10 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand

Planning an unforgettable vacation can be an exhilarating journey in itself. Thailand stands out as a vibrant and captivating destination, but thoughtful preparation is key to fully enjoying everything it has to offer. Below, I’ve gathered essential information to help you experience Thailand smoothly, confidently, and memorably.

Heads up: this page may include affiliate links. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. I only recommend tools I have personally vetted.

👉Where I stayed

• Bangkok: Lamphu House Bangkok🔗
  
• Chiang Mai: Kavil Guesthouse🔗
  
• Chiang Rai: Tourist Inn Home & Bread🔗
• Khao Sok National Park: Coco Hostel Khao Sok🔗
• Suratthani: Me Dream Residence🔗
• Koh Chang: Elephant & Castle Resort🔗
  
• Ko Kut: Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort🔗

1- Visa Requirements

Thailand offers several visa options for foreign visitors. The most common ones include:

• Visa Exemption: available to passport holders from many countries, including most Western nations. It allows entry without applying for a visa in advance, with a permitted stay of a limited number of days depending on nationality.
• Tourist Visa: suitable for longer stays or travelers who prefer to arrange their visa in advance. It can be obtained before arrival through a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.

2- Mobile Connectivity

Staying connected while exploring Thailand is generally easy, but it can still come with a few surprises. Mobile connectivity is excellent in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where 4G and even 5G coverage are widely available. However, as you travel to more remote areas—such as rural villages, national parks, or smaller islands—the signal may weaken or occasionally drop out.

⚠️ It’s highly recommended to get a local SIM card from providers like AIS, TrueMove H, or DTAC, which offer strong coverage and affordable data plans. 

Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM online, which is extremely convenient and allows you to have mobile data as soon as you land in Thailand.

👉 You can purchase it either on Airalo🔗 or Drimsim🔗.

3- Money

Traveling in Thailand is generally very affordable, making it a favorite destination for budget-conscious travelers. You can expect:

• A meal at a local restaurant or street food stall costs around 2–4 euros (approximately 2.20–4.40 USD) per person
• A double room in a guesthouse or budget hotel costs about 15–25 euros (around 16–27 USD) per night

⚠️ Prices tend to be significantly higher on the Thai islands, especially those that are very popular with tourists. Accommodation, transport, and activities there can cost much more than on the mainland, particularly during high season.

ATMs are widely available in Thailand and generally work very well. However, keep in mind that there is a fixed fee of 250 baht every time you withdraw cash, regardless of the bank or card you use. For this reason, it’s usually better to withdraw a larger amount at once rather than making multiple small withdrawals. While you can often use cards in major cities, cash is still essential throughout the country, especially in smaller towns, markets, and islands. I also brought some euro cash with me, which made it easy to exchange money when needed.

👉 As a final tip, I highly recommend bringing a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Most banks charge a fee every time you make a purchase in a currency different from your own. I use Trade Republic, which offers excellent exchange rates with no fees. Revolut is another great option for fee-free payments abroad.

4- Transportation and Logistics

Getting around Thailand is generally straightforward and offers plenty of options to suit different travel styles.

🚌 Public transportation includes buses, minibuses, and trains, which are affordable and widely used. In cities and tourist areas, you’ll also find songthaews (shared pickup trucks), tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis—ideal for short distances and navigating busy streets.

👉 I used 12Go🔗 for all my long-distance travel transfers. The platform is legitimate, widely used, and extremely convenient. In Thailand, tourism infrastructure is very well organized, and transfers are handled smoothly—using 12Go made moving between cities and regions easy and stress-free. For short distances, I relied on the Grab app, which is very user-friendly and reliable. Many travelers also recommend Bolt, which is often slightly cheaper and works well in several areas across Thailand.

⚠️ I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Thailand unless you’re very confident driving abroad, especially in busy cities where traffic can be chaotic and road rules are often loosely followed. Instead, take advantage of the country’s affordable taxis and excellent public transportation system, which is particularly budget-friendly if you’re paying in euros, dollars, or similar currencies.

5- Accommodation

Accommodation in Thailand caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. In major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you’ll find everything from budget hostels and cozy guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels and comfortable mid-range options.

⚠️You generally don’t need to book far in advance; however, almost everywhere I went, the most convenient accommodations were fully booked. Thailand offers an enormous range of options, but places in the best locations—close to transport hubs, attractions, or beaches—tend to sell out quickly.

That said, Thailand remains a destination where you can usually find accommodation without booking too far ahead. Personally, I now prefer to book my stays on Booking.com with free cancellation. This gives me flexibility: if plans change, I can easily adjust my itinerary to suit my travel pace and needs.

6- Language

Language in Thailand is an interesting part of the travel experience. The official language is Thai, which is spoken throughout the country. In major cities and popular tourist areas, many people—especially those working in hotels, restaurants, and tour services—speak English to varying degrees.

7- Cultural Insights

There aren’t many strict things you need to know before coming to Thailand, as it’s a very relaxed and tourist-friendly country. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, and this influences daily life, traditions, and social norms.

Thai people are extremely welcoming, kind, and used to travelers from all over the world. However, when visiting temples, it’s important to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and legs. Showing respect for local customs goes a long way and is always appreciated.

8- Safety Considerations

Thailand is a very safe country, and I never felt uncomfortable or uneasy while traveling there. Even when moving around alone, I always felt at ease. That said, some areas of Bangkok can feel a bit rougher, with visible poverty and a higher number of homeless people, which may give an impression of being less safe. However, these areas are generally not dangerous—just places where it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, as you would in any large city.

⚠️ As always, exercising basic precautions and staying aware of your surroundings will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

9- Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate that is warm and humid throughout the year. The country generally experiences three seasons: the hot season from March to May, the rainy season from June to October, and the cooler (and most pleasant) season from November to February.

Temperatures usually range between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F), but keep in mind that humidity plays a major role. During both the hot season and the rainy season, the high humidity can make temperatures feel significantly hotter than they actually are.

⚠️ Also consider that Thailand is a very large country, so it’s important to check the local weather—especially if you’re visiting the islands. Since southern Thailand is closer to the equator, weather patterns can vary significantly from region to region. While winter is generally considered the best time to visit Thailand, the closer you get to the equator, the higher the chances of encountering rain. For example, I traveled in December and enjoyed excellent weather on Koh Chang and Koh Kood, while the Phuket region experienced frequent rainfall.

10 - Health Recommendations

When traveling to Thailand, it's important to take some health precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

💉 First and foremost, consider getting vaccinations for common diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus.

🧴 Drink bottled to avoid stomach issues, and be cautious with street food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Avoid raw vegetables and fruit unless they can be peeled. 

🩹 It's also wise to have a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications on hand.

🛡️ Lastly, ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies to give you peace of mind during your travels.

Related Articles