailand Travel Money Tips

38. Carry Small Change and Notes

Carrying a pocket full of coins and smaller notes such as 20 baht notes are ideal for paying for transport or food at local restaurants. Food vendors and taxi drivers often don’t have change to break a 500 or 1,000 baht note.

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39. Haggling

In Thailand, haggling or bartering is a part of the culture, and provides an opportunity for fun interaction with the locals. Department stores and large shops work on fixed prices as do fresh food markets and restaurants. The local markets are the place to hone your haggling skills.

The general rule is to start at about half of what they ask and negotiate until you meet somewhere in the middle. If the price is too high, don’t be afraid to walk away. This can actually be a very powerful negotiating strategy and sometimes the vendor will chase you down and renegotiate.   

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40. Tipping

Tipping in Thailand is not the custom and there is no mandatory requirement to tip anyone. However, of course, small tips for great service are very much appreciated.

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Packing Tips for Travelling to Thailand

41. Don’t Over Pack

Clothes are cheap to buy in Thailand and it is hard to resist shopping at the markets for some bargains. Pack light and buy any extras you need while here. Also, it is cheap and easy to get clothing washed all around Thailand.

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42. Pack Appropriate Clothing for Temple Visits

To show the proper respect when visiting Thailand’s beautiful temples, you will need to pack clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees. Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts are ideal for this. A sarong (see below) or scarf is great to throw in your bag for an unplanned temple visit.

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43. Pack a Sarong

Sarongs are so versatile and should be an essential on any packing list for Thailand. Use it as a cover up on the beach, in lieu of a beach towel, as a picnic blanket, to protect yourself from the sun, to cover your shoulders when visiting a temple, or even as a layer if the air-conditioner in a bus is too cold…

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44. Pack Insect Repellent

As mentioned above in #17, insect repellent, preferably with 50% DEET, is essential to protect yourself from diseases in Thailand’s tropical climate.

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Sustainable and Responsible Travel Tips for Thailand

45. Visit a Reputable Elephant Sanctuary

Not all elephant ‘sanctuaries’ are as they seem so do your homework carefully. There are still some out there that are run as elephant camps with a fancy name change to ‘sanctuary’. You should be confident knowing that your money has contributed to the conservation and well-being of these creatures and not towards an industry that physically and mentally mistreats them. One of the simplest things you can do to help this cause is not to ride the elephants (see #50 for more info).

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46. Do Not Take Selfies With Tigers

We are guilty of doing this when The Tiger Temple outside of Bangkok existed more than 15 years ago. At this time, we didn’t realise or understand the extent of mistreatment that existed. The Tiger Temple was closed down many years ago now for its mistreatment of the tigers, but surprisingly, there are still tiger temples in Thailand that are exploiting this magnificent creatures so tourists can take selfies with them.

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Must Visit Destinations in Thailand

47. Don’t Skip Bangkok

Many tourists skip Bangkok and instead head for the beautiful beaches. Bangkok itself is worthy of at least 3 or 4 days in any Thailand itinerary and it is the best way to learn about the Thai culture and history. Some of Thailand’s most treasured landmarks are in Bangkok. On every travellers Thailand bucket list should be the Grand Palace, the former home to the Thai royalty, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, there is the majestic Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn. The City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour or Bangkok’s Temple & River of Kings Experience is a great way to see all of Bangkok’s highlights in a day.

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48. Visit the Islands

When you see a picture promoting Thailand, most of the time you will see turquoise water lapping the shores of a white sand beach. The one things Thailand isn’t lacking is an abundance of gorgeous islands. Most people have probably heard of some of the more well-known islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui, but there are many lesser well known ones that are worthy of a visit. Some of Thailand’s most beautiful island destinations are:

• Phuket
• Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Lanta
• Koh Samet
• Koh Samui
• Koh Madsum / Pig Island
• Koh Pha Ngan
• Koh Lipe
• Koh Tao
• Koh Similan
• Koh Yao Yai

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49. Explore Thailand’s National Parks

Thailand has 127 National Parks providing amazing hikes and beautiful waterfalls. You can also experience adventures such as bamboo rafting, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and camping. Some of the most popular National Parks to visit are Khao Sok, Khao Yai, Erawan and Doi Inthanon.

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50. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary   

On the bucket list of most travellers to Thailand is visiting an elephant sanctuary. But please do your research! An elephant sanctuary or elephant camp is a place where retired elephants go to live out their lives in peace. You will learn more about how elephants have contributed in Thailand, and about conservation efforts. You will also experience washing and feeding these giant animals. Sadly, there are still reports of some of these ‘sanctuaries’ mistreating elephants, so choose carefully. If you are interested in this, here is a list of ethical sanctuaries you can visit:  

• Elephant Haven
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary
• Elephant Nature Park
• The Surin Project

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51. Visit a Floating Market  

For a very authentic local experience, plan to visit one of the famous floating markets located south-west of Bangkok such as Damnoen Saduak, the Tha Kha, and the Amphawa floating market. Small wooden boats piled high with fruits, vegetables, flowers, Thai food and souvenirs allow you to witness a glimpse of Thai culture, and it is a sight you will not easily forget! A visit to a traditional floating market makes for a fantastic day trip from Bangkok and the Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour is the best way to do this!

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Must Do Experiences in Thailand

52. Take A Tuk-Tuk

The tuk-tuk is almost the emblem of Thailand and there is no experience quite like riding through the streets of Bangkok in one! It is quite exhilarating, and at times scary, as you wind your way in out of traffic in this open aired, three wheeled little vehicle. As mentioned above, there are many tuk-tuk scams out there so ensure you agree on a price before you get into the tuk-tuk and don’t let them talk you into visiting any shops along the way.

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53. Get An Authentic Thai Massage   

No trip to Thailand is complete without experiencing at least one Thai massage. This traditional form of healing dates back thousands of years and will be a different experience from the massage services you get at home. In Thailand, massages are regarded as a healing procedure and will leave you feeling extremely recharged and refreshed. And as an added bonus, we have found the really cheap ones to be just as good, if not better than some of more the more expensive ones in 5 star spa resorts. If you are like us, you will take advantage of getting a Thai massage at every opportunity during your stay.

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54. Immerse Yourself in a Local Festival

When planning your travels, do some research into the festivals that are happening and the best way to experience these. There is no better way to immerse yourself in local culture than by participating in a festival. Thailand has an abundance of festivals throughout the year which are great to experience, but here are a few of the most popular ones:

• Chinese New Year celebrations in January / February
• Songkran Festival, the world’ largest water fight, is celebrated all over Thailand in April
• Vegetarian Festival in Phuket in October
• Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai in November
• Lopburi Monkey Banquet in Lopburi in November

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55. Take a Ride on an Long Tail Boat

The long-tail boat, otherwise known as a ‘ruea hang yao’, has long been the most popular mode of water transportation in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, long-tails are used extensively as a passenger carrier. They are a great and inexpensive way to get around in Thailand whether you are looking at doing a river cruise up the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, or island hopping off the coast of Phuket.

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56. Full Moon Parties

Attending a Full Moon Party on the beaches of Koh Pha Ngan is the ultimate party experience. Each month thousands of people head to the island to celebrate at this three day festivals. The party continues until the sun rises with live DJs, fire artists and performers entertaining the bucket swilling, pill popping crowd. This party is not for the faint hearted and is famed for its glorious debauchery. If you keep your wits about you though, it will be a night you will not forget!

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57. Go Shopping

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise! Enjoy the big shopping centres in Bangkok such as MBK Centre and Siam Paragon, or explore the thousands of market stalls at Chatuchak Market. If you prefer smaller markets, you will be spoilt for choice at the many night markets in cities throughout Thailand no matter if you are looking for ‘designer labelled’ handbags, clothes or the many souvenirs on offer. Tourists can enjoy even more deals with discount cards and VAT refunds! Just remember, pack light and save space in your suitcase for all the incredible bargains you will find!

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58. Get Scuba-Certified

Thailand is renowned for its spectacular scuba diving opportunities. The amazing marine life there makes it an ideal spot for diving, but you can also enjoy the beauty snorkelling with just a mask and fins. If you’re seeking to become scuba diver-certified, Thailand is a great place to do it as it is on one of the cheapest places in the world to get scuba-certified. Koh Tao is the most popular Thailand destination to get scuba diving certification, however, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi and The Similan Islands are also very popular spots.

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General Tips for Travel to Thailand

59. Carry ID at All Times

Thai law requires visitors to Thailand to carry a form of identification on them at all times. This does not necessarily have to be your passport, and a student identification card or driver’s license is acceptable. We always carry photocopies of multiple forms of ID on us which also has emergency contact details in our home country in the event of an accident.

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60. GrabTaxi App

The GrabTaxi app, similar to Uber, is the most convenient alternative to using taxis or tuk-tuk’s as you will not need to negotiate the rate, and can sit in the comfort of an air-conditioned, well maintained car without the fear of being scammed.

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In Summary – Travel Tips for Your Fist Time in Thailand

Thailand is an amazing country filled with ready to be explored beaches, gorgeous temples, peaceful mountain regions in the north such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and mouth-watering cuisine. As with travel to most foreign countries, there are many local and cultural differences which many tourists aren’t aware of.

By taking the time to read our tips for visiting Thailand for the first time, you will be forearmed with the knowledge to keep you safe and have the best travel experience of your life. Just remember, you are a guest in this beautiful country and enjoy all it has to offer!

Are you planning a holiday to Thailand? Will this be your first time in Thailand? Were you unware of any of the travel to Thailand tips we have listed above, or have we missed any tips to travel to that we should add to this list? Post your tips and questions below.

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TRIP PLANNERS FOR THAILAND: RELATED BLOG POSTS

Want more info to help you plan your Thailand holiday? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel in Thailand below and continue planning your trip.

• IMMERSIVE 4 DAY ITINERARY FOR CHIANG MAI
• CHIANG MAI LANTERN FESTIVAL AND OTHER CHIANG MAI FESTIVALS
• COST OF LIVING IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
• ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE TO HAT KATA – PHUKET, THAILAND
• HAPPY SONGKRAN DAY – HOW TO BEST CELEBRATE THE THAI NEW YEAR

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