Thailand Travel Tips 2025

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) - Thailand is hot and humid
• Modest clothing for temple visits (long pants/skirts, shirts with sleeves)
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Swimwear for beaches and pools
• Light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned places and cooler evenings
• Rain jacket or umbrella (especially during rainy season June-October)

Health & Safety

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) - Thailand's sun is intense
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes can carry dengue fever)
• Basic first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
• Prescription medications (bring enough for your stay plus extra)
• Travel insurance documents
• Copies of passport, visa, and important documents (store separately)

Electronics & Accessories

• Universal power adapter (Thailand uses Type A, B, C, and O plugs, 220V)
• Portable charger/power bank
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Waterproof phone case for beach activities

Money-Saving Tips

• Eat street food - it's delicious, safe, and very affordable
• Use public transportation (BTS/MRT in Bangkok, local buses)
• Book accommodations in advance for better rates
• Travel during shoulder season (May-June, September-October) for lower prices
• Negotiate prices at markets (but be respectful)
• Use ATMs for cash (better rates than currency exchange booths)
• Look for combo packages for tours and activities

General Safety

• Thailand is generally safe, but exercise common sense
• Keep valuables secure and don't flash expensive items
• Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
• Be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas and on public transport
• Avoid political demonstrations
• Don't leave drinks unattended
• Be careful when crossing streets (traffic can be chaotic)

Health Safety

• Drink only bottled or filtered water
• Be cautious with ice (though generally safe in established restaurants)
• Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
• Be careful with street food - choose busy stalls with high turnover
• Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
• Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
• Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic

Transportation Safety

• Use licensed taxis and agree on prices for tuk-tuks before riding
• Use Grab (ride-hailing app) for safer, more reliable transportation
• Wear helmets if renting a motorbike (and ensure you have proper insurance)
• Be cautious when using public transport during rush hours
• Only use reputable tour operators and transportation companies

Temple Etiquette

• Remove shoes before entering temples
• Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees
• Never point your feet toward Buddha images or monks
• Keep your head lower than Buddha images when walking past
• Don't touch Buddha images
• Keep quiet and be respectful
• Women should not touch monks or hand things directly to them

Social Etiquette

• Use the traditional "wai" greeting (palms together, slight bow)
• Don't touch people's heads - it's considered the most sacred part of the body
• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Show respect to elders and monks
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Never disrespect the royal family (illegal and highly offensive)
• Use your right hand for giving and receiving items
• Don't point at people with your finger (use your whole hand)

Basic Thai Phrases

Getting Around Cities

• Grab: Thailand's ride-hailing app (like Uber) - safe and convenient
• BTS/MRT: Bangkok's efficient sky train and metro systems
• Tuk-tuks: Negotiate price before getting in (usually 100-200 THB for short trips)
• Taxis: Insist on using the meter or agree on price beforehand
• Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks - very cheap local transport

Long-Distance Travel

• Domestic flights: Fast and affordable (book in advance for best prices)
• Trains: Scenic and comfortable, especially overnight trains
• Buses: Very affordable, VIP buses are comfortable for long journeys
• Ferries: For island hopping, book through reputable companies

Street Food Safety

• Choose busy stalls with high turnover (fresh food)
• Watch food being prepared to ensure cleanliness
• Start with cooked foods rather than raw items
• Be cautious with seafood - ensure it's fresh
• Gradually introduce spicy food if you're not used to it
• Carry antacids or stomach medicine just in case

Must-Try Foods

• Pad Thai - Thailand's famous stir-fried noodles
• Tom Yum Goong - Spicy and sour shrimp soup
• Green Curry - Aromatic and flavorful curry
• Mango Sticky Rice - Popular dessert
• Som Tam - Spicy papaya salad
• Massaman Curry - Rich, mild curry
• Thai Iced Tea - Sweet, creamy tea

Internet & SIM Cards

• Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants
• Buy a local SIM card at the airport or 7-Eleven (very affordable)
• Major providers: AIS, True, and dtac
• Tourist SIM cards offer good data packages (around 300-500 THB)
• Most hotels and cafes have good WiFi speeds

Useful Apps

• Grab: Ride-hailing, food delivery, and more
• Google Maps: Navigation and finding places
• Google Translate: Translate signs and communicate
• XE Currency: Check exchange rates
• Agoda/Booking.com: Hotel bookings