Important Thailand Travel Tips to Know Before You Go to Thailand

Thailand is currently a very popular destination for international tourists! In fact, 39 Million Tourists visited Thailand in 2019! I personally traveled to Thailand in 2018 and instantly fell in love with the culture.

I want to help you plan your dream trip to Thailand and to do so, you need to read the Important Thailand Travel Tips you NEED to Know Before You Go To Thailand!

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Best Time To Visit Thailand:

Thailand has 3 seasons – hot summer, rainy season, and “winter”. One of my most important Thailand Travel Tips is to visit Thailand during the “winter” season. Read below to find out why the winter season is the best time to visit Thailand.

Summer Season (March to July) – The weather is literally unbearably hot. This is also the most popular time to go because most people are available to travel during this window (spring breaks, summer vacation, etc). You’ll find the cheapest flights during this time frame (specifically April and September).

Rainy Season (July to October) – The weather begins to cool down during this time frame, but you’ll be caught in numerous monsoons throughout your trip.

“Winter” Season (November to February) – The “Winter” Season is the BEST time to go to Thailand. This is as “cool” as it will get in Thailand (although it will still be in the 90s) and is often slightly less humid during the winter months. I personally traveled to Thailand in November and found it very humid, hot, and muggy – but definitely more bearable than Summer Seasons!

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What to Pack for Thailand:

Check out my detailed blog post about What to Pack for Southeast Asia here! Some highlights are listed below!

• Temple Clothing: All visitors must be dressed modestly in Thai temples. This includes shoulders covered, knees covered, and cleavage covered. Most temples allow you to drape a shaw/scarf around your shoulders but the Golden Palace is the most strict regarding dress code. (Don’t fret if you forget to pack it, or don’t have enough, there are so many street markets with clothing options that are temple friendly – just keep in mind that sizing might be limited).
• Walking Shoes: You’ll find yourself walking miles in the big cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Plan to wear comfortable walking shoes (that you can remove when in temples).
• Sunscreen: This country is almost always HOT with the sun shinning bright. The sunscreen in Thailand usually has whitening chemicals in it so plan to bring some from home. I suggest a strong SPF because of how close you will be to the equator.
• Bug Repellent: While you won’t need malaria pills for Thailand, you do need a lot of bug spray. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai aren’t too bad for bugs, but places like Phuket, Kanchanburi, and Erwan Waterfalls are filled with little gnats and mosquito. I prefer the Bug Repellent Wristbands (instead of Bug Spray).
• Power Adaptor: Most hotels have multi-functional power adapters that allow for American and/or Thai outlets to be used. However, always better to be prepared for the few outlets that are strictly Thai outlets.  
• Beach Towel: I found this to be the most needed item in Thailand. A lot of the activities were in water (swimming with elephants, swimming in the Erwan waterfalls, exploring the Phuket Islands, and jumping in the River Kwai). You may even want a towel just to dry off after walking around in the humidity all day!
• Rain Jacket and/or Umbrella: Rainy season in Thailand can be intense. Pack your essentials for humid rainy weather.

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Vaccines Needed For Thailand:

Before you go to any part of Asia, visit the CDC Website and talk to your doctor about possible vaccines you may need. When I went to Thailand, my doctor recommended a Hepatitis A shot and a Typhoid Shot.

Most insurances will cover Hep A but Typhoid is typically not covered and ranges in price from $75-$150. Malaria Pills are not required for Thailand, but are needed for many other regions of Asia. It’s also a good idea to bring travelers diarrhea medicine as a precaution!

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Currency in Thailand:

Thai Baht (THB) is the only currency accepted in Thailand. It is currently $1 USD to 32 THB. Check out the most up to date conversion here. Credit cards are not widely accepted (taxis, tuk tuks, street food, markets, etc) so plan to have baht available or have an ATM card on hand. There were frequent ATMs located throughout Thailand, particularly in the larger cities.

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Safety in Thailand:

Overall, Thailand is historically a very safe country to travel and visit. The biggest areas of concern when in Thailand are petty theft, taxi scams, and street traffic. In order to stay safe, follow some of the below tips and guidelines:

• Wear a secure satchel purse that zips to avoid petty theft.
• Negotiate and confirm the Taxi rate before getting in the car.
• Ask your hotel to call a Taxi for you.
• Do not rent your own car or motorcycle in Thailand – the roads are very hectic and not safe for inexperienced drivers.

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MISC Thailand Travel Tips:

Use the below FAQ to answer your most asked Thailand Travel Tips!

Can I drink the water in Thailand?
No, the water in Thailand is not safe to drink or brush your teeth with. Luckily, bottled water is very cheap (under $0.50 USD) and hotels usually provide complimentary water bottles in each room.

How much should I tip in Thailand?
Typically, a 10% Tip is customary on good service (restaurants, tours, massage, etc)

What are the best hidden gems in Thailand?
There are so many hidden gems in Thailand that you won’t want to miss! One of my personal favorites includes the variety of things to do in Koh Phayam.

Is Thailand safe for female travelers?
As a female, I found Thailand to be a lot safer than I imagined. However, don’t let your guard down as there is still an underlying sex trafficking scene going on.

Is it safe to eat Street Food in Thailand?
Street Food is surprisingly safe to eat and incredibly cheap. Use your judgement when buying street food (if it looks like it’s been sitting out all day, skip it).

Where can I get a Thai Massage in Thailand?
Massage Parlors are everywhere in Thailand! Their services range from Thai Massages, Foot Massages, Classic Oil Massages, and more! The prices are SO cheap so take advantage of this (daily, in my opinion). Thailand values masseuses at the same level they value doctors.  

What is the bathroom situation like in Thailand?
Most bathrooms we visited were Western, however, you need to bring your own toilet paper!

Can I rent a motorcycle in Thailand?
Motorcycles are incredibly dangerous for tourists to rent. The roads are busy and you can easily get run over or injured if you are not used to the quick paced, hectic driving techniques of local Thai drivers.

Can I call an Uber in Thailand?
No, unfortunately Uber has been banned in Thailand. But don’t worry – there is a new app called “GRAB” that is the same thing as Uber! Grab is very popular in Southeast Asia and just as reliable. Prices tend to be higher than taxis, but I find this a safer and easier way to travel.

Thai Mainland vs Thai Islands?
The Thai Islands are far more expensive than mainland. Be prepared to pay double, if not triple, for the same items on the islands.

Thai Breakfasts?
Thai locals eat the same food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t be surprised when you find fried rice and vegetables for every hotel breakfast buffet.

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Now that you know the most important Thailand Travel Tips, you can begin planning your vacation to one of the most sought after Southeast Asia destinations!

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Related Wanderlust With Lisa Thailand Posts:

• Thailand: Ultimate Packing List
• Thailand: Do’s and Don’ts
• Bangkok – City Guide
• Chiang Mai – City Guide
• Kanchanaburi – City Guide